2. DeAndre Hopkins breaks recent trend
Since Week 1 was finished and DeAndre Hopkins totaled eight receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns, Hopkins hasn’t played up to his high standards on the stat sheet. In the next three weeks, Hopkins has a combined 148 yards on 16 receptions and no touchdowns in Weeks 2-4.
The opening game numbers are what have made Hopkins a household name, and the 27-year old most likely expects more than that when he takes the field each week. Hopkins has a tough challenge with the Atlanta Falcons focusing on him in this upcoming game so we will see what happens.
Atlanta is allowing 215.3 net passing yards per game, and to be honest that isn’t a lot. Compare to the Falcons offense and they are averaging 312.5 yards per game passing.
The duo of Hopkins and Deshaun Watson hasn’t fired on all cylinders this season due to the fact the way defenses are defending the pass. Whether it be with their secondary having extra coverage on Hopkins, or the play up front by the Texans, the offense is suffering and it shows each week. Also the Texans haven’t established an consistent rushing attack, so all of that factors into the performance of Hopkins too.
All of that said, Hopkins is very talented and you can easily see he takes a lot of pride in being one of the very best wide receivers in the league. Even if the Texans do allow five or more sacks Sunday (it could happen), a couple big plays by Hopkins could off-set those potential sacks.
It will be a tough task, but if the Texans want to win, they need more production from Hopkins to get the offense going in the right direction.