'He’s Gonna Do Wonders For Us': T.J. Hockenson Will Be Lions' Offensive Spark

The Detroit Lions are counting on big things from tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Author:
John Maakaron
Updated:
Aug 23, 2021 5:07 PM EDT
Original:
Aug 23, 2021

Tight end T.J. Hockenson should become the focal point of the Detroit Lions' passing attack in 2021.

The third-year tight end is poised to pick up where he left off from last season, and if all goes according to plan, Hockenson is set to become one of the game's most productive offensive weapons.

"I’ve just been running routes and trying to win my one-on-ones and just stay out there and using my skills. So, yeah, 100 percent," Hockenson said after practice on Monday.

He added, "I’m just getting ready for Week 1. Going into my third year, there’s a lot to improve on. I think we’re trying to do it out here, though, and like I said, just competing every day like it’s a game rep. These guys on defense are competing like it’s game reps, all those guys. And, we’re just trying to win our one-on-ones."

Tight ends coach Ben Johnson is hopeful that Hockenson can "do wonders" for the Lions' offense this upcoming season.

"It’s been really good to get him on the field," Johnson said. "I do see him as kind of providing a spark for this offense when we do get out there in games. Just to see him not only as a playmaker, but as a complete tight end in this game, because he’s gonna do wonders for us. Not just in the pass game, but also in the run game, as well."

His relationship with new Lions signal-caller Jared Goff has progressed seamlessly, as the duo has been regularly connecting on passes all throughout training camp.

"JG’s my guy. We’re spending a lot of time after practice, before preseason games, just running routes, getting timing down, understanding things. Where he wants things, where he’s seeing a certain route, a certain depth. Where he’s seeing different things. And, that’s just really good work," Hockenson said.

After spending his first two seasons with Matthew Stafford, Hockenson does not see much of a drop-off in terms of the type of ball his new quarterback tosses.

"The ball is the ball," Hockenson commented. "You honestly don’t hardly see when it comes out anyway. You see it in the air, so I mean the ball is the ball."

Facing friend George Kittle in the season opener

Hockenson has developed a close relationship with tight end George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers -- Detroit's first opponent when the regular season kicks off Sunday, Sept. 12 from Ford Field.

The duo oftentimes vacations together in the offseason. Recently, the 24-year-old attended Kittle's tight ends summit, in order to improve upon his skill set heading into a pivotal NFL season.

"You know George is my guy. I think we will keep that discreet. We’re always talking, we’ve always got a little competitive edge going," he said. "But, it’s gonna be fun, for sure. ... George is on the other side. That’s one of my best buds, so that just makes it even more special. But, it’s still football, still a game I’ve been playing since I was seven years old. So, no pressure, no nothing. Just going out there and playing my game."

As to whether or not there has been a friendly wager placed on the outcome of the game, Hockenson jokingly replied, "Yeah, we’re gonna keep that on the DL."