Here's what the Chiefs expect from new WR DeAndre Hopkins in Week 9 vs. the Buccaneers
Kansas City Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins got off to a nice start with his Week 8 debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, but his new team is expecting so much more moving forward. Hopkins made a strong first impression, catching two of three passes for 29 yards in the Week 8 win in Las Vegas while […]
Kansas City Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins got off to a nice start with his Week 8 debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, but his new team is expecting so much more moving forward.
Hopkins made a strong first impression, catching two of three passes for 29 yards in the Week 8 win in Las Vegas while playing in less than half of Kansas City's offensive snaps.
During his Thursday media availability, Chiefs HC Andy Reid was asked to evaluate what he saw from Hopkins last week in meetings and during that game. His comments suggest that both Hopkins and the rest of the coaching staff expect a more substantial role for him as early as Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"DeAndre (Hopkins), yeah, he's really handled things the right way, been very diligent on studying and picking, asking questions and staying late, coming early, the whole deal there. So his role will continue to increase this week. I mean, we're comfortable with that, and I think he's comfortable with it."
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was asked about what Hopkins' continued integration could do for the downfield passing game. His response suggests that he expects Hopkins to do more for the team's intermediate passing game, which hypothetically could lead to more deep shots.
"I think whenever you're able to put them in there, obviously we're able to hit some throws down the field," Mahomes said. "But I think hitting him cut over that medium to long range, he's going to open up other guys down the field and take pressure off other guys, as far as eyes and coverage. And so whenever you got, I mean really, two guys, when you talk about DeAndre (Hopkins) and Trav (Travis Kelce), they're all kind of working in that medium type range in the football field, it opens up the deeper throws because teams have to account for that."
Even Hopkins knows he was only just scratching the surface in Week 8. As he continues to learn, he won't just be relying on his veteran prowess, but also a growing chemistry with his quarterback Mahomes, and his play-caller in Reid.
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