Tag: DeAndre Hopkins

Texans OC Tim Kelly thinks Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins perform on every stage

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson and WR DeAndre Hopkins are always performing at a high level, regardless of how many eyeballs are watching.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and receiver DeAndre Hopkins have been stellar in all four of the team’s nationally televised games this season, posting a 3-1 record.

Watson has collected passer ratings of 114.3, 120.4, 104.6, and 140.7 in bouts with the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 on Monday Night Football, the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 9, the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12 on Thursday Night Football, and the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football in Week 13.

Week 16’s Saturday encounter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is part of a nationally televised triple-header on NFL Network, which can only mean the tandem is set to have another explosive game. However, offensive coordinator Tim Kelly believes the two Pro Bowler perform at a high level regardless of the television audience.

“I think they’re good together in every game they play,” Kelly told reporters Wednesday. “They’re two great players that work hard to be on the same page and are able to go out there and make plays consistently.”

Hopkins caught eight passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, eight passes for 48 yards and a score in Week 9, six catches for 94 yards and two scores in Week 12, and five catches for 64 yards in Week 13, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to Watson.

Still, Kelly thinks every game matters to Hopkins and Watson; they don’t mean any more or any less.

Said Kelly: “I think every game they come out there and it’s the most important thing in the world for them to go out there and play well and win. I think those two guys are two of the more competitive players that I’ve ever been around and they come out and they fight to the very end.”

Watson, Hopkins, and the rest of the Texans will be fighting to the last whistle against the Buccaneers. A win over the 7-7 NFC South club will deliver Houston their sixth AFC South title in franchise history, and the second-most in the history of the division behind the Indianapolis Colts’ seven. More importantly, it will get the Texans in the tournament where anything can happen.

Texans-Buccaneers Wednesday injury report: DeAndre Hopkins, Carlos Hyde not practicing

The Houston Texans released their Thursday injury report ahead of their game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and DeAndre Hopkins did not practice.

The Houston Texans released their Thursday injury report ahead of their Week 16 encounter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday at noon CT at Raymond James Stadium.

The Texans had two prolific offensive players not practice in receiver DeAndre Hopkins and running back Carlos Hyde.

Did not participate
ILB Benardrick McKinney Concussion
OLB Jacob Martin Knee
RB Carlos Hyde Ankle/not injury related
WR DeAndre Hopkins Illness

The Texans did have some positive news as safety Jahleel Addae, who did not participate in Tuesday’s practice with an Achilles injury, was a limited participant on Wednesday.

Limited participation
TE Darren Fells Hand
WR Will Fuller Hamstring
RB Carlos Hyde Ankle
RB Taiwan Jones Hamstring
OLB Brennan Scarlett Achilles/shoulder
S Jahleel Addae Achilles

The Buccaneers announced that receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans would be placed on injured reserve, ruling them out for the Saturday contest with the Texans. For more information, visit the Bucs Wire.

Texans vs. Buccaneers: Time, TV schedule and streaming info for Week 16

The Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers hook up for a Week 16 showdown on NFL Network. Find out how to watch the game here.

Win and they are in.

All the Houston Texans have to do to wrap up the AFC South is beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday at 12:00 p.m. CT at Raymond James Stadium. By virtue of having a better division record than the Tennessee Titans, regardless of whether the Titans win out, the Texans would have the tiebreaker and take the division.

Quarterback Jameis Winston and the 7-7 Buccaneers stand in the way of the Texans. Winning five of their last six games, Tampa Bay is a potent offense that could put a Drew Lock-like beating on the Texans.

Week 16 could be a letdown for the Texans, or it could be a buildup for a playoff run. Nonetheless, the Texans are 1-2 against the NFC South this season and could finish with a .500 mark against the other conference for the second straight year.

As part of the hoopla of the game being part of tripleheader action on NFL Network, the game will feature a Next Gen Stats second-screen experience for fans at NFL.com/ngslive, which can be viewed on desktop and mobile.

According to NFL Media, “Next Gen Stats Live” will give fans access to tracking players live and allowing users to follow real-time location and participation on the field concurrent with the broadcast. Furthermore, fans will also have the customary unique player insights for passing, rushing, receiving, and a lot more.

To get ready for the Week 16 action here is important game day information so you can catch the game. Follow the @TheTexansWire and the crew (@therealmarklane, @averydduncan).

You can live stream the game on FuboTV (try it free).

Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Saturday, Dec. 21 at 12:00 p.m. CT

TV channel: CBS (Rich Eisen, Nate Burleson, Joe Thomas)

Live stream: FuboTV (try it free)

Radio: Sports Radio 610 (KILT-AM), Mega 101 (KLOL-FM) (Marc Vandermeer & Andre Ware)

Location: Raymond James Stadium

Forecast: Cloudy, 74 degrees, 12 mph wind

Referee: Scott Novak

Odds: Texans -3.0

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins draws comparisons to Panthers greats Muhsin Muhammad, Steve Smith

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians says Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins plays like former Panthers WRs Muhsin Muhammed and Steve Smith.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has been coaching at the NFL level since 1989, and he has a deep well to draw from when making comparisons.

According to the two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year, Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins is a mix between two Carolina Panthers legendary receivers, Muhsin Muhammad and Steve Smith.

“For a fast guy, he’s probably one of the more physical guys in the league,” Arians said Tuesday in his press conference. “Physicality, he’s like a Muhsin Muhammad, but he’s faster. He’s a combination of Muhammad and Steve Smith.”

Muhammad established himself as the leading receiver for the expansion Panthers as a 1996 second-round draft pick from Michigan State. Using his ability to “box” defenders throughout his routes, Muhammad caught 696 passes for 9,255 yards and 50 touchdowns in his 11 seasons in Carolina, earning two Pro Bowl selections in the process.

Smith played alongside Muhammad and eventually took over the No. 1 role. The former 2001 third-round pick from Utah used his speed, fire and play-style that was far bigger than his 5-9, 195-pound frame. Smith went to five Pro Bowls, tallying 14,731 yards and 80 touchdowns.

“He’ll beat you up and just take the ball,” Arians said of Hopkins. “It’s his ball, he’s going to take it. And Deshaun is going to throw it to him because he knows he’s going to catch it.”

Though honorable comparisons, Hopkins has built his own legacy in the NFL. With four Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro selections to date, Hopkins is well on his way to a Hall of Fame career, recording 627 receptions for 8,579 yards and 54 touchdowns through his first seven seasons in the NFL.

In 2019, Hopkins has given defenses fits, recording the second-most receptions on the year with 99. He has turned that into 1,142 yards and seven touchdowns. The Buccaneers should have trouble defending him on Saturday, as all defenses have since 2013.

Deshaun Watson among 3 Texans who made the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl

Quarterback Deshaun Watson was one of three Houston Texans who made the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.

The Houston Texans have three players who made the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.

After fan voting and player voting was tabulated, quarterback Deshaun Watson, receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil were selected as the AFC’s best in the Pro Bowl.

Watson is making his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, becoming the first Texans quarterback in franchise history to mark consecutive Pro Bowl selections. He also ties quarterback Matt Schaub for the most in Texans history.

Hopkins is starting to become a regular fixture in the all-star game as he earned his fourth career selection. The two-time All-Pro’s 99 receptions are second in the league behind New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas.

Tunsil making his first career Pro Bowl is another validation of how correct coach Bill O’Brien and the five-man general managing council was in bringing the former 2016 first-round pick to Houston.

Ultimately, while the Texans are pleased at such selections, they would prefer not to play in the game set for Sunday, Jan. 26 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Rather, they would prefer to be preparing for Super Bowl LIV.

Texans’ locker room isn’t talking about the Pro Bowl

The Houston Texans locker room isn’t talking about the Pro Bowl, says QB Deshaun Watson. They still have higher aspirations.

The NFL will announce Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. CT on NFL Network the Pro Bowl rosters for the AFC and the NFC. Some Houston Texans will make the cut to visit Orlando in the winter.

DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson are natural additions to the Pro Bowl. Others like Laremy Tunsil, D.J. Reader, Justin Reid, Benarrick McKinney, Zach Cunningham and Carlos Hyde could sneak in.

While earning a Pro Bowl bid is a nice resumé booster and will bring some fan attention, it’s not on the mind of the Texans’ locker room.

“Not a lot of guys have been talking about that,” Watson said on Tuesday on making the Pro Bowl. “If it happens, it happens, but that’s not the main focus.”

What is the main focus?

“The main focus is taking care of business on Saturday and then take care of the next step,” Watson said.

The Texans have unfinished business. Though they defeating the red-hot Tennessee Titans on Sunday to take the lead in the AFC South, they haven’t won it yet. To do so, they will need a victory on Saturday over the 7-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in Tampa Bay.

The Texans appear playoff bound, needing one more win out of two attempts or a Titans loss to the New Orleans Saints to get there. From there on, their focus goes directly to the playoffs.

Houston does not have a chance to steal a first-round bye from the Baltimore Ravens or New England Patriots. If the Watson-led Texans want to reach the Super Bowl in Miami, they will have to play five more games and win three in a row.

The Pro Bowl is not one of those games they have to play and win.

The Texans want to be in Florida in late Janurary and February. However, they want to be in the southern part, not central.

2020 Pro Bowl selection: Time and TV info for roster announcement

The NFL will announce their 2020 Pro Bowl rosters Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. CT with coverage on NFL Network.

The NFL will announce Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. CT on NFL Network the Pro Bowl rosters for the AFC and the NFC.

The Houston Texans are expected to have a couple of selections to the AFC roster with quarterback Deshaun Watson and receiver DeAndre Hopkins playing at a high level. What helps with the visibility of any Texans player’s accomplishments is the fact Houston is 9-5 and a win away from securing their second consecutive AFC South title.

The Pro Bowl will be held on Jan. 26, 2020 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. No kickoff time has been announced. It will be the fourth year in a row the NFL’s all-star game has been held in Orlando.

2020 NFL Pro Bowl: Which Texans should be selected

The NFL Pro Bowl rosters will be announced on Tuesday night, and there are some Houston Texans who deserve consideration to play in the all-star game.

The 2020 NFL Pro Bowl rosters will be announced Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. CT on NFL Network. With the Houston Texans sitting at 9-5, first place in the AFC South, and a win away from clinching the division, they have a few players worthy of making the all-star lineup.

1. wr deandre hopkins

texans-deandre-hopkins-afcs-top-wr-pro-bowl-vote-getter
(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Nobody does it better, except maybe New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas. Hopkins has the second-most catches in the league with 99, sixth-most yards with 1,142, and the second-most first downs with 67. The two-time All-Pro has produced five games with 100-plus receiving yards.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Texans’ DeAndre Hopkins finishes fan voting as AFC’s top WR Pro Bowl vote-getter

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is heading to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time, as he finishes as the AFC’s top WR vote-getter.

DeAndre Hopkins, the people’s wide receiver.

With fan voting for the 2020 Pro Bowl wrapped up, the Houston Texans wide receiver stands as the most popular at his position in the AFC. Hopkins finished the fan voting stage with 275,684 votes to get him to Orlando in February of 2020.

“Nuk” is now guaranteed to make the Pro Bowl for the fourth time in his seven-year career and third year in a row. He will do so as an AFC starter, which the NFL will announce on Tuesday.

Though his numbers aren’t perhaps as gaudy as 2018, Hopkins’ campaign is well worth another Pro Bowl nod. In 14 games, the 27-year-old has 99 receptions for 1,142 yards and seven touchdowns. The reception mark is second in the NFL, behind the New Orleans Saints’ Michael Thomas.

Whether or not Hopkins attends the Pro Bowl is unknown, however. Though he has earned the honor thrice before, he has only been once. Players can opt-out of attending.

WR Will Fuller opened up the Texans’ offense in 24-21 win over the Titans

The Houston Texans saw Will Fuller play in a win over the Tennessee Titans. That helped DeAndre Hopkins and Kenny Stills put up big numbers.

The Houston Texans’ offense didn’t shred the Tennessee Titans’ defense in their 24-21 win at Nissan Stadium Sunday per se, but things did come easier after a slow start.

The Texans averaged 8.4 yards per attempt in the victory. They converted 50% of their third downs as compared to the Titans’ 40%, won the time of possession battle (31:20 to 29:40) and, as tends to happen in every win, outscored the opposition.

Part of Houston’s success can be attributed to who plays, specifically speed merchant wide receiver Will Fuller.

Fuller returned with a recovery hamstring following a one-game hiatus. His impact far outweighs his five receptions for 61 yards stat line. His fellow pass-catchers would be the first to tell you that.

“Having Will out there helps this whole offense,” receiver DeAndre Hopkins told reporters after the game. “He is a guy that you have to keep your eye on downfield making plays.”

While the Titans’ defense keyed-in on the deep-bomb potential that is Fuller, Hopkins, a two-time All-Pro, ripped apart single coverage, averaging 3.62 yards of separation, per NFL Next Gen Stats. He finished with six receptions for 119 yards.

Wide receiver Kenny Stills also found production with Fuller playing. Though his reception and yard numbers aren’t as gaudy as Hopkins’ (three catches for 33 yards), his touchdown total of two certainly is.

Stills wasn’t surprised by his production on Sunday. Fuller gives defenses headaches — Hopkins, Stills and Fuller is a tough trio to stop. Top that with a 1,000-yard rusher in Carlos Hyde and red zone threat tight end Darren Fells, and the Texans have an offense that can strike fear in any opponent.

“It’s not surprising at all,” said Stills. “We’re kind of like a three-headed monster, and then you have the backs and the tight ends. We put a lot of pressure on defenses and we know that. We just have to stop hurting ourselves, and execute, and stop turning the ball over.”

The Texans are now 7-2 in games that Fuller completes.