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Hawkeyes in the NFL: Week 10 Top Performers

On3 imageby:Kyle Huesmann•11/11/24•

HuesmannKyle

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson makes the catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Photo by Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images)
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson makes the catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Photo by Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images)

We are back for another week of “Hawkeyes in the NFL” and this week has a heavy dose of the tight end, which is not uncommon for ‘Tight End U’. Currently, there are 27 former Hawkeyes in the NFL, with an additional four players on practice squads. It was a strong week ten, so let’s take a look at who stood out.

Honorable Mention Performances

CB Riley Moss – 6 tkls vs Kansas City

LB Jack Campbell – 7 tkls, 1 PD vs Houston

C Tyler Linderbaum – 84.5 pass block grade 2nd-amongst centers, 79.8 overall game grade ranked 3rd-best

1. Minnesota TE TJ Hockenson

In just his second game back from injury, TJ Hockenson put together a game that he seemingly was putting together every single week last season. In the Vikings uninspiring 12-7 win over Jacksonville, Hockenson caught eight passes for 72 yards, including a 26-yard reception on their field goal drive to take the lead in the fourth quarter.

Through two games, TJ has 11 catches for 99 yards and seven first downs. Last season, Hockenson totaled 95 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns. He was set to clear the 100-1,000 milestone, but tore his ACL prior to the final two games of the season.

2. Detroit TE Sam LaPorta

The Lions have been absolutely obliterating every single team they play, but on Sunday Night, they had to come from behind to defeat the Texans. In the win over Houston, Sam LaPorta caught three passes for 66 yards and one touchdown. His touchdown got Lions on the board early in the second quarter, while his 37-yard reception set them up for a touchdown early in the second half. On the season, LaPorta has totaled 25 catches for 366 yards and three touchdowns.

3. San Francisco TE George Kittle

The great run of George Kittle in this weekly article continues. In the 49ers win over Tampa Bay, Kittle caught three passes for 57 yards and an impressive touchdown. He has now recorded a touchdown reception in six of his eight games played this season. On the season, George has totaled 43 receptions for 560 yards, seven touchdowns and 27 first downs. He ranks second amongst all tight ends in receiving yards, second in touchdowns, third in first downs and fifth in receptions.

4. Carolina LB Josey Jewell

Carolina got things going early on Sunday, with a matchup against the New York Giants in Munich, Germany. Linebacker Josey Jewell made several impactful plays, helping the Panthers to a 20-17 win in overtime. Jewell finished with six tackles, one tackle for loss, two passes defended, one interception (more on that in a second) and a fumble recovery. His fumble recovery in overtime allowed Carolina to get in range for the game winning field goal. Jewell’s 84.1 game grade ranked 4th-best amongst all linebackers for week ten.

Play of the Week: Carolina LB Josey Jewell

I said we were going to take a closer look at the interception by Josey Jewell. It earns the honor as play of the week. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Giants in field goal range and threatening for a touchdown, Jewell stole the ball from former Hawkeye Tyrone Tracy for an interception. That allowed Carolina to drive down the field, tie the game with a field goal and eventually win the game in overtime.

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