Detroit Lions fans all over the country felt a sadness that is all-too-familiar yesterday, as despite the fact that they didn't lose their Week 1 match-up to the Arizona Cardinals, they surrendered an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter, avoiding the win in a pathetic fashion that gave Lions fans P.T.S.D.

Despite the disappointing result, one positive take away that fans can hold onto is how prolific Detroit's passing attack looked. Quarterback Matthew Stafford had a rather outstanding day, throwing for 385 yards and three touchdowns to go along with a 110 passer rating.

Part of the reason why that passer rating was so high was that 131 of those yards and one of those touchdowns went to rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson, setting a modern NFL record for most yards gained by a rookie tight end in their first NFL game.

Even though the former Iowa Hawkeye was booed at the Lions' own draft party after his selection, a dominant performance like that will most likely make those unhappy fans put their feet in their mouth.

T.J. Hockenson, Lions

The best part of Hockenson's performance was that it was consistent throughout the game. A lot of statistics from pass-catchers can be misleading, as often times receivers who gain 100+ yards will get those high numbers because one big play gave them most of those yards.

That was not the case with Hockenson, as he was able to earn that gaudy yardage total throughout the contest through six solid catches which averaged 21.9 yards per reception.

Part of the reason why a lot of rookies struggle to get a footing in the NFL is that they lack the football I.Q. and versatility to adjust on the fly and compete against the biggest and fastest players in the world, even when things don't necessarily go according to plan.

It's looking like this won't be the case for Hockenson, who showcased his worth as a big-play threat, a threat on underneath routes, and most importantly a threat in the red zone.

Hockenson's high football I.Q. was most prevalently shown on his touchdown catch. On a key third-and-14 play, Stafford scrambled outside as the pocket broke down while the first two options on the play were covered. Hockenson adjusted on the fly, changing his route and making a few key steps to avoid the defense before Stafford launched a ball in his direction where only he could catch it.

Hockenson's versatility was also fully on display in Week 1, as he made key blocks like the one he made on Amendola's touchdown. Not only did he prove to be a more-than-capable blocker, but he also showed off his athletic ability by adjusting to balls mid-air on catches like this one.

One of the many things that Stafford has not had in his career is a consistent tight end that can be used as both a safety blanket and a target in the red zone.

Brandon Pettigrew was a capable blocker, but struggled at times to hold onto the ball once it was caught. Joseph Fauria was great at catching jump balls in the end zone, but nothing else. Eric Ebron always had a case of the dropsies in his time in Detroit, and last year's starting tight ends don't even deserve a mention because of how pitiful they were.

Patrick Mahomes

Having Hockenson has a tool in the offense extends the boundaries of what the Detroit offense is capable of. Just look at the Kansas City Chiefs.

They have plenty of capable athletes at receiver like Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins, but having Travis Kelce open in the middle of the field or in the flats as a safety blanket allows Patrick Mahomes a bigger leash to go for those big plays.

While Stafford may not be nearly as talented as Mahomes, he has never had as many talented pass catchers as he has right now with Hockenson, Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay, and Danny Amendola.

With all those options, the aerial attack in Detroit could be as big as it's ever been.