Week One of the NFL’s 100th regular season was a record-setter for the Detroit Lions. And no, I’m not referring to their epic fourth-quarter collapse and subsequent disappointing tie to the lowly Arizona Cardinals.
Likely the biggest positive takeaway from the Lions’ regular-season opener was the excellent play of first-year tight end T.J. Hockenson. Detroit’s controversial first-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, Hockenson posted the greatest rookie debut by a tight end in league history recording six receptions for 131 yards and his first NFL touchdown.
The 6-foot-5, 247-pound Hockenson was picked eighth overall in the first round of the draft by the Lions back in April.