The Detroit Lions' 15-2 performance during the 2024 NFL season proved exactly who the kings of the NFC North are. None of the Lions' rivals could hold a candle to them last season as Dan Campbell's team went a perfect 6-0 against their division rivals, winning those outings by an average of 9.5 points per game.
While the Lions' dominance can't be ignored, that hasn't stopped some of their NFC North foes from being completely delusional. In fact, one rival veteran (and former Detroit playmaker) sounds delusional and desperate, judging by recent comments regarding an ex-Lions quarterback.
Former Lions TE TJ Hockenson Sounds Desperate With Matthew Stafford Comments
Earlier this week, former Lions tight end and current Minnesota Viking TJ Hockenson appeared on ex-NFL star Chris Long's "Green Light" podcast. The veteran playmaker talked about various topics, including Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, which prompted Hockenson to make a ridiculous comparison to former Lions gunslinger and current L.A. Rams QB Matthew Stafford.
"I remember catching passes from (Stafford)... It zips on you, looks like it's not coming, but it's coming," Hockenson said. "J.J. has the juice behind it where it kind of has that effect... He's got insane talent, arm talent."
#Vikings TE TJ Hockenson says JJ McCarthy’s throws remind him of Matt Stafford’s:
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) May 6, 2025
“I remember catching passes from Staff (Matt Stafford)… it zips on you, looks like it’s not coming, but it’s coming. JJ has the juice behind it where it kind of has that effect.”
🎥: @greenlight… pic.twitter.com/zHvJxmdopD
Hockenson, 27, was drafted eighth overall by the Lions in 2019, leading to his playing his first two NFL seasons alongside Stafford. It didn't take long for the duo to prove they had a legitimate connection, as Hockenson hauled in 99 receptions for 1,090 receiving yards, eight touchdowns, and a Pro Bowl appearance during that time.
Having said that, Hockenson's Stafford-McCarthy comparison reeks of desperation. The veteran TE is likely trying to hype up his QB as much as possible in hopes of increasing the former's target share next season. Aside from the two QBs boasting impressive arm strength, the Vikings' second-year signal-caller has a ways to go before proving he's comparable to the ex-Lions leader.
Hockenson's comparison is even more absurd given that McCarthy has yet to play an NFL regular-season game. Sam Darnold started all 17 of the Vikings' games last season, leaving time to tell if the former Michigan Wolverine can handle the spotlight.
McCarthy, 22, has a lot of stepping up to do if he wants to be comparable to Stafford. The ex-2024 first-rounder wasn't overly impressive in his lone start last preseason, completing 11-of-17 (64.7%) of passes for 188 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Meanwhile, Stafford was already the Lions' starting QB in Year 1 and likely would've looked even better in Year 2 had a shoulder injury not limited him to three starts. He did throw for over 5,000 yards and 41 TDs in the following season, though, further illustrating just how much of a mountain McCarthy has to climb to get on Stafford's level.
As desperate and delusional as Hockenson sounded, it won't be long until his comments are proven wrong. The 2025 NFL season will be here in no time, meaning the Lions will soon have two opportunities to prove that McCarthy isn't close to being the next Stafford, nor will he ever be.