Sep 15, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) and wide receiver Keshawn Martin (82) celebrate the winning touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during overtime at Reliant Stadium. The Texans won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Where do the Houston Texans go from here? That’s the question following Week 2 and as they begin to prep for their third game of the season, a road trip scheduled to Baltimore as they will face the Ravens this coming Sunday.
Before we get to previewing that game during the week, my question is after everyone has hopefully slept on it, what are your feelings on the 2013 Texans following a 2-0 start to the year?
Though I still have some questions with the team and their ability to get a lead and hold onto it, following the first two games I like what I’ve seen overall from both sides of the ball for the most part.
For starters, how can’t anyone not enjoy watching the play of rookie wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, especially what he showed Sunday afternoon in overtime, or matter of fact, what he showed in the entire game.
Hopkins finished with seven receptions for 117 yards and the TD.
In two games, the first round draft choice has 12 receptions for 183 yards (15.3 yards per catch) and one touchdown, with that score being the gamer-winner in the 30-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans on overtime.
Following the game, Hopkins told the media, as told on houstontexans.com: “I feel like I can be better than Andre (Johnson). That’s my mindset. And that’s what Andre tells me. (He says) Don’t try to shadow yourself when you know you can be better.”
As a fan of football in general you have to like what you just read from a rookie. I don’t see it as having an ego problem or anything like that … if the man thinks he can be better than one of the best receivers of this generation’s NFL, than all the power to him, now he just has to go out there and prove it week-in and week-out.
Do I think he’s the second coming of Andre Johnson … yes and no. I think eventually Hopkins will be at the level of Johnson sooner rather than later, but those are big shoes to fill. In fact, though, to be honest, I think Hopkins is primed to be a very, very good (I won’t use great yet) wide receiver in the NFL and be the first DeAndre Hopkins.
The Texans got a steal at drafting Hopkins where they did in the first round this past April, and by seeing how the rookies plays wide out, and you can just tell he respects Andre Johnson, Hopkins is going to be really fun to watch improve in the game.
Houston may need Hopkins to be “the man” sooner rather than later if Johnson did suffer a concussion Sunday against the Titans.This is Hopkins’ time to “shine” or “step-up” and it will be a scene to watch as the season continues.