Titans haven’t been able to slow Hopkins
Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is having another stellar season.
Through 13 games, he has caught 93 passes for 1,023 yards, seven touchdowns and 62 first downs. He has been targeted 133 times and has 344 yards after the catch.
A year ago, Hopkins finished with a career-high 115 catches for 1,572 yards and 11 touchdowns. At this point last season, Hopkins had 84 catches for 1,151 yards and nine touchdowns on 124 targets with 303 yards after the catch.
“Best receiver in the league,” Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson said. “It makes my job a little easier, and it’s a guy that loves to compete. He loves to win, he loves to play football, so he’s going to be out there regardless of what he’s dealing with. As long as he’s out there, I’m out there and the guys that really put in the work are out there, we have a chance.”
Hopkins has tormented the Titans, this week’s opponent, throughout his career. In 12 games against them, he has averaged 6.4 receptions for 99.5 yards. He has caught 77 passes for 1,194 yards and seven touchdowns on 120 targets against them.
Hopkins figures to be pivotal for the Texans heading into this key stretch. They’re tied with the Titans for first place in the AFC South at 8-5 and play them twice in the next three weeks.
“I love it. I love the pressure,” he said. “I think this team loves it as well. It’s the kind of players we have in this locker room.”
What about the Texans’ 38-24 blowout loss last Sunday to the Denver Broncos? Hopkins, who made his first comments since that setback, which included former Texans defensive back Kareem Jackson delivering a big hit on the wide receiver over the middle, is putting it behind him.
“I forgot all about it,” Hopkins said with a smile. “I’m moving on to the Titans. I don’t remem
ber what happened last week.”