J.J. McCarthy makes his feelings known after Justin Jefferson describes “one of the most difficult seasons with young QB” amid wasted prime talks

J.J. McCarthy had plenty to say about Justin Jefferson on Wednesday. The Vikings quarterback fired back at critics questioning whether his receiver's best years are slipping away in Minnesota.

McCarthy returned after a concussion that sidelined him for one game. Jefferson has hauled in 60 catches for 799 yards through 13 weeks. The Vikings (4-8) are having a rough stretch and are No. 4 in the NFC North standings.

"You know, I can't say enough about, you know, him and the entire team in general, but specifically him," McCarthy said on Wednesday.

"You see so many receivers around the league, just kind of be a me guy and he's not a me guy. Obviously, it's frustrating. Obviously, he's the greatest in the world and going through tough times, but the way he's responded, the way he's acted towards me and just, how he wears that C on his chest, it's something amazing. And that just, you know, amplifies his ability as a player for sure."

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#Vikings QB JJ McCarthy said unlike so many other receivers around the NFL, Justin Jefferson is not a “me guy,” and he, as well as the entire team, has been super supportive since he arrived in Minnesota: “Obviously it’s frustrating, obviously he’s the greatest in the world and

Justin Jefferson grabbed headlines Sunday when he planted himself on a water cooler during garbage time of a 26-0 home loss to Seattle. He bailed on his usual postgame media session before surfacing Thursday to answer questions.

The star wideout got asked whether Minnesota is burning through his prime.

"Obviously, it's a difficult season," Jefferson said on Thursday. "It's probably one of the most difficult seasons just off of the circumstances, having a young quarterback, having a different team, having young players on the team."

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Justin Jefferson calls for patience despite losing record

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (Credits: IMAGN)

Justin Jefferson is producing 46 yards per game in games where J.J. McCarthy or rookie Max Brosmer took snaps. That's a massive drop from his 96.5-yard career average.

"You have to have a lot of patience," Jefferson said. "I mean, we're 4-8. That's definitely a difficult thing to go through."

Coach Kevin O'Connell wants McCarthy to worry less about footwork and more about protecting himself on scrambles during the final five weeks.