DeAndre Hopkins was huge but not the most important player in 2023
NASHVILLE — Adding veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins was as big of an offseason acquisition as any NFL team made. Hopkins, however, is not the most important player on the Tennessee Titans roster this year. That designation belongs to quarterback Ryan Tannehill. No position on the football field is as dependent upon another one as wide […]
NASHVILLE — Adding veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins was as big of an offseason acquisition as any NFL team made. Hopkins, however, is not the most important player on the Tennessee Titans roster this year.
That designation belongs to quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
No position on the football field is as dependent upon another one as wide outs are. Hopkins is one that can consistently raise the level of any passer he plays with, and has proven so over heading into his 11th season as a pro. Hopkins, or any other pass catcher, has yet to figure out to both throw and catch the ball themselves.
Tennessee goes as Tannehill does this season.
The Titans quarterback is looking to bounce back from one of his most challenging professional seasons. Tannehill broke franchise legend Steve McNair's record for consecutive regular-season starts in October of last year. He made his 49th start, which broke the record set by McNair, who played for the Oilers/Titans from 1995-2005.
Tannehill began his streak Week 7 of the 2019 season when he replaced Marcus Mariota after a 2-4 start.
Tennessee has boasted a record of 36-19 in the regular season, including three trips to the playoffs in that span. At 35, Tannehill is still confident he can operate at a high level. Adding Hopkins this Summer will certainly help.
"I feel really good," said Tannehill. "Thankful that I feel really good coming off the surgery last year. You never really know how that stuff is is going to turn out. You want it to be great, and there's a lot of work that goes into that.
Hopkins took the best financial offer in free agency to come to Tennessee. The finances matter, but so does the football. The three-time First-Team All-Pro would not outright sacrifice competitiveness for cash.
"One out of 10, I think it’s a 10," said Hopkins after signing with the Titans when asked about his level of confidence in Tannehill. "I think he's a great quarterback."
Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.
