GREAT play by Seahawks OC Austin Blythe

 

https://twitter.com/scottpioli51/status/1569510035394363395?s=20&t=jjcjBr7PMPvUebg9rIyHPg

Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson looking to extend his Week 1 history

by Brad Berreman

September 9, 2022

Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson has had some productive season openers, and he seems sure to continue that Sunday against the Eagles.

Many Lions fans remember T.J. Hockenson’s historic NFL debut. Against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 of the 2019 season, he had six receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown. 

Repeating that 100-yard game has proven challenging for Hockenson since his debut, as in it’s the only 100-yard game of his career thus far.

 

But Hockenson has been productive in season openers.

 

• Week 1, 2020 vs. Chicago Bears: five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown 

• Week 1, 2021 vs. San Francisco 49ers: eight receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown

Hockenson actually owns some NFL history based on what he’s done in Week 1 games.

Tweet Link: https://twitter.com/LionsPR/status/1567501738143260673?s=20&t=aSVrhNT4k7poF4mO5SdSXQ 

 

Via the Lions’ PR department, Hockenson is the only tight end in NFL history to have at least 50 yards and a touchdown in each of his first three Week 1 games.

 

Week 1 matchup vs. the Eagles sets T.J. Hockenson up to extend history

 

In Week 1, the Lions take on the Philadelphia Eagles. Matthew Berry, the “Godfather” of fantasy football now of NBC Sports, said it best (with my possible slight paraphrase on the beginning) on Sirius XM Radio Thursday.

 

There are three certainties in life: Death, taxes and start your tight ends against the Eagles.

 

Not than many of Hockenson’s fantasy managers are really considering benching him this week, but Berry’s sentiment is easy to get behind. The Eagles allowed the most receptions and touchdowns to tight ends last year, as well as the sixth-most yards. They might be better against the position this year, but they’ll have to prove it.

 

In last year’s game against the Eagles, a 44-6 loss for the Lions, Hockenson had 10 receptions (on 11 targets) for 89 yards without a touchdown.

 

Betting the over on Hockenson’s yardage over/under prop (47.5) over at FanDuel feels like it’ll cash on Sunday. History, and a great Week 1 matchup, practically guarantees it.

Lawrence credits Scherff for ‘elevating’ Jaguars’ O-line

 

16H AGO (September 9, 2022)

/BY BIJAN TODD

 

 

For the first time in his eight-year NFL career, Brandon Scherff will suit up for a game at FedEx Field, but not for the home side. Washington’s former All-Pro offensive guard is gearing up for his first season outside of D.C. as his Jacksonville Jaguars make the trek up north for a Week 1 matchup vs. the Commanders on Sunday.

While Scherff brings a veteran presence to Jacksonville’s offense, second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence will line up behind Scherff with still much to prove in the pro ranks. Lawrence noted the impact Scherff’s arrival has had on the Jaguars’ offensive line leading up to Sunday’s game.

“I just think [the line has] the right mindset. I think Scherff coming in really has elevated the whole group, you know,” Lawrence said Wednesday. “It’s a lot of the same guys that have been here, but bringing in him and just his veteran presence—but also just his work ethic and the way he attacks every day.”

Scherff, 30, bolstered Washington’s offensive line for the first seven seasons of his professional career out of Iowa. His immovability at right guard earned him five Pro Bowl selections and one First Team All-Pro nod in 2020. 

The Commanders franchise tagged Scherff for the final two seasons of his tenure in Washington, giving him more leverage to leave. He signed with the Jaguars in March.

With Trevor Lawrence eager to break out and prove he was deserving of being drafted No. 1 overall last spring, Scherff’s arrival could be a big boost in his quest.

“[He’s] always ready to go, never complains, just has that grit. He’s a little bit nasty,” Lawrence said of Scherff. “That’s something that those guys see and have seen it all OTAs and camp. To see a guy who’s had as much success as he’s had on his eighth season I believe, and still brings that intensity every day, I think it’s elevated the whole group.”

Scherff was also asked earlier this week about his return to Washington. He praised several members of the Commanders’ defensive line but didn’t overhype the gravity of his particular situation. He did note, though, that playing in Landover but not in Burgundy & Gold will be ‘really weird.’

Jacksonville finished 2021 as the NFL’s worst team with a 3-14 record. Bringing Scherff in was a move intended to bulk up their O-line as well as boost the tenacity of the unit. Lawrence took note of that dynamic as well.

“Offensively, I think we’re a really hard-nosed team up front that can run the ball,” Lawrence said, alluding to the line’s improved grit with Scherff in town.