Very few wide receivers give defenses as many fits as DeAndre Hopkins does. A back-to-back All-Pro for the Houston Texans, Hopkins has the attention of whoever he plays. The Baltimore Ravens are no exception to the rule.
Hopkins, who is second in the NFL in catches (68), presents the Ravens defense that Baltimore coach John Harbaugh won’t undersell.
“Everybody is on the same page, but number 10 (Hopkins) is one of the best, if not the best, in the league,” said coach Harbaugh on a Wednesday conference call. “He’s right there.”
On the season, Hopkins has 68 receptions for 665 yards and four touchdowns. Recently, he has seen an uptick in targets, receiving at least 11 in his last four outings, as compared to one instance of 11+ in his first five.
In his previous three games against Baltimore combined, Hopkins has tallied 18 receptions for 223 yards. He has yet to face the Ravens with Deshaun Watson taking snaps.
Known for his physicality, Hopkins is often described as a nightmare to defend on the line of scrimmage. He boxes as if he were Mike Tyson to beat cornerbacks. His large catch radius, chemistry with Deshaun Watson and experience rounds out a full-fledged force.
“He’s really tough to cover, he bodies people up, he’s got great body control, he’s got great hands, he’s very strong, excellent after the catch,” continued Harbaugh. “I don’t see one hole in his game, and that’s what we’re confronted with and we’re going to try to do our best against him.”
Though the Ravens boast defensive secondary playmakers, Hopkins could be in-line for a big game against the coach that praises him. Baltimore is 22nd in the NFL in wide receiver catches (125) and yards allowed (1,654).
Harbaugh is prepared to face Hopkins. He has the scouting report. However, on Sundays, a scouting report will only get a team so far.