When coach Hypemike got hired the first thing he said he would do is make TJ Hockenson a superstar, and that is what he did in his first season coaching this team. TJ had an amazing year last year leading the league in Receiving Touchdowns and one of the highest receiving yards seasons a tight end has ever had. He continues his success this season, but has a much smaller role now that Tyler Boyd has been brought in. This team has been switching up playbooks and play styles all year in fear that teams would take their offensive and defensive schemes. Hypemike is known for having an amazing run with the Chargers last cycle, but he came up short in playoffs. He underestimated just how much film these other coaches watch, and nearly got his whole playbook stolen. He plans on not making that mistake again, which is another reason TJ’s numbers have been down. Who knows? In the playoffs TJ may have a bigger role in the actual playbook or will DET throw in the towel? They have the worst roster heading into the playoffs but have the chance at a home playoff game. Anything they can use to help, they will take. Let’s take a look at TJ’s stats this season:
55 Receptions
905 Receiving Yards
321 YAC
4 Touchdowns
Not a bad year for the young star tight end. The Lions have seemed to get the short end of the stick once again, with TJ getting the “Slot Apprentice” ability when he is a tight end with not the best speed and “Wrecking Ball” which is actually a running back ability. However, he is still making it work in Detroit. I’m excited to see what he does in the playoffs and most importantly next season. The fact that this team is in the playoffs again is already a step in the right direction.
