Everyone knows Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a dynamic game-changer, but he’s not the only offensive player from that team who can hurt you.
The New York Giants learned that in a 27-24 loss to the Vikings in Week 16.
While Jefferson put up big numbers (12 rec., 133 yards, and 1 TD) and made the key play late in that game, the Giants also had issues elsewhere. They struggled to contain tight end T.J. Hockenson, who finished the game with 13 receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
No other Vikings receiver had more than three receptions or 17 yards, and none other than Jefferson and Hockenson reached the end zone. It was a two-man show.
“Hockenson killed us,” head coach Brian Daboll admitted on Wednesday.
While the Giants must game plan and prepare for Jefferson, they know better than to overlook Hockenson. If they want to win on Sunday, they’ll have to slow down the veteran tight end.
“Hockenson is one of the best tight ends in the league and it showed last time we played him. He’s really good. He’s a really good tight end so we’ve just got to be prepared. I’ve got to be prepared to be able to have that matchup against him,” safety Xavier McKinney said.
The Giants didn’t have McKinney for that game. They didn’t have cornerback Adoree’ Jackson or linebacker Jarrad Davis, either. All three are expected to play on Sunday and Big Blue hopes that tips the scales a bit. And in terms of coverage, it most certainly should.
Will it be enough to stop both Jefferson and Hockenson? Time will tell but it certainly isn’t going to hurt.
