3 Detroit Lions game ball recipients for Week 4

1. TE T.J. Hockenson

Speaking of stepping up when needed, Hockenson did so big-time against Seattle with St. Brown, Swift, etc. out. On 12 targets, he had eight receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns. It was his career-high for yards, and his second career 100-yard game (first was his NFL debut in Week 1 of 2019).

Hockenson set a Lions’ franchise record for yards by a tight end in a game, surpassing a record (161 yards by Jim Gibbons) that was set in 1964. He also became the first tight end in NFL history to have 150 yards (eventually 175-plus), two touchdowns and a two-point conversion in a game. Only two other players have done the 175 yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion in a game thing (Isaac Bruce-1995 and Roddy White-2010).

This was looking like a critical game for Hockenson, within the narrative of his slow start to the 2022 season and as he tries to prove he’s worthy of a market value multi-year commitment from the Lions.

Opportunity knocked with the injuries around him, and Hockenson not only answered but he ran through the door. He’s the fairly easy No. 1 game ball recipient for the Lions in Week 4.