The production of T.J. Hockenson for the Minnesota Vikings has been trending upward since Carson Wentz took over as the starting quarterback after the injury to J.J. McCarthy.
Hockenson has recorded four or more receptions and 38 or more receiving yards in the Vikings’ last three games. While these numbers might not seem earth-shattering, it’s a step forward from what he was averaging with McCarthy as the starter.
Minnesota’s veteran tight end will be looking to improve on this production in Week 7 when the Vikings face the Philadelphia Eagles. Ahead of this matchup, Hockenson spoke about the connection he’s developing with Wentz that has led to this offensive boost.
“I think Carson’s always had an axe for finding the tight end,” Hockenson told reporters on October 16. “I mean, he came into this league with [Zach] Ertz and then had a lot of guys with success throughout his career.
“He’s really good at finding us in the checkdown, and we’ve been trying to get out a little on some checkdowns and gain some yards after the catch in those late-game situations. He’s done a great job keeping the ball moving and in play. That’s what we need—a completion mindset and just rolling the ball down the field.”
T.J. Hockenson to Continue Connection With Carson Wentz
As the Vikings’ defense gets ready for Jalen Hurts, the bigger question is who Minnesota would choose to start at quarterback against Philadelphia. Even with J.J. McCarthy back in a limited practice role, head coach Kevin O’Connell has named Carson Wentz as the Week 7 starter.
“I think as opposed to maybe having to designate and list a running back or a receiver, if we get into that situation, I feel comfortable enough in what would be considered that kind of emergency capacity to be able to call some [plays],” said O’Connell (h/t A to Z Sports).
“I feel good after watching him practice about some of the things that give him some problems at this point but at the same time, some of the things he feels really good about from a movement standpoint, whether it’s in the run game or the pass game, some of the things he feels good about, and him and I will go through a lot of those things.
“And he got a ton of reps this week, both with the first group, and also with getting some real good reps with that look team of feeling the rush of [Jonathan] Greenard and [Dallas] Turner and [Javon] Hargrave and [Jonathan] Allen and really working on some things that are really starting to come to fruition. So, I was proud of the way he attacked the week, and I know, although he knows he’s not quite all the way there yet, he’s progressing in a really good way.”
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Learns From Carson Wentz
With Wentz leading the offense, McCarthy has chosen to take a step back and observe. While gaining hands-on experience is valuable, there’s also merit in learning by watching someone else in action.
On October 15, McCarthy spoke with reporters and shared insights he’s gained from watching Wentz take the reins as the starting quarterback.
“I would say, you can tell by his experience with the anticipation in the windows, with the quickness of when the ball’s getting out of his hand,” McCarthy said. “Just little things that he does pre-snap that he’s been kind of telling me about.
“We’re reading certain plays, seeing different leverages from certain secondary defenders, and just the timing of everything is something that I’ve been really impressed with and took a lot from.”
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