How DeAndre Hopkins’ departure elevated Nick Westbrook-Ikhine’s game

The Titans’ trade of DeAndre Hopkins ignited a spark in its remaining wide receivers, including Nick Westbrook-Ikhine who is Mr. Reliable.

The Tennessee Titans got off to a pretty rough start in 2024, currently sitting at 2-6 heading into Week 10. During the offseason, the Titans made a ton of adjustments, firing Mike Vrabel and hiring Brian Callahan, hiring Dennard Wilson as defensive coordinator and signing talent like Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd.

But not all of those changes had the desired impact. In fact, Will Levis couldn’t find his receivers at all early in the season, and even Mason Rudolph struggled until the Titans traded DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hopkins’ departure not only saw Ridley stepping up to set an example among the receivers, but Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has stormed onto the scene as a clutch receiver. His reliability is what led NFL Insider Turron Davenport to nickname him ‘Mr. Accord.’

 

While he doesn’t drive an Accord, Westbrook-Ikhine sported a shirt bearing the logo. “My buddy sent me I think it was when I made the 53 in training camp,” he told reporters. “Turron put out some sweet about ‘Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is like a Honda Accord, it might not look pretty but he’ll do what you need him to do,’ or something like that, it will get you from A to B. So, that was the ode there, just trying to be Mr. Reliable. I didn’t make that nickname, but I like it, you know, it’s an honor.”

Westbrook-Ikhine has recorded 10 receptions this season for 108 yards and four touchdowns. All of his receptions are for a first down or a touchdown, except for one.

Hopkins’ departure, Tyler Boyd’s nagging shoulder injury, and Treylon Burks landing on IR were perfect for Westbrook-Ikhine to show what he is capable of. And that’s exactly what the fifth-year veteran is doing. Stay tuned as the Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Show continues on Sunday in California.

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