In a challenging game for the Minnesota Vikings, tight end T.J. Hockenson found himself underutilized during a 27-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled with accuracy, completing only 20 of 42 passes, resulting in more incompletions than completions. Despite Hockenson’s presence, he received minimal attention, raising questions about his role in the offense.
Hockenson, who earns $16.5 million annually, ranks as the fourth highest among NFL tight ends, yet in this match, he was targeted only twice, catching both passes for merely 8 yards. Over the past three games, his totals stand at eight targets, six receptions, and 45 yards. This sharp decline in productivity is alarming, especially considering his impactful start with the team after being traded from Detroit.
When Hockenson joined the Vikings in November 2022, he made an immediate impact, catching nine passes on nine targets in his first game. His ability to convert crucial third downs made him an essential part of the offense. Now, with McCarthy stepping in as quarterback, the expectation is that Hockenson could provide reliable support, especially when McCarthy is struggling to find his rhythm.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell acknowledged the need to involve Hockenson more, stating, “There’s no excuse, we got to get T.J. involved in the game more.” He emphasized that utilizing Hockenson is crucial for the team’s success, particularly as McCarthy adjusts to the demands of the NFL.
O’Connell also pointed out several factors contributing to Hockenson’s lack of targets on Sunday. McCarthy’s quick decision-making occasionally led him away from Hockenson, while four passes were batted down at the line of scrimmage that could have been directed to the tight end. Additionally, the Vikings faced an unprecedented eight false start penalties, complicating their offensive strategy and pushing them into less favorable situations.
The impact of these penalties cannot be overstated. With five first-and-10s turning into first-and-15s, the Vikings were forced to seek longer completions, which limited Hockenson’s opportunities. O’Connell recognized that these errors hindered their ability to utilize Hockenson effectively, particularly on manageable downs.
“Nothing messes up manageable downs quite like eight false starts in the final three quarters,” O’Connell noted. He explained that such disruptions make it difficult to create favorable situations for Hockenson, who has historically been a key player in those scenarios.
As the Vikings prepare for their next game, the focus will be on finding ways to integrate Hockenson more effectively into the playbook. With McCarthy still adapting to the intense pace of professional football, utilizing a dependable target like Hockenson could alleviate some of the pressure on the young quarterback.
O’Connell concluded, “Quarterback is such a rhythmic thing. Seeing the ball go through the net can help. That’s where T.J. comes into play.” As the team looks to improve its offensive strategy, prioritizing Hockenson’s involvement will be critical in their quest for success.
For fans and analysts alike, the upcoming games will be telling. Will the Vikings adjust their game plan to capitalize on Hockenson’s talents? Only time will reveal how the team navigates its challenges moving forward.
