Tag: DeAndre Hopkins

Texans QB Deshaun Watson dominates throwing the slant

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson excels at throwing a particular route, and is the best in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has proven throughout the course of his 2019 campaign that he is an MVP candidate. In order to have that type of performance, you need a go-to throw.

According to Pro Football Focus, the route that Watson throws the best, better than anyone in the entire NFL, is the slant route.

Watson has completed 26 of 30 slant routes, and two of his four incompletions were dropped. That’s good for a league-high 91.3 grade and an adjusted completion percentage of 93.3%.

It helps that Watson has arguably the best receiver in the NFL to throw to when he is attempting slant routes. Two-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins has caught 81 passes for 839 yards and and six touchdowns on the year, and plenty of those catches have come in the slant.

“Everybody knows we’re going to him, so he’s one of the most targeted players over the last six years, probably in the top five of receiver targets,” coach Bill O’Brien said on Nov. 22. “He is a chain mover, so he’s a guy that we got to on third down or first and second down to move the chains, and that’s great for a quarterback, and everybody knows he’s got awesome hands.”

Nonetheless, it also helps to have a great quarterback who can throw that route, and the Texans have it with Watson.

Texans coach Bill O’Brien dubs DeAndre Hopkins the best toe-tap receiver he has seen

Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien says that receiver DeAndre Hopkins is the best in the NFL at making toe-tap catches.

Throughout the NFL’s 100-year history, many — notably Cris Carter, Jordy Nelson and Marvin Harrison — to make highlight reels daily for their toe-tapping abilities. However, according to Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien, one stands out over the rest.

DeAndre Hopkins.

Since 2013, Hopkins has made miraculous toe-drag receptions the norm in Houston. On Thursday night, in a 20-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts, he made another, which made the rounds through the whole media.

No matter the quarterback, Hopkins makes the uncatchable catchable.

“He is the best, personally, that I’ve ever seen at being able to toe-tap the sideline,” said O’Brien on Friday. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Often, officials are left wondering if Hopkins catches it or not. Similar to the reception on Thursday, he leaves those wearing stripes clueless as to if he catches it or not. Luckily, according to O’Brien, when he tells them he caught it, he caught it.

“He does it time and time again, and when he tells you he’s in bounds, he’s in bounds,” said O’Brien. When he tells you, ‘I didn’t get my second foot down,’ then he didn’t get his second foot down. He’s got an incredible knack for that.”

Hopkins can haul-in the improbable with his footwork. While his hands, capable of catching anything in sight, make for a complete receiver that the Texans target on every down.

“He is a chain mover, so he’s a guy that we got to on third down or first and second down to move the chains, and that’s great for a quarterback, and everybody knows he’s got awesome hands,” said O’Brien.

On the season, Hopkins has 81 receptions for 839 yards and six touchdowns. In Week 11, he became the second-youngest player to ever haul-in 600 NFL receptions (behind Larry Fitzgerald). His ability to navigate the tight rope played a large part in his name written in the history books.

5 takeaways from Colts’ 20-17 loss vs. Texans

Takeaways from the Colts’ 20-17 loss.

Few things say it’s a big game more than when it’s in prime time, your opponent is your most hated rival, and there is not only a chance to secure an outright lead in your division but any other advantages in the playoff implications that come up at season’s end.

The Indianapolis Colts had all of that at stake and then some before falling short against the Houston Texans, 20-17. Thursday night’s affair once again came down to the last minute, and this time the Texans (7-4) outlasted the Colts (6-5) and ended their three-game losing streak against Indy.

Here are five takeaways:

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Watson finally gains an edge on the Colts defense

Entering Thursday night, quarterback Deshaun Watson was struggling against the Colts. Across the board, the Clemson product was seeing negatives that included a decline in his overall numbers, being pressured at a higher rate and losing three consecutive games against them.

Although the Colts had their moments against Watson on Thursday night, it wasn’t the same as before. The MVP candidate produced greater success in Week 12 as his athleticism and timely throws resulted in 298 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and just one sack surrendered.

Minus the successful blitzes by the Colts defense, they couldn’t get close enough to actually pressure Watson while also limiting his effectiveness as a runner.

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Deshaun Watson breaks down his two touchdown passes to DeAndre Hopkins versus Colts

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson explained both of his touchdown passes to WR DeAndre Hopkins in the team’s 20-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

For the first time since Week 1, Houston Texans’ Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins connected twice on touchdown passes. This time, the Clemson duo executed the feat in a win.

With Hopkins’ two touchdown receptions leading the way, the Texans beat the Indianapolis Colts 20-17 on Thursday night. The two scores were Houston’s only appearances in the end zone.

On the first, a 35-yard strike early in the second quarter, Watson found Hopkins wide open against busted coverage from safety Malik Hooker.

The first score was as easy as it can get for the Texans. Watson recognized the crumbling coverage to redeem himself after throwing an interception.

“The first one the safety just came down and hopped right on top and I had to move, and he saw me move, so he just reacted,” said Watson post-game. “And I don’t know where the safeties and corners was, but they weren’t in position, so I just kind of laid it out there, and a catchable ball.”

The second score wasn’t quite as easy. Early in the fourth quarter, Hopkins worked for a 30-yard touchdown, beating a pressing Pierre Desir to will himself open. Watson delivered.

“The second one it was man coverage and we knew that, he gave me the signal what the corner was, his leverage was, and we checked to that play and the safety sat on the hash and I gave him a catchable ball and he ran underneath it and caught it,” said Watson. “So that was pretty much it. Just kind of that’s how we scored on that.”

Hopkins finished the divisional win with six receptions for 94 yards to go along with the two touchdowns. Watson went 19 for 30 passing for 298 yards, two touchdowns, an interception and a 104.7 passer rating. The two reaffirmed their dynamic duo status.

Houston is Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins’ home, not Colts WR T.Y. Hilton’s

After Thursday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins says Houston is not T.Y. Hilton’s home.

In 2018, Indianapolis Colts wideout T.Y. Hilton called Houston his home —deservingly so, he routinely plays well in H-Town.

Hilton, since entering the NFL in 2012, has dominated the Texans, particularly when playing at NRG Stadium. Entering Week 12, Hilton had compiled 87 receptions for 1,604 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 career contests against the Texans.

In his eight games at NRG Stadium, Hilton had racked up 46 receptions for 1,018 yards and seven touchdowns before Week 12’s matchup. His quarterbacks — Andrew Luck, Jacoby Brissett and Matt Hasselbeck — combined for a 129.8 passer rating when targeting him in Houston.

Thursday night’s Texans 20-17 win was not a continuation of dominant performances for Hilton. He finished with three receptions for 18 yards. But, it was one for Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, as he pitched in six catches for 94 yards and a pair of scores.

Hopkins’ performance reminded the national audience of who calls Houston home. It’s not a clown mask wearing Hilton, who resides in Indianapolis.

“You know, when someone says this is their home, they’re insulting me. I think that T.Y.’s (Hilton) a great player. That’s my boy, but I take things like that personal,” said Hopkins after the win.

The Texans effectively shutdown a receiver with career performances in Houston. Hilton’s performance was his second-worst in a game against the Texans.

The Colts struggled to match the Texans’ big plays on Thursday, in large part due to Hilton’s inability to get open. Houston played the speed merchant pass-catcher tight, with cornerback Gareon Conley seeing most of the time against him.

“He’s played some amazing games here, but today it wasn’t their day,” said Hopkins.

While Hilton travels back to Indiana, Hopkins and Co. will get to celebrate the establishment of their homefield advantage, which resides in the limits of Harris County. Earning the sole possession of the top of the AFC South is just a bonus.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins breaks down his unbelievable sideline catch against the Colts

Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins explained his process when caught a difficult yet spectacular sideline catch versus the Indianapolis Colts.

Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins is no stranger to making spectacular catches, but his 6-yard catch in the first quarter of the club’s 20-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts has to be one of his best of the season.

With 2:02 to go in the first quarter and facing a third-and-6 from the 50-yard line, quarterback Deshaun Watson scrambled around and threw a pass that appeared as if it was being thrown out of bounds. Hopkins made an effort to catch the ball, and while there is no denying he caught it, the question was whether he was out of bounds before controlling the catch.

“Yeah, one of the refs, I don’t know why he tried to wave it off, but the other ref, he was, like, that’s a catch,” Hopkins told reporters after the win. “I think he’s watched more of my games than the other guy to know you don’t really overturn those.”

While the world will be crediting Hopkins, who finished with six catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns, the two-time All-Pro receiver is giving credit to his quarterback.

“It was a great play by Deshaun getting me the ball,” said Hopkins. “I think I might have slipped before I caught it, if I’m not mistaken. But I know, knowing Deshaun he’s going to try to get the ball out no matter where you are. So, he put the ball only where I could catch it.”

The play disproved the old adage that the boundary is an extra defender. If that is the case, then the boundary was just like all of the Colts defenders on the evening who had trouble slowing down the former 2013 first-round pick from Clemson.

Hopkins finished his 106th straight game with a reception. The Texans are 7-4 on the season with a measuring stick game against the New England Patriots in Week 13 on Sunday Night Football at NRG Stadium.

Offensive grades from the Texans’ 20-17 victory over the Colts

The Houston Texans beat the Indianapolis Colts 20-17 on Thursday Night Football. Now, we hand out grades to Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins and Co.

The Houston Texans got it done on a short week. On Thursday night, the Texans defeated the rival Indianapolis Colts 20-17 to regain full control of the tight AFC South. With another win added to their win/loss column following a miserable defeat, Houston stands at 7-4 on the season.

The Texans offense failed to win the time of possession, first down and red zone scoring battles. However, they escaped with a win, in large part due to their 9.6 yards per play, more than doubling the Colts’ 4.7.

Let’s take a gander at the Texans’ offensive grades from the win.

Quarterback

(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

It took some time, but Deshaun Watson pieced together a solid performance on Thursday night. The third-year quarterback went 19 of 30 for 298 yards, two touchdowns, an interception and a 104.6 passer rating while extending his prime time record to 5-2 in the win.

It was a tale of two halves for Watson. In the first, he threw 10 for 15 for 115 yards, one touchdown, an interception and an 84.3 passer rating. In the second, he ramped up his efforts to the tune of 9 for 15 for 160 yards, a touchdown and a 118.7 passer rating.

Watson’s lows were low; his pick came on a poorly-read RPO while also missing easy first downs. However, once he got his rhythm going, his highs were just as high. Watson drilled clutch passes, tossed beautiful deep-bombs to Will Fuller, and, despite losing the time possession battle, pulled out a thrilling win.

Grade: B-
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Bill O’Brien gives Texans the weekend off following 20-17 win over the Colts

Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien gave his team the weekend off following their 20-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts Thursday night.

What’s better than beating the Indianapolis Colts, improving to 7-4, and taking first place in the AFC South.

Getting the weekend off.

Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien gave his club the weekend off following the team’s big win over their division rivals Thursday night at NRG Stadium.

O’Brien was subtle in the way he told his team they had a three-day off period upcoming via FOX cameras inside the postgame locker room.

“You guys played great team football,” O’Brien said. “Started, you know, when you came back from Baltimore, you turned the page. You guys did a great job of turning the page. You did a good job of playing good, team football tonight. And, you guys, that’s a hell of a win. What that does is that sets you up to be in the hunt now as you enter into December. This is a big, big stretch right now.

“We’ve got to take care of our bodies. We’ve got to be ready to steady. We’ve got to be ready to go at a moment’s notice. We’ve got to see each other on Monday.”

The locker room erupted in cheers and adulation.

Houston will need to use the mini-bye to get ready for a formidable opponent coming into NRG Stadium for Week 13 on Sunday Night Football, the New England Patriots. The 9-1 No. 1 seed in the AFC will play Sunday versus the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium. Whereas the Patriots will have a standard week in getting ready for the Texans, Houston will have three advantages: the weekend off, a week to prepare, and the game at home in their venue.

The win over the Colts makes it three consecutive seasons the Texans have produced a win on Thursday Night Football. Their last loss was a 27-0 shutout at the hands of Jacoby Brissett in Week 3 of 2016 at New England.

WATCH: DeAndre Hopkins gives the Texans the lead over the Colts

Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught a 30-yard touchdown pass to give the home side the leave over the Indianapolis Colts.

Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins is a certain target if a quarterback needs to cap off a big scoring drive.

Deshaun Watson heaved a 30-yard touchdown for Hopkins early in the fourth quarter to give the Texans a 20-17 lead over the Indianapolis Colts Thursday night at NRG Stadium.

Hopkins caught a touchdown pass earlier in the game. The touchdown connection makes it the 14th straight game for the two-time All-Pro that he has produced at least five receptions, which is the second-longest active streak in the NFL behind the New Orleans Saints’ Michael Thomas. Needless to say the streak is the longest in club history.

The Colts left DeAndre Hopkins completely uncovered, and NFL fans ripped Indy

It’s always worth trying to cover DeAndre Hopkins. The Colts didn’t even bother.

DeAndre Hopkins is probably the hardest man in the NFL to cover. The Indianapolis Colts didn’t even bother.

During Thursday Night Football in Week 12 at NRG Stadium, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson must have been shocked at how open Hopkins was during the second quarterback on a second-and-12. Hopkins ran a post route, and seemingly recognizing that the Colts had blown their coverage, the star receiver ran directly toward the end zone. That’s when Watson saw the streaking Hopkins, and finally targeted him.

Hopkins ultimately had to come back to the ball on an under-thrown ball from Watson, but the quarterback and receiver linked up for a 35-yard touchdown.

NFL fans were not kind to the Colts secondary. (Note to Colts: You might want to try covering Hopkins.)

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