Watson, Hopkins simply connect
Quarterback, receiver share an alma mater and can relate to each other’s backgrounds
GREEN BAY, Wis. — A knowing look.
A nod of the head.
A simple wave of the hand that signals inviting coverage schemes or a weak link in the defense.
Body language communicates so well and so much between Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Without saying a word to each other at the line of scrimmage, Watson and Hopkins share vital information and strategy. The strong bond between the former Clemson stars is a bedrock of the Texans’ prolific offense.
With Watson operating as one of the elite dual-threat quarterbacks in the game and Hopkins arguably holding the mantle as the top receiver in the NFL, they’ve formed a potent combination.
“We can just kind of look at each other and know exactly what we want,” Watson said after Tuesday’s joint training camp practice with the Green Bay Packers. “Depending on the route concept and what we want to do, we just have that knit, that chemistry. It’s like we’ve been playing with each other for years now. We kind of relate with each other on the field and off the field, so that kind of makes it easier.”
The passing connection between Watson and Hopkins runs deeper than simply football or sharing an alma mater.
Watson grew up in difficult circumstances in Gainesville, Ga. Hopkins’ family went through a lot as his father died at a young age and his mother was a victim of domestic violence.
Since Watson arrived in Houston three years ago, he and Hopkins have built a strong friendship based on understanding each other.
“It’s not even so much of being both from Clemson. It’s more of just being able to … raised in the same background, being able to relate to one another off the field,” Watson said. “That’s the biggest thing. We kind of relate to each other off the field. That makes the transition on the field a lot easier.”
On the field, their collaboration speaks volumes.
A year ago, Watson played in every game and helped lead the Texans to an AFC South division title. His favorite downfield target was Hopkins: the man with the huge, soft hands and penchant for acrobatic leaping catches.
Hopkins caught 115 passes for 1,572 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the third time and was a first-team All-Pro for the second consecutive year.
Watson passed for 4,165 yards, 26 touchdowns and just nine interceptions.
Watson has developed a knack for finding Hopkins and connecting with him in stride, threading passes through the tightest of windows or simply lobbing the football up to his friend with the knowledge he will win the battle.
The chemistry between Watson and Hopkins is obvious. and it’s continuing to grow during training camp.
“I think it’s getting better,” Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. “I think that being out here practicing, getting the timing down, whether it’s here in Green Bay or back in Houston, and keep stringing good days together as we approach the season is important.
“I think it gets better and better every day because they put the time in. They put the time in the film room, and they put the time in on the practice field.”
In two NFL seasons, including a rookie season abbreviated to seven games due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Watson has passed for 5,864 yards and 45 touchdowns.
Next year, Watson will be eligible for a new contract. He is currently playing under a $13.86 million rookie deal.
The Texans should be hearing the words “Watson to Hopkins” for several years.
Seven seasons into his NFL career, Hopkins is entering the third year of a five-year, $81 million contract. Due a $12.5 million base salary this season, Hopkins has 528 career receptions for 7,437 yards and 47 touchdowns.
Heading into their third season playing together, Hopkins can’t wait to see what he and Watson can accomplish as the Texans seek to return to the playoffs and make a Super Bowl run.
What’s understood doesn’t need to be said.
“Very exciting, very exciting.” Hopkins said. “The sky is the limit.”