Slow starts have been the name of the game under J.J. McCarthy as the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback. Last week, it took three quarters before the offense really got going. In Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, it was a similar story in the first half, with the team managing less than 200 yards of offense in the period.
The biggest victim of a less-than-ideal offensive attack has been tight end T.J. Hockenson. A two-time Pro Bowler who came over from the Detroit Lions in 2022, Hockenson’s numbers have taken a nosedive in the first two games with McCarthy.
What Happened to T.J. Hockenson?
Drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the tight end quickly proved his worth with multiple solid seasons to his credit. However, he was traded midway through the year in 2022 in what turned out to be his second Pro Bowl year.
An immediate upgrade for the Vikings, Hockenson exploded for a career-high 960 yards in 2023. But the year ended in misery for the veteran TE as he tore both his ACL and MCL. It hampered his production in 2024 as well, as he finished with 455 yards in 10 games.
This season, the Vikings may have expected a return to form by the former eighth overall pick. However, in Week 1, he recorded just 15 yards on three receptions. His numbers have gone down further through the first three quarters in Week 2.
One thing I really like about JJ McCarthy is how he doesn’t rush things, he lets plays breathe and actually looks to stretch the field.
This throw to Nailor is a perfect example. Had Hockenson underneath, but stayed patient and dropped a dime.
— Matt Anderson (@MattAnderson_8) September 15, 2025
Targeted just twice, Hockenson is yet to register a single catch, as Minnesota trails Atlanta 12-6. It wasn’t until the waning moments of the fourth quarter that he finally got a catch to his name.
Trailing 22-6, the Vikings needed points in a hurry. Scrambling out of the pocket, McCarthy threw a dart worth 12 yards to his tight end.
From there on, Atlanta squeezed out time from the clock and trickled their way to a dominant victory on both sides of the football, dominated by a masterpiece from Bijan Robinson (143 rushing yards on 22 carries), to secure their first win of the season.
The Falcons won 22-6, while Hockenson finished with one reception for 12 yards on three targets.
