6 biggest takeaways from the Vikings loss vs. Packers in Week 17
By Adam Carlson
The tight end is the new no. 2
The disappearance of Adam Thielen continues. He has struggled to be a contributor this year despite being a red-zone darling the last few years and accumulating respectable receiving statistics.
Against the Packers, Thielen had one catch for 16 yards on four targets. It is now more than safe to say that tight end T.J. Hockenson has replaced him as the secondary target after Justin Jefferson.
An argument could also be made that Hockenson is the primary target on short to mid-range passes. Although he didn’t have a huge game against the Packers, the value of trading for him in the middle of the season has been evident.
Hockenson had 12 targets and hauled in seven of them for 59 yards, enough to be the team’s leading receiver while trying to help as a blocker. His help will be essential in future games for the Minnesota Vikings.