On Sunday, a familiar face was in the house as former Detroit Linos TE T.J. Hockenson returned to Ford Field for the first time since being traded to the Minnesota Vikings. Back on November 1, the Lions traded Hockenson to the Vikings in exchange for some extra draft capital. Prior to getting traded, Hockenson was part of a Lions team that had what was quite possibly the worst defense in NFL history. But, the Lions’ defense has been playing much better as of late, and Hockenson notices.
What did T.J. Hockenson say about the Detroit Lions’ defense?
Following the game, which the Lions won 34-23, Hockenson spoke to reporters, and he is clearly impressed with how much Detroit’s defense has improved.
Via Detroit Free Press:
“It’s incredible,” Hockenson said. “The defense has really turned it on. I’ve told y’all, the defense is where my guys are at. (Cornerback) Amani (Oruwariye) is my dog, (linebacker Alex) Anzalone is my dog. I’ve got a lot of guys over there that I’m close to and I love them to death. Just to see them playing well and really turning it around from it was at the beginning of the season is just awesome to see. It truly is incredible.
“I wish them nothing but success here,” Hockenson said. “Obviously, not when we play them, that’s just the nature of how it is.”
Hockenson and the Vikings are no doubt headed to the playoffs, but it sure does seem like the Lions are the more dangerous team moving forward.
