For me nothing will ever beat the Vikings-Packers Monday Night Football game in Lambeau in 1998, I was in college watching the game in my dorm room. I was dancing up a storm in celebration watching Randy Moss destroying the Packers secondary so badly.
Also, I agree with Judd on "back-in guy". As someone on Twitter once said to that sort, "You are not Jason Bourne. You do not need a rapid egress contingency from Quizno's."
Hockenson is our WR3, despite being a TE. He’s a mismatch nightmare and is a really great third receiving option. I think the lack of production is likely due to Darnold not having chemistry with him because he missed so much time. Hock was dominant with Kirk - more targets in the playoffs unlocks a whole other element to the offense
Thank goodness Hockenson caught that 4th down pass. A small fraction of a second later, Aaron Jones was wide open beyond the stick. The sideline pass and catch had a much higher degree-of-difficulty than an easy toss to Aaron Jones.
Declan is so wrong on Hockenson. Coming back from ACL/MCL surgery. Then match up the timing of JJ and JA going insane, this is Hockenson opening up the field for them. Hockenson has also been money on 3rd and 4th down!
More importantly on the TJ point, he has mostly been used on big 3rd downs. With Addison and JJ cooking with gas, why would you throw it to the TE? Like it was a week or 2 ago there was like a drive where he had 4 3rd down conversion. Man even last week he converted a what, 3rd and 17? Isn’t TE play down across the entire league?
I agree here… I also think he’s a victim of the playbook… u just gotta feed 18 and 3… now, playoff football is different. If he’s more relied upon and delivers, worth it.
In 1982, going into September, Rickey Henderson had more steals of third base than the entire Twins team had steals of any base. The stat did change by years' end, but that is still ridiculous. Henderson is also one of only three players to steal a base in four different decades (70's-2000's). The other two were Tim Raines and Ted Williams. Henderson was also a bit of a self-centered space cadet at times. My favorite story, which might be an urban legend: John Olerud was a solid-hitting 1st baseman during the 90's. He always wore a helmet in the field because of an accident in college. Olerud joined the Mets in 1999, and Henderson was there and introduced himself. Henderson told Olerud, "I used to play with another guy who wore a helmet in the field like that." Olerud replied, "That was me, Rickey." They were previously teammates with the Blue Jays.
Declan did not really take a firm stand on his Tight End contract statement. He just said, "I don't know if paying TJ was a good idea." Kind of a lukewarm "Hot Take."
Someone tell traintrain that the Vikings aren’t the only team in football with cap space. 1. Chicago (81 mill) 2. Minn (78 mill) 3. Det (69 mill) 4. GB (63 mill) The whole “we’ve got a ton cap space “ argument is a weak one. In comparison to our own division, considering 3 separate categories: 1. Cap space 2. Draft capital 3. Young players contributing from previous drafts that will continue to be starting caliber players next season (2022-2023-2024) The Vikings are dead last. It isn’t even close.
He's a nice TE, made a fantastic catch on what should have been an easier pass. Also had poor drop or 2. Contract probably getting re worked going forward.
Rough take Dex. Hock is one of the few elite TEs that routinely moves the chains for your offense. He's extremely reliable on 3rd & 4th down throughout his career.
I wonder if KOC just doesn’t fully trust hock yet. If he’s healthy he needs more targets especially on our offensive slumps middle of the game when we need a spark
I feel like the hockenson extension was fine, and he's kinda had drop issues since he got here so I don't think that's a main issue, but he needs the ball a little more
After trading a second for Hockenson there was no way they weren’t gonna extend him. Sure, in hindsight Addison is good enough to be the second option after JJ over Hock, but I think questioning the process on extending him is bad faith.
OMG Sports dad’s statement on the holiday season parking lot frustration is SPOT on. This weekend was like a 30 minute traffic jam just to navigate through the parking lot.
Thank you Declan! I was hollering to anyone who would listen that Hockenson was a waste of money. He is not a big difference maker or focal point of the offense. Too much money to sink there 👍🏾
Ok guys-- you gotta start recognizing Cam Bynum organizing and rehearsing end zone dances--these guys are killing it and are the #1 😂 seed for end zone dances--
That was a "drop"? OK then. I'm not going to criticize the contract for a play like that, but I do agree that he's probably not worth the trade or contract. He's not bad though, he catches A LOT of 3rd downs.
The back in guy is nowhere near as bad as the drive the wrong way down the parking row guy, more specifically the ones who drive down the middle of the row and act like the people driving the correct way in the row are wrong. Follow the arrow on the ground and stop inconveniencing everyone else.
You’re misunderstanding the take/statement/question. Just because somebody deserves or has a perceived worth of something, doesn’t mean paying them is the smartest decision. The take isn’t about whether TJ “deserves” this contract. It’s about whether spending record money on a TE was a smart move??? Their is absolutely an argument to be made that IOL would of been smarter to spend on instead of trading for Hockenson and then signing him. That’s a fair question/argument. The Vikings would kill to be able plug in a Top 5 guard right now and roll with a 2nd RD TE on a rookie deal.
@ I still think it’s an overreaction. Kirk utilized him more because of who he is. Checking down to him a lot. Yes he’s not being utilized as much but he is a good pass catching TE we need. And I’m sure a torn act/mcl is gonna take him little over to get back at 100%
@@Lee-go1ss again, you aren’t understanding the concept. His injury is mute. It’s about whether or not 100% TJ Hockenson is more valuable to Minnesota right now than an Elite Top 3 RG + 2nd round TE to take hock’s place on the team. That’s the spirit of the take. TJ’s best version isn’t more valuable than adding a kick ass guard + 2nd RD athletic TE. It’s not. And the Vikings would absolutely kill to be able to undo the Hock trade/signing and swap him out for a stud RG + Second year TE.
@@Lee-go1ss the fact Minnesota had to use a 2nd round pick + Pay him, is what makes the move regrettable. The Vikings have used 2023 2nd 2024 2nd 2025 2nd 2025 3rd 2025 4th 2024 5th And all they have to show for it is HOCK and Turner. And they had to pay Hock immediately. The Vikings would absolutely love to go back and redo both those decisions.
Judd I’m really not sure what else you expect from the wilds depth players. They just aren’t that good because of their depth. They have no money to spend that’s what happens when you can’t spend money.
I get the parking lot BS. HOWEVER, common JUDD!! You are special. Just because you have a small care and it works for YOU doesn't meant people with Trucks should have to walk farther the people with small cars. You problem with trucks is the person driving them. Not the fact they own the truck. Smart people that are considerate handle their vehicles properly. Idiots drive all sizes of vehicles. Like driving down the wrong way when it is angled parking and swinging WAY OUT to pull in at the wrong angle. Key to not backing in is pull all the way through to the spot in front of you on the other side if you can. Then you can just pull out like you had backed in. Be fair to all sizes of vehicles and not fair to the idot driving them.
I love these guys and these shows. But they are such citiots, city idiots. Oh and Judd big truck back in guy has no other choice. Absolutely no credible life skills among them. SMH
Agree, don't believe in hockenson. He has a history of dropping balls in big games. Terrible signing. Paid like a top 3 TE, not playing like a top 15. Pathetic.
Great stuff guys but I feel like you could have filled Mackey's spot. Would have loved to have seen Randy from Cottage Grove. 😢 Really though, more Randy please.
Hock has too many drops and is too costly. With the way KOC uses (or doesn’t use) tight ends, it’s foolish for us to be paying Hock that much money next year. Trade him and get a much cheaper replacement in the draft.
I think it is a hollow point even taking about Kirk at all anymore. He hasn’t played for this team for over a year now. We don’t need to talk about him anymore
News flash Judd the same thing happens when people need to back out of a spot. Its jusy alot more dangerouse because while they are backing out they have less visibility.
We need to trade Hock if this is how much we are going to use him. An Elite guard would be better money spent. I do think a lot of it is that Sam always looks downfield to Jefferson and Addison, wuth Hock as a last resort
I'm hopeful on Aaron Jones that he can become the "every down" elite back we want for the next couple seasons - but only if the effort is there. TJ has really been lackluster if you ask me - not just this season, but last year also. He had better step up to the plate the rest of the year, and hopefully continue the ascent into next season, otherwise I'd be actively eyeing a replacement. As amazing of a job he's done, looks to me Kwesi has his work cut out for him. Still, they have to be pretty proud about what this team has been able to accomplish this season. No doubt it can't be easy.
My weekend take (which I’ve had all season) KOC play calling is holding the offense back 😱…Don’t get me wrong, I like KOC, but there are too many stretches throughout a game where the offense is too stagnant. Vikings O need more commitment to the run gm especially when it’s on and short passing gm to keep the chains moving. It seems like it’s 25+ yards or bust
Couldn’t agree more and I have said the same twice in comments this year. I too am a KOC guy, but he is far from this play calling genius many that don’t watch the games crown him as. He runs the ball on first down like 75% of the time and then completely abandons it. He does not do great on third and medium situations of shortening the lengthy play routes, he wants to only call pass plays that take too long to develop. Red zone, 4th and 2 on the goal line he goes for it which I like, but goes naked gun(no running back), gives the defense the advantage of not having to at least defend the run. The offense should be easily putting up 30+ points a game. KOC gets bailed out a lot by Flores defense, who yea give up points, but remember and watch the games; the defense is on the damn field most of the game. Beyond frustrating
For me nothing will ever beat the Vikings-Packers Monday Night Football game in Lambeau in 1998, I was in college watching the game in my dorm room. I was dancing up a storm in celebration watching Randy Moss destroying the Packers secondary so badly.
Hopefully JJ does that to lions week 18 on the road in what's sure to be a SNF game battling for 1 seed
I'm glad,Judd,that you gave Ricky Henderson such praise. I'm 70 and remember him well. He was GREAT!
I saw Ricky hit a lead off home run in the Dome in the early '90's. He was an incredible athlete. R.I.P.
TJ is coming off a major injury, it takes a little bit to get back in shape. Lets wait and see
don't bring logic into the conversation
Disagree with Dex on Hock, but love the hot take
Also, I agree with Judd on "back-in guy". As someone on Twitter once said to that sort, "You are not Jason Bourne. You do not need a rapid egress contingency from Quizno's."
Hockenson is our WR3, despite being a TE. He’s a mismatch nightmare and is a really great third receiving option. I think the lack of production is likely due to Darnold not having chemistry with him because he missed so much time. Hock was dominant with Kirk - more targets in the playoffs unlocks a whole other element to the offense
Thank goodness Hockenson caught that 4th down pass. A small fraction of a second later, Aaron Jones was wide open beyond the stick.
The sideline pass and catch had a much higher degree-of-difficulty than an easy toss to Aaron Jones.
Declan is so wrong on Hockenson. Coming back from ACL/MCL surgery. Then match up the timing of JJ and JA going insane, this is Hockenson opening up the field for them. Hockenson has also been money on 3rd and 4th down!
More importantly on the TJ point, he has mostly been used on big 3rd downs. With Addison and JJ cooking with gas, why would you throw it to the TE? Like it was a week or 2 ago there was like a drive where he had 4 3rd down conversion. Man even last week he converted a what, 3rd and 17?
Isn’t TE play down across the entire league?
I agree here… I also think he’s a victim of the playbook… u just gotta feed 18 and 3… now, playoff football is different. If he’s more relied upon and delivers, worth it.
he's been extremely valuable on 3rd and 4th down conversions since he's been back
In 1982, going into September, Rickey Henderson had more steals of third base than the entire Twins team had steals of any base. The stat did change by years' end, but that is still ridiculous.
Henderson is also one of only three players to steal a base in four different decades (70's-2000's). The other two were Tim Raines and Ted Williams.
Henderson was also a bit of a self-centered space cadet at times. My favorite story, which might be an urban legend: John Olerud was a solid-hitting 1st baseman during the 90's. He always wore a helmet in the field because of an accident in college. Olerud joined the Mets in 1999, and Henderson was there and introduced himself. Henderson told Olerud, "I used to play with another guy who wore a helmet in the field like that."
Olerud replied, "That was me, Rickey." They were previously teammates with the Blue Jays.
This is the first time TJ and Sam are playing together too. I think you can start to judge him this playoffs
Sam already has chemistry with Jets and JA and AJ. He's late to the party but will be a factor going forward!
Since 2016 my buddy and I have shopped for our families on December 23rd. We love the chaos.
One thing with TJ is: Darnold doesn’t check down like Cousins. TJ would be getting more work with a check down qb
after TJ's injury how much time did he get with Darnold?
You can tell Declan is looking for a hot take😂 hock is single-handedly responsible for two wins this year
Declan did not really take a firm stand on his Tight End contract statement. He just said, "I don't know if paying TJ was a good idea." Kind of a lukewarm "Hot Take."
Declan is gonna look foolish on this Hockenson take. Bookmarking this one for later ✍️
I bet Hock is still playing a bit cautious with his rebuilt knee too. Sam wants to go deep and that's not Hock.
We are 13-2 and Dex is talking about a TE contract 😂
Not everyone is blinded by the record. This team has many holes.
@ but we have ton of cap space and TJ has been clutch on 3rd down
Someone tell traintrain that the Vikings aren’t the only team in football with cap space.
1. Chicago (81 mill)
2. Minn (78 mill)
3. Det (69 mill)
4. GB (63 mill)
The whole “we’ve got a ton cap space “ argument is a weak one.
In comparison to our own division, considering 3 separate categories:
1. Cap space
2. Draft capital
3. Young players contributing from previous drafts that will continue to be starting caliber players next season
(2022-2023-2024)
The Vikings are dead last.
It isn’t even close.
@ what’s wrong with you it’s Christmas on here talking trash smh
The great teams almost always have a great tight end
He's a nice TE, made a fantastic catch on what should have been an easier pass. Also had poor drop or 2. Contract probably getting re worked going forward.
Rough take Dex. Hock is one of the few elite TEs that routinely moves the chains for your offense. He's extremely reliable on 3rd & 4th down throughout his career.
I wonder if KOC just doesn’t fully trust hock yet. If he’s healthy he needs more targets especially on our offensive slumps middle of the game when we need a spark
Write this down: TJ will earn the $ in the postseason
Not possible in a first round loss. 41 - 🍩 II.
Goff is ALL wrong about TJ.
I feel like the hockenson extension was fine, and he's kinda had drop issues since he got here so I don't think that's a main issue, but he needs the ball a little more
Was Rickey not a Padre then?
Is the game with the Lions primetime?
Ive said this to you guys when you said it
After trading a second for Hockenson there was no way they weren’t gonna extend him. Sure, in hindsight Addison is good enough to be the second option after JJ over Hock, but I think questioning the process on extending him is bad faith.
OMG Sports dad’s statement on the holiday season parking lot frustration is SPOT on. This weekend was like a 30 minute traffic jam just to navigate through the parking lot.
Join the Play!!! SKOL! 🏈💜💛
These podcasts are MUCH better without Mackey.
Thank you Judd for calling out the back in guy. Can we actually see the data on back in parking is safer???
The worst part of holiday shopping is the other customers
TJ is going to go off in the playoffs
Hope you are right
Why do they call it Minnesota Vikings statements but then talk about other sports
Wild talk? 😕🥱
It’s Skor North, they cover all of Minnesota Sports here as apposed to Purple Daily being the Vikings centric channel.
@ So the title should Minnesota sports statements
Especially since the other two teams playing right now suck
@@banksda150 yup I think so too
Declan is cringe af with the Hockenson rant. He also thought we were a 5 win team if I don’t recall. Calm down pipsqueak
I agree. Shouldn’t have traded for Hock and he was a waste of an extension.
Thank you Declan! I was hollering to anyone who would listen that Hockenson was a waste of money. He is not a big difference maker or focal point of the offense. Too much money to sink there 👍🏾
Look how long it took Darnold to start trusting Addison, TJ will get more and more looks in the coming weeks.
Ok guys-- you gotta start recognizing Cam Bynum organizing and rehearsing end zone dances--these guys are killing it and are the #1 😂 seed for end zone dances--
Declan is absolutely right on Hock. Dude is a shade of himself, just looks like an average TE
Also obviously 1998 @Green Bay. Best Packer games.
Nobody could talk about themselves in 3rd person like Rickey Henderson😂
Skol Vikings 4 Life!!!
Jets had a drop too. Happens
Darnold another year , budget for it. $$$.
Karma to dirty detroit for deliberately disabling 2 players how does it feel kitties?
My hot take is the Vikings have the best e nd zone celebrations
Lighten up on tj he's going to be a big part of our offense this yr give him a break
That was a "drop"? OK then. I'm not going to criticize the contract for a play like that, but I do agree that he's probably not worth the trade or contract. He's not bad though, he catches A LOT of 3rd downs.
tj is a different maker he is basically a slot WR most TEs aren't that good
Also I want Dex back on JHS. Make it happen
Let's call out the real issue with the Wild. It's Bill Guerin. These awful players didn't sign themselves to ridiculous contracts
And I'm a child of the 70's so I'm old school just hand the ball 🎉 to the ref-- but this is fun
100 % disagree. Hock is a first down machine on third downs.
The back in guy is nowhere near as bad as the drive the wrong way down the parking row guy, more specifically the ones who drive down the middle of the row and act like the people driving the correct way in the row are wrong. Follow the arrow on the ground and stop inconveniencing everyone else.
Declan with another coleslaw incident saying what he’s saying about Hock.
You’re misunderstanding the take/statement/question.
Just because somebody deserves or has a perceived worth of something, doesn’t mean paying them is the smartest decision.
The take isn’t about whether TJ “deserves” this contract. It’s about whether spending record money on a TE was a smart move???
Their is absolutely an argument to be made that IOL would of been smarter to spend on instead of trading for Hockenson and then signing him.
That’s a fair question/argument. The Vikings would kill to be able plug in a Top 5 guard right now and roll with a 2nd RD TE on a rookie deal.
@ I still think it’s an overreaction. Kirk utilized him more because of who he is. Checking down to him a lot. Yes he’s not being utilized as much but he is a good pass catching TE we need. And I’m sure a torn act/mcl is gonna take him little over to get back at 100%
@@Lee-go1ss again, you aren’t understanding the concept. His injury is mute.
It’s about whether or not 100% TJ Hockenson is more valuable to Minnesota right now than an Elite Top 3 RG + 2nd round TE to take hock’s place on the team.
That’s the spirit of the take. TJ’s best version isn’t more valuable than adding a kick ass guard + 2nd RD athletic TE.
It’s not. And the Vikings would absolutely kill to be able to undo the Hock trade/signing and swap him out for a stud RG + Second year TE.
@@Lee-go1ss the fact Minnesota had to use a 2nd round pick + Pay him, is what makes the move regrettable.
The Vikings have used
2023 2nd
2024 2nd
2025 2nd
2025 3rd
2025 4th
2024 5th
And all they have to show for it is HOCK and Turner. And they had to pay Hock immediately.
The Vikings would absolutely love to go back and redo both those decisions.
@ it’s easy to say this in hindsight. But when it happened we didn’t have a reliable TE for a couple years.
Declan, you realized he missed the first 10 games right lol
Hot take. Declan’s head is too big for his body.
Judd I’m really not sure what else you expect from the wilds depth players. They just aren’t that good because of their depth. They have no money to spend that’s what happens when you can’t spend money.
I get the parking lot BS. HOWEVER, common JUDD!! You are special. Just because you have a small care and it works for YOU doesn't meant people with Trucks should have to walk farther the people with small cars. You problem with trucks is the person driving them. Not the fact they own the truck. Smart people that are considerate handle their vehicles properly. Idiots drive all sizes of vehicles. Like driving down the wrong way when it is angled parking and swinging WAY OUT to pull in at the wrong angle. Key to not backing in is pull all the way through to the spot in front of you on the other side if you can. Then you can just pull out like you had backed in.
Be fair to all sizes of vehicles and not fair to the idot driving them.
Somebody boo this man
Declan TJ is the money guy! He dropped a contested catch! He will not drop a ball the rest of the season! Book it!
Detroit fans aren't sorry Hockenson is gone.
I agree with the tj statement
Until a WR rolls an ankle and our entire offense is now run through a WR with Nailer and Oliver as the primary targets
I love these guys and these shows. But they are such citiots, city idiots. Oh and Judd big truck back in guy has no other choice. Absolutely no credible life skills among them. SMH
Agree, don't believe in hockenson. He has a history of dropping balls in big games. Terrible signing. Paid like a top 3 TE, not playing like a top 15. Pathetic.
I agree w/ the Hockenson statement. It's not like he ran well before the injury, nor was he ever dominant in the short field.
Great stuff guys but I feel like you could have filled Mackey's spot. Would have loved to have seen Randy from Cottage Grove. 😢
Really though, more Randy please.
Hock has too many drops and is too costly. With the way KOC uses (or doesn’t use) tight ends, it’s foolish for us to be paying Hock that much money next year. Trade him and get a much cheaper replacement in the draft.
Trade him during the draft
I think it is a hollow point even taking about Kirk at all anymore. He hasn’t played for this team for over a year now. We don’t need to talk about him anymore
News flash Judd the same thing happens when people need to back out of a spot. Its jusy alot more dangerouse because while they are backing out they have less visibility.
We need to trade Hock if this is how much we are going to use him. An Elite guard would be better money spent.
I do think a lot of it is that Sam always looks downfield to Jefferson and Addison, wuth Hock as a last resort
I'm hopeful on Aaron Jones that he can become the "every down" elite back we want for the next couple seasons - but only if the effort is there. TJ has really been lackluster if you ask me - not just this season, but last year also. He had better step up to the plate the rest of the year, and hopefully continue the ascent into next season, otherwise I'd be actively eyeing a replacement.
As amazing of a job he's done, looks to me Kwesi has his work cut out for him. Still, they have to be pretty proud about what this team has been able to accomplish this season. No doubt it can't be easy.
aaron jones is on the age cliff i wouldn't count on him being an elite every down back for the next couple season
I think they should have drafted instead of trading picks. Detroit didn’t want to invest that position
Yeah with Munt in the TE core why do we need TJ
My weekend take (which I’ve had all season) KOC play calling is holding the offense back 😱…Don’t get me wrong, I like KOC, but there are too many stretches throughout a game where the offense is too stagnant. Vikings O need more commitment to the run gm especially when it’s on and short passing gm to keep the chains moving. It seems like it’s 25+ yards or bust
Couldn’t agree more and I have said the same twice in comments this year. I too am a KOC guy, but he is far from this play calling genius many that don’t watch the games crown him as. He runs the ball on first down like 75% of the time and then completely abandons it. He does not do great on third and medium situations of shortening the lengthy play routes, he wants to only call pass plays that take too long to develop. Red zone, 4th and 2 on the goal line he goes for it which I like, but goes naked gun(no running back), gives the defense the advantage of not having to at least defend the run. The offense should be easily putting up 30+ points a game. KOC gets bailed out a lot by Flores defense, who yea give up points, but remember and watch the games; the defense is on the damn field most of the game. Beyond frustrating
hockenson is way over paid. maybe he's top five - maybe
2009 @Green Bay, another @ Green Bay 2005 Playoff game. Best Packer games.
Can we give stella an extension?