Lions vs. Chiefs: T.J. Hockenson primed to have a big weekend

The 2019 first-round selection by the Detroit Lions had a record-setting debut. But ever since, he’s had been relatively quiet. Will that change this Sunday?

The Detroit Lions shocked many within their own fan base when they elected to use the eighth overall selection on Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson in the 2019 NFL Draft. Hockenson undoubtedly possessed the talent worthy of a top-ten selection. But based on Detroit’s recent bad luck of drafting tight ends in the first round, it appeared to be just another questionable choice in a long line of draft mistakes.

Yet, Hockenson seemed to prove his doubters wrong after Week One. Against the Arizona Cardinals, the rookie posted the best debut by a first-year tight end since the AAFC-NFL merger in 1950, recording six receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown.

It appeared Hockenson was as good as advertised. Yet, the following two games the rookie’s production disappeared. Against the Los Angeles Chargers in Detroit’s home opener in Week Two, Hockenson was targeted three times, bringing in one catch for seven yards.

Last Sunday, the 22-year old tight end posted one reception for one-yard against the Philadelphia Eagles on the road. Hockenson was targeted four times and he had a touchdown catch called back because he was out of bounds prior to the reception.

Despite winning their last two games against 2018 playoff teams, the Lions haven’t been able to take full advantage of Hockenson’s abilities as a receiver, instead getting fellow tight ends Jesse James and Logan Thomas more involved.

But that might change this Sunday as the Lions take on the 3-0 Kansas City Chiefs. This is how Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press responded recently to a question about Hockenson’s possible production boost against the Chiefs during a recently published live chat session.

"“Both the Ravens and Raiders were led in receptions by their TEs against the Chiefs, and Jesse James had a big day against KC last year while in Pittsburgh. Different situations, obviously. Neither Baltimore nor Oakland has the weapons the Lions do on the outside, but I think Hockenson could have a revival this week. He’ll play a lot with the Lions trying to run the ball and should get 6+ targets.”"

Last week against the Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens tight end Nick Boyle recorded four receptions for 58 yards. In Week Two, Oakland Raiders tight end Darren Waller posted six catches for 63 yards against Kansas City. And last year, in Week Two, James had five receptions for 138 yards and a score against the Chiefs as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It appears the Kansas City Chiefs tend to give up pretty solid production to opposing tight ends. This could be the perfect opportunity for rookie T.J. Hockenson to once again prove his doubters wrong.