Third Quarter Passing
Picking up where he left off at the end of the half, Stafford was his vintage self in the opening drive of the third quarter.
Snapping off midrange passes to three separate receivers, he then found T.J. Hockenson in the end zone for the second consecutive opening day, giving Detroit a commanding 20-6 lead and tacking on another field goal later in the quarter.
Stafford’s five completions found five separate targets, but having sat through last year’s Arizona debacle, we all knew there would still be a little more work to do.
- Complete to Amendola 15 yd
- Complete to Cephus 14 yd
- Complete to Jones 16 yd
Key Play: Complete to Hockenson 4 yd TOUCHDOWN
I know we also said it last year after a tiny sample size on opening day, but Hockenson is a Pro Bowler if Week One becomes his consistent level of play. From the four yard line, Hockenson went in motion at the line to create a one-on-one matchup with defensive back Tashaun Gipson.
With a basic route, Hock simply used his size to box out Gipson at the front of the end zone. Stafford fired a cannon shot that hit straight between the eights on his jersey for his first touchdown strike of the new season. This catch was one of five on the day for Hockenson (he caught all five attempts thrown his way) for 56 receiving yards.
- Complete to Peterson 9 yd
- Incomplete short (Jones)
Third Quarter Passing: 5-6, 58 yards, 1 touchdown