NFL data analyst Scott Kacsmar reported a stat about two of the top defenses in the league and one rookie wide receiver’s success against them both.
Kacsmar illustrated that the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers have allowed only one touchdown longer than 27 yards on the year, and they were to one man: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison.
Fun stat.
The 2023 Eagles have allowed 1 TD longer than 27 yards — 62 yards to Jordan Addison
The 2023 49ers have allowed 1 TD longer than 26 yards — 60 yards to Jordan Addison
— Scott Kacsmar (@ScottKacsmar) November 29, 2023
Since being drafted 23rd overall in this year’s draft, Addison has made extraordinary plays befitting of a first-round Vikings receiver.
Exceptional body control. Deceptively smooth route-running ability. A flair for the spectacular catch (Addison’s name on Twitter is @ESPN_Jordan for a reason).
Addison has been everything that the Vikings have needed in his first year. A reliable yet explosive Robin to Justin Jefferson’s Batman, and when Jefferson went down with his hamstring injury, Addison replaced him just as Batman had always wanted Robin to do.
With Jefferson returning, Addison will return to his number-two role, and the 24-year-old All-Pro will take the spotlight again.
But Addison’s propensity for the explosives, especially down the field, will be the reason that this Minnesota offense continues to be a three-level threat on offense, even without Kirk Cousins in the lineup.
With the return of Batman looming, it’s easy to toss aside the impact that Robin has had. Even after a disappointing performance against Chicago, Addison has been an exceptional addition to this Minnesota offense.