'I'm one of his hardest critics' – Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins providing mentorship for rookie teammate
When the Kansas City Chiefs traded for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins earlier this season, it was not only for his skill, but for his veteran leadership. The Chiefs were in a bind when their top two receivers in Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown were both placed on injured reserve. Rookie Xavier Worthy suddenly became their […]
When the Kansas City Chiefs traded for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins earlier this season, it was not only for his skill, but for his veteran leadership.
The Chiefs were in a bind when their top two receivers in Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown were both placed on injured reserve. Rookie Xavier Worthy suddenly became their No. 1 receiver, but Kansas City knew it needed a veteran to take pressure off of him.
Hopkins has done just that, catching 35 passes for 393 yards and four touchdowns in eight games with the Chiefs. As valuable as his on-field production has been to the offense, his veteran leadership off the field has been just as important. While speaking to the media following K.C.'s victory over the Houston Texans on Saturday, Hopkins praised Worthy's performance, while also stating that he is one of Worthy's hardest critics.
"Xavier made some good plays out there," Hopkins said. "I'm one of his hardest critics. I want him to make every catch that comes his way. It's going to come as he gets more playing time and plays in this league. I want him to have two touchdowns instead of one."
Here's what Hopkins said when asked what improvements he's seen from Worthy throughout the course of the season.
"Just him understanding the defenses and the coverages, and leverage," Hopkins said.
Worthy had his best performance of the season against the Texans, catching seven passes for 65 yards and a touchdown, also adding 10 rushing yards. After the game, Worthy agreed that Hopkins can be hard on him, but he understands that Hopkins is just trying to make him better, and their relationship is like one between brothers.
"Yeah, he always gets on me," Worthy said. "Like, I can catch the ball, and he says 'you should have caught it like this.' So, he's just trying to get on me and make sure I'm at my best at all times. It's like a big brother relationship. I like it."
Worthy's improvements have been apparent over the past several weeks. His route running has been sharp, he's been sure handed, and he is making adjustments based off what he sees from defenses. His chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes has gotten much better after some miscues between the two earlier in the year.
With Hollywood Brown now back in the mix, the Chiefs have a great trio of receivers between Brown, Worthy, and Hopkins. The early results are promising as K.C. had arguably it's best offensive output of the season against a very good Texans' defense.
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