Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins took plenty of flack from haters for joining the Tennessee Titans in free agency this offseason, and that was on top of them saying he was washed up.
The veteran wideout also didn’t draw the kind of interest from teams in free agency you would expect him to, as he previously revealed back in September.
But after tallying 65 yards or less in five of his first six games, DHop now has now broken the century mark in two of the last three, including his 128-yard, three-touchdown performance in Week 8.
The three scores were his first with the Titans and the yardage output was the second-most he’s had in a game this season (140 in Week 5). Making it more impressive, he tallied that production with a rookie making his NFL debut while also scoring touchdowns of 47 and 61 yards.
Hopkins’ quiet start to the season had nothing to do with him being washed up, as he’s more than passed the eye test. Instead, Hopkins was a victim of the defects around him, like poor pass protection and inconsistent quarterback play.
After the win on Sunday, Hopkins reminded everyone that he is still, in fact, him.
When Pro Football Focus posted a clip of Hopkins going off, they called it “vintage DeAndre Hopkins” but the three-time All Pro provided a correction.
Current* https://t.co/A0KFGbtmkv
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) October 30, 2023
When leaving the field after the game, Hopkins channeled Seattle Seahawks quarterback, Geno Smith, who provided an epic quote when he said “they wrote me off but I ain’t write back, though” last season.
"They wrote me off. I feel like Geno." – @DeAndreHopkins pic.twitter.com/eyaJT0Y1mh
— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2023
As far as the guy who threw him the aforementioned touchdowns, Hopkins while very complimentary of rookie quarterback Will Levis, but also heaped praise on the Titans’ coaching staff for getting him ready.
“You got to thank (offensive coordinator) Tim Kelly and those guys, the whole offensive staff for getting (Levis) ready and prepared for today,” Hopkins said. “Obviously, he’s a very talented quarterback, confident, plays the game like he’s been here before. Tim Kelly, those guys did a great job of being prepared for today.”
Assuming Hopkins doesn’t get moved at the trade deadline and Levis keeps the job after Ryan Tannehill is healthy enough to play, Nuk will play a huge role in Levis’ development the rest of the way.
