Detroit Lions: 3 Bold predictions for Week 7 vs. Falcons

2. Multiple touchdowns and over 100 yards receiving for the tight ends

It’s easy to forget that the Detroit Lions took a tight end in the top 10 in last year’s draft. T.J. Hockenson will be a star in the NFL. The Iowa native has all the talent and all the heart to be a great tight end. While he was quiet last week in terms of pure production, he still bagged himself a touchdown on a crucial fourth down. But it was one of his best-run blocking games as a Lion and he helped as Detroit had a healthy day on the ground.

Jesse James had a miserable first year in Detroit and many fans thought he was a lost cause. There was even some talk as to whether the team should shop him or even cut him. But he has carved out an excellent role for himself so far. He has shown good ability to grab the ball on intermediate passes and he also got a crucial touchdown catch in the win over Arizona. He has also demonstrated strong blocking ability when the Lions are in 12-personnel sets.

Both of these players will have pivotal roles to play this week. Atlanta has not been able to cover tight ends at all. The linebacker group on this team have been awful in pass coverage and have had a difficult time covering tight ends.

With the Lions desperate to establish the run, Detroit may be in 12-personnel more as they face a tough defensive line. If both can be strong blocking, it will also open up more passing opportunities even with two tight end sets. The Lions have many versatile pieces on offense, and if they can establish the run, it will give Darrell Bevell more scope to use his tight ends.

Both are good red-zone targets for Stafford, and if they can start quickly, they could get a hold on this defense. If Stafford releases quickly and can throw his tight ends into space, the Atlanta linebackers and secondary will not want to tackle two big guys running at them.

The tight end tandem that Bob Quinn envisioned when he brought these two to Detroit may finally come to fruition.