'Don't overthink or listen to the outside noise' – Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins set to face former team on Saturday
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will be facing the team that drafted him when the Houston Texans come to town for an AFC divisional round playoff matchup. When Kansas City played the Texans back in Week 16, Hopkins was held relatively in check with four catches for 37 yards. His workload was carefully […]
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will be facing the team that drafted him when the Houston Texans come to town for an AFC divisional round playoff matchup.
When Kansas City played the Texans back in Week 16, Hopkins was held relatively in check with four catches for 37 yards. His workload was carefully managed down the stretch to ensure him being ready to go for the postseason. Now that it's here, Hopkins is focused on being as prepared as possible, both mentally and physically.
"The level of detail is just a little bit higher," Hopkins said to the media on Thursday. "And you know, things that you do throughout the week, preparing your body for that game. You want to be your best. So, it's definitely a little bit more preparation."
Hopkins went on to echo what he said when he was acquired by the Chiefs in October – that he's here because of the opportunity to play in high stakes games and potentially win a Super Bowl.
"I'm very excited, that's the reason that I wanted to be here," Hopkins said. "And I think that's part of the reason that Veach [Chiefs GM Brett Veach] brought me here, for games like this. So, I'll go out and play my game and do what I can and uplift everyone else."
Hopkins has been just as valuable off the field as he has on it. He has been a mentor to the Chiefs' receiving corps, particularly to rookie Xavier Worthy. Hopkins is confident that Worthy can handle the speed of playoff football, emphasizing to him to stay focused from outside noise and be true to himself.
"He's [Worthy] a fast guy, but I think the speed difference is more just knowing where you need to be," Hopkins said. "And the level of detail, just, not making mistakes. I don't know too many people in the NFL who's faster than Xavier. But, for the young guys, this is their first time playing in big games like this, so just go out and play your game. Don't overthink or listen to the outside noise."
The Chiefs are as deep at the receiver position as they have been in a long time with the likes of Hopkins, Worthy, and Hollywood Brown. Hopkins will look to eliminate his former team en route to his first Super Bowl appearance, and hopefully winning it. Hopkins was a first-round pick by the Texans back in 2013, playing for them for seven seasons.
