The Tennessee Titans’ leading receiver from 2022, Robert Woods, finished the campaign with just 527 yards. Through eight games in 2023, veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins has already surpassed that mark.
After totaling 60 receiving yards in the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9, DHop now sits at 564 for the season, 37 more than Woods totaled all of last year.
Hopkins is also just one receiving touchdown and 18 receptions shy of the team-high marks from 2022, which were set by running back Dontrell Hilliard (four) and Woods (53).
At 70.5 receiving yards per game, Hopkins is on pace to tally 1,198 for the season. To put that number into perspective, it would’ve ranked as the ninth-most receiving yards in the NFL last season. He currently ranks 15th.
We’ll be on bonus watch with Hopkins the rest of the season. The 31-year-old needs 95 catches for 1,050 yards and 10 scores to make an extra three million (one million per incentive).
While he’s on pace in the yardage department, Hopkins is on pace to fall short in the other two, with 74 receptions and six scores, which would net him $250,000 and $500,00, respectively, but not the full million for each.
Hopkins looks like the elite receiver he’s always been, so he’s certainly capable of more. The problem lies in all the issues going on around him, which includes poor pass protection that has led to inconsistent play at quarterback, especially when Ryan Tannehill was under center.
The good news for Hopkins is, Will Levis has looked like an upgrade in the two games he’s played and should get the nod the rest of the way for Tennessee.
The pair has shown instant chemistry that will only get stronger. The rookie should help improve Hopkins’ numbers over the second half, putting him in better position to hit all of his incentives.
