Minnesota Vikings Improve 2022 Title Chances By Acquiring T.J. Hockenson From Lions

Something has been missing from the Minnesota Vikings offense. Even though the team is off to a 6-1 start and a 3 1/2-game lead in the NFC North over the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, the offense had just not been producing at a high level.

Despite the presence of Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, and, yes, Kirk Cousins, the Vikings have not been a consistent offensive team. Not that they have been awful, but they have gone forward in fits and starts.

The numbers confirm that story. The Vikings rank 22^nd in passing yards, behind such teams as the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders. Big plays are scarce as the Vikings rank tied for 28^th in passing plays of 20 yards or more.

It’s no different on the ground, as the 1-2 combination of Cook-Alexander Mattison ranks 24^th with 760 rushing yards, and their 4.6 yards per carry average is tied for 15^th.

The Vikings apparently have excellent self-knowledge, and they made a move at the trade deadline in an effort to fix their less-than-stellar offense. They acquired tight end T.J. Hockenson from the Lions by exchanging draft picks.

The Vikings sent a second-round pick in the 2023 draft and a third-round pick in 2024 to Detroit. In return, the Lions traded a 2023 fourth-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2024. Consider this deal a significant win for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

The Vikings have needed a productive tight end since parting company with Kyle Rudolph at the end of the 2020 season. Irv Smith Jr. is a talented athlete, but consistency is not his strong suit. If there was any debate about whether he could fulfill the role as the catalyst for the offense, it came to a halt in Sunday’s win over the Arizona Cardinals when he suffered a high ankle sprain.

But even if Smith had remained healthy, the Vikings needed Hockenson. He is a big-play performer who should have no trouble getting open. Jefferson is regularly going to be double-teamed and Cook also remains a priority for opposing defenses.

With two areas being accounted for, having a tight end who can go downfield and make big plays is a wonderful weapon. Hockenson has caught 26 passes for 395 yards and 3 touchdowns this season, and perhaps most importantly of all, has a long reception of 81 yards. A tight end who can stretch the defense has to open things up for his teammates. Especially a motivated tight end.

That’s just what Hockenson is. In addition to going from the lowly Lions to the first-place Vikings, Hockenson played his college football in Iowa and grew up watching the teams in the NFC North battle on a regular basis.

Here’s what Hockenson put out for public consumption on his Instagram account: “MINNESOTA!!! Man I’m so excited! I can’t wait to be a part of this organization. Been a Midwest kid since Day 1 and can’t wait to be back.”

Hockenson’s pass-catching talent translates to the rest of the offense, particularly the running game. When Hockenson is on the field, the running game improves. The Lions averaged 5.37 yards per rushing attempt when Hockenson was on the field, and 4.66 yards per attempt when he on the bench. Hockenson is a very willing blocker, and not just smaller defensive backs. He blocks defensive ends willingly and stays on his block through the whistle.

The Vikings are a good team in command of the division and on pace to finish with the second-best record in the NFC. To a man, they believe they have not come close to hitting their ceiling. Bringing in Hockenson improves the passing attack, the running game and perhaps the defense.

As the Vikings approach midseason, they are exceeding expectations. Once they get into the second half of the season, they may achieve quite a bit more.