Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Ready to Unlock T.J. Hockenson’s Full Potential
As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for the second half of their 2025 campaign, head coach Kevin O'Connell has made it clear that the team is focused on reviving a key piece of their offense: tight end
A Forgotten Playmaker
Hockenson, once one of the most dynamic tight ends in the league, has been largely underutilized this season, registering just 27 catches for 222 yards through seven games. Despite his potential, his role has been restricted mainly to blocking duties as the Vikings have faced offensive line struggles. However, O'Connell is ready to change the narrative.
“T.J. has made some big‑time plays for us in the past, and it's time we got him back in the game plan in a more prominent role,” O'Connell said. “He’s one of the best playmakers we have. We’re going to get him more involved and allow him to do what he does best, which is create mismatches and move the chains for us.”
Hockenson's Take on the Opportunity
Hockenson, who has been working tirelessly to adapt to his evolving role, is ready to seize the chance to shine again. He admitted that his limited role this season has been challenging, but he remains committed to making the most of whatever opportunities come his way.
“It’s been a bit frustrating, but I’m here to help this team win, whatever that looks like,” Hockenson said. “If Coach O’Connell wants to lean on me more, I’m all for it. I’m built to make plays, and I’m just waiting for the opportunity to show what I can do.”
Looking Ahead
The revival of Hockenson's role could have a major impact on the Vikings' offense. With young quarterback J.J. McCarthy expected to lead the charge again, Hockenson could provide a reliable target over the middle of the field, allowing McCarthy to open up the passing game. Additionally, expanding Hockenson's involvement would give the Vikings offense more versatility and unpredictability.
“I know where this offense is going, and I want to be a part of that,” Hockenson continued. “If we can get back to that rhythm, I think we’ll be a much more dangerous team. We have the weapons, now it’s about putting them all together.”
The Vikings' Path to Success
The Vikings have a lot of ground to make up in the NFC North, but a return to form for Hockenson could be a critical piece of the puzzle. The team has the talent, but it will need all hands on deck to compete with the division’s top contenders.
“T.J. is a key player for us,” O'Connell said. “Getting him back into the offense in a meaningful way will open up so many other opportunities for us. The sky's the limit for him, and we plan to get him rolling.”
The pressure is now on the Vikings to deliver, but with Hockenson back in the fold, their offense might finally find its spark. If O’Connell and Hockenson can make this adjustment successfully, it could very well change the trajectory of Minnesota’s season.
Dan Campbell’s brutally honest assessment of Lions should scare rest of NFL
The Detroit Lions have been one of the best teams in the NFL this season. Even after losing both of their coordinators this offseason, Detroit seemingly hasn't lost a step. They come out of their bye week with a 5-2 record, scoring key wins against some of the top contenders in the process.
If the Lions are to be believed, they still aren't playing to their full potential. Head coach Dan Campbell believes that Detroit still has another gear this season. The Lions HC said that they could stand to be better at playing complementary football over the course of the season.
“I really believe we haven't played our best ball yet collectively in all three phases,” Campbell said, per Eric Woodyard of ESPN. “And that's really what we're trying to get to here is how can we sharpen ourselves. We know it's going to take every phase. Every game's different, and one unit may have to pick up the slack, but we need to start playing complete ball across the board. And just keep improving — like with all these teams that we're in the race with right now. So, that's where we're at.”
The Lions have highlighted four key areas for improvement during their bye week. That includes their third-down efficiency on both sides of the ball. Detroit is ranked 22nd in third-down conversion rate this season with just 37.7%, far below their 47% rate last season. On the other side, they're allowing a similar third-down conversion rate on defense, which is higher than their 32.5% rate last year.
The two other areas that the Lions focused on during the bye week are their red zone defense and Jameson Williams' involvement on offense. While Detroit's defense has been generally solid this season, it's allowing a whopping 63.6% of its opponents' red zone trips to end in a touchdown. On the other hand, Williams has had an up-and-down season thanks in large part to his fluctuating target rate. Detroit's offense is at its best when the threat of Jamo downfield opens up the rest of the offense. Finding ways to get him in space is going to be crucial for this team moving forward.
The Lions open the second half of their season with a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at home. Will Detroit apply what they've installed during the bye week in their next games?
