When tight end Irv Smith Jr. went down with a high ankle sprain, things weren’t looking great for the offense.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah saw an opportunity to fortify the tight end position and make a huge statement by trading for T.J. Hockenson.
The idea behind adding Hockenson would finally give the Vikings the perfect archetype for Kevin O’Connell’s offense. He has the ability to attack down the field with explosion and size while being able to block in line, which is a rare combination in today’s NFL.
His addition has made an impact on the field in more ways than one. More specifically, Hockenson has impacted how dynamic they can be with their star player Justin Jefferson.
Justin Jefferson before T.J. Hockenson: 8.11 aDOT, 38.5% of team air yards, 28.2% of targets 11+ air yards
Justin Jefferson with T.J. Hockenson on the field: 13.04 aDOT, 45.9% of team air yards, 50% of targets 11+ air yards
data per @TruMediaSports pic.twitter.com/OEjXQicped
— Dan Pizzuta (@DanPizzuta) November 18, 2022
Ever since Hockenson joined the Vikings, the offense has been able to be more dynamic and explosive. In just a two-game sample size, Jefferson’s average depth of target (aDOT) improved by nearly five whole yards and he has been the target of more downfield passes as a result.
This is a trend that the Vikings are incredibly happy with and hope it continues moving forward.
