Tag: DeAndre Hopkins

WATCH: Deshaun Watson finds DeAndre Hopkins to put Texans on top against Colts

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson found receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a big touchdown versus the Indianapolis Colts.

The Houston Texans have a dangerous combination in the passing game with quarterback Deshaun Watson and receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and the Clemson Tiger duo proved it once more Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.

After the two-minute warning, Watson stood down an incoming blitz from the Colts and saw Hopkins streaking down the post. Obviously a busted coverage, the Pro Bowl signal caller heaved a deep ball for the two-time All-Pro that looked more like a punt return than a pass play.

The score put the Texans up on the Colts 10-7 with an extra point from Ka’imi Fairbairn.

WATCH: Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins with a ridiculous toe-drag catch against the Colts

Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins made an incredible catch against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football.

They say the boundary is an extra defender. If so, even the sideline can’t guard Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

On a third-and-6 from the 50-yard line, quarterback Deshaun Watson appeared to the throw the ball away towards the right sideline. However, Hopkins was there to catch the ball as he fell out of bounds. Initially ruled incomplete, a conference between the officials determined it was a catch.

Hopkins managed to drag both of his feet in-bounds as the majority of his body was hovering out of bounds.

The Texans concluded the drive with a 35-yard kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn to take a 3-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Colts vs. Texans Preview, Prediction, NFL Week 12 Live Stream, TV Channel, Start Time

Watch Colts vs. Texans Live Online.

The Colts and Texans, with identical 6-4 records, clash in a primetime matchup Thursday night in Houston. This marks the second meeting of the season between the top-ranked AFC South squads. Indianapolis leads the all-time series 28-8, including a 30-23 victory four weeks ago in Week 7. 

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Colts vs. Texans

  • When: Thursday, November 21
  • Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
  • TV: FOX
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Indianapolis snapped a two-game losing streak by beating the Jaguars 33-13 at home. Jacoby Brissett, who totaled 326 yards and four touchdowns last time against the Texans, returned from injury and picked up 148 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The team relied less on the passing game and more on the run with the unit combining for 264 yards and three touchdowns for the fourth-ranked rushing attack in the NFL. Jonathan Williams had 13 carries for 116 yards, while Marlon Mack picked up 109 yards and one touchdown to bring his total to 865 yards on the season (fifth in the NFL). Unfortunately, Mack will undergo hand surgery and be out indefinitely, causing a huge blow to the offense and shifting the weight back onto Brissett. 

On the defensive side of the ball, the Colts picked up two sacks and forced Nick Foles to throw one interception. The key was its ability to stop the run and hold Leonard Fournette to just 23 yards. Kenny Moore II led the team with eight tackles and one sack, while rookie Rock Ya-Sin racked up six tackles and the lone interception. The Colts will need to put pressure on Deshaun Watson and force the Texans to beat them in the passing game.

Sacks, sacks, and more sacks. The Baltimore Ravens defense was in the face of Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson all afternoon as they were destroyed 41-7 on the road. Watson completed 18 of 29 passes for 169 yards, one interception and was sacked 7 times. The offensive line will need to keep Watson upright the Texans want to beat the Colts. Carlos Hyde picked up nine carries for 65 yards and one touchdown for a rushing attack that ranks fifth with an average of 140.7 YPG. All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins led the team with seven catches for 80 yards and is the go-to guy for Watson in the passing game.

No defense has had the answer for Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson this season and the Texans were no different. The dual-threat quarterback accounted for over 300 yards and four touchdowns of total offense. Houston allowed 491 yards in the game, including 112 yards and one touchdown to running back Gus Edwards. Mack being sidelined will make the contest a little easier this weekend against the Colts but don’t count out Williams. Not only will they have to account for him, but also a versatile Jacoby Brissett. 

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Fantasy sits and starts for Texans-Colts on Thursday night

There are fantasy football points to be had as the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts face off in Week 12. Don’t miss out.

The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts will kickoff Week 12 in the NFL with a Thursday night encounter at NRG Stadium.

For some fantasy owners, this is the first chance to get into the action of the week. Here are some recommended sits and starts from the matchup.

starts

Colts QB Jacoby Brissett — The former New England Patriots quarterback managed to throw for four touchdown passes in the Week 7 showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium. He gets the best protection in the league with 2.7 seconds in the pocket. Brissett is 4-0 against the Texans as a starter. Let Brissett set the tone for Week 12.

Texans RB Carlos Hyde — Houston’s run game averages 5.0 yards per carry, the third-best in the NFL, and Hyde has picked up the eighth-most first downs in the league with 38, same number as Christian McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette. The Texans will give Hyde his chances to make an impact, even when the game is no longer consequential as seen with last week’s 41-yard run in an already decided game at Baltimore.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins — The two-time All-Pro is second in the NFL with 75 catches. The Colts defense knows the ball is headed his way, but Hopkins finds ways to get the job done. Hopkins has caught at least seven passes in his last six games, posting two 100-yard performances in that span. Where it’s a liability to start Hopkins is his yards per reception is down to 7.2, the second-lowest of his career.

 

sits

Colts RB Jonathan Williams — While Williams had a 100-yard performance last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it is unlikely he will produce such an effort for the second straight week, even against Houston’s run defense, which gives up 4.6 yards per carry, tied with New England for the ninth-highest in the league. As the feature back, Williams will have to prove he can shine.

Colts WR T.Y. Hilton — While the Texans killer historically has strong games against Houston, even inside NRG Stadium, he is questionable coming off of a short week. Though the Texans expect him to play, there are questions as to how effective he can be. Stay away for this week.

Texans defense/special teams — The Texans defense generally has trouble with the Colts. It is reasonable to assume the Texans can still win the game, even with a poor defensive and special teams performance folks should steer clear of in fantasy. However, there are better defensive and special teams efforts to be had on Sunday, not Thursday night.

Texans 100: Facts and Figures for Colts on Thursday night, No. 76-100

The Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts conclude their season series on Thursday night to start Week 12.

The Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts finish up their season series on Thursday night at NRG Stadium, and the facts conclude with a look at the NFL on FOX and NFL Network broadcast team as well as a few defensive stats.

Facts and Figures for Colts, No. 1-25

Facts and Figures for Colts, No. 26-50

Facts and Figures for Colts, No. 51-75

broadcast facts

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

76. This is the first game in the series to be broadcast on FOX and the fourth on NFL Network.

77. This is the seventh prime time game in the series, the most against any AFC South opponent for the Texans.

78. The Texans are 22-13 on FOX.

79. The Texans are 6-7 on NFL Network.

80. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will be the 19th different play-by-play team to call a game in the series.

81. Houston is 1-1 when Buck calls their games.

82. The Texans are 1-1 when Aikman does color commentary for their games.

83. This is the second game to be simulcast on KRIV, where Houston holds a 1-0 mark.

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Why can’t Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins be stopped on third down?

Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins can’t be stopped on third down, even though the defense knows the ball is going his way.

Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins is the focal point of every third down the offense faces. Regardless of the down and distance, the defense has to account for the two-time All-Pro.

Even so, teams are still having a hard time stopping Hopkins, who has produced 14 third down conversions, tied for seventh-most in the NFL.

Why can’t they guard Hopkins?

“I think one of the things that he does a really good job of, Hop, is that he knows every position,” coach Bill O’Brien told reporters Tuesday. “He know the offense cold, so you’re able to move him around. He’s not always going to be in one spot. He can line up in a lot of different spots, so I think that helps when you’re trying to locate him and double him and things like that.”

Hopkins isn’t perfect. After all, his 16 third down receptions are tied with Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert for the 12th-most in the NFL. Meanwhile the Los Angeles Rams’ Cooper Kupp leads the NFL with 24. However, Hopkins’ knowledge of the Texans’ passing offense is what gives Houston a chance to convert every third down, especially with quarterback Deshaun Watson under center.

“Eventually you’re going to find him, but I think him knowing the offense and understanding what we’re trying to do as well as he does helps him a lot, and then obviously it’s his skill set, Deshaun’s ability to get him the ball accurately, his ability to catch the ball in traffic, contested catches,” said O’Brien. “He’s a great player.”

The Texans will need Hopkins to provide one of his better efforts against the Indianapolis Colts Thursday night at NRG Stadium. In the initial encounter from Week 7, Hopkins caught nine passes for 106 yards and a touchdown in Houston’s 30-23 loss to their AFC South rivals at Lucas Oil Stadium.

7 Texans the Colts must game plan for in Week 12

These Texans must be accounted for in Week 12.

The Colts are back on top of the AFC South, tied with the Houston Texans with a 6-4 record. This game means so much for both teams as the division and possibly even a potential wild card spot could be at stake here.

Houston is coming off their worst loss of the season, a 41-7 blowout against Baltimore on Sunday. The Texans will not come out as flat as they did last week when they host the Colts on Thursday night and this team is not to be underestimated.

If the Colts want to stay on top of the AFC South and go a game up on Houston, here are seven Texans the Colts must gameplan for:

Deshaun Watson Houston Texans
(Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

QB Deshaun Watson

This mobile, strong-arm quarterback is a threat every time he steps on the field. The Colts will need to contain him in the pocket and not allow him time to throw to his talented receiving core. Look for Darius Leonard to spy on Watson all game and try to keep him from torching them in the run game.

WR Deandre Hopkins

Regarded as one of, if not the best wide receiver in football, Hopkins creates a significant matchup problem for the Colts. With top corner Pierre Desir questionable for Thursday, it will be up to rookie Rock Ya-Sin and the collection of safeties to keep Hopkins from going down the field.

LB Zach Cunningham

The talented linebacker leads the team in tackles with 79 total tackles on the year. He is a force in the run game and will have to be picked up by the Colts O-line in order to have success with Hines and Williams on the ground.

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Bernardrick McKinney Houston Texans
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

LB Bernardrick McKinney

McKinney is another linebacker that along with Cunningham, can be a real problem for teams trying to run the ball. With 68 total tackles on the year, McKinney will have to be accounted for on Thursday. He is also a solid pass coverage outside backer as well.

TE Darren Fells

Fells has had a quiet season, but has six touchdowns, mostly coming in the red zone. Watson targets his big tight end in goal-line sets so look for Anthony Walker and Leonard to be on Fells especially if the Texans drive down the field.

S Tashaun Gipson Sr.

Gipson has been banged up in 2019 but he is still a great cover safety with run-stopping ability. Gipson has two picks on the year including a 79-yard touchdown return earlier in the season. Brissett will have to be careful airing it out if Gipson is in coverage.

LB Whitney Mercilus

The eighth-year veteran has still been disruptive in this defense that has desperately needed a pass rush after trades and injuries. Mercilus has fit the bill with five and a half sacks on the year along with an interception. With this powerful pass rusher coming off the edge, tackles Anthony Castonzo and Braden Smith will have to make sure he does not get around them.

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Texans’ Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins on the same page before and after the snap

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins are on the same page pre-, and post-snap.

A No. 1, go-to wide receiver is a luxury in the NFL. Only so many teams have one. The same can be said for a true franchise quarterback. Every year, teams spend months and assets galore finding one.

The Houston Texans have both, in Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins, a duo known as one of the NFL’s most feared.

In 2018, Hopkins amassed 115 receptions for 1,572 yards and 11 touchdowns with Watson throwing to him. He earned his second-straight All-Pro nod for his efforts. In 2019, his yardage (745) and touchdown (four) numbers may be down, but his receptions are up (75).

Hopkins, in 2019, has altered his game from fewer bulk yards — he allows Will Fuller and Kenny Stills to do so — to be a true chain-mover and safety valve, often reeling in his 47 first down receptions from the slot.

Hopkins can be that guy for Watson due to their chemistry. They have a clear understanding of their timing, routes and adjustments.

“I see it pre-snap, he sees it pre-snap, post-snap, and we’ll just be on the same page. We just have that chemistry,” said Deshaun Watson on Tuesday. “We just have that communication and we talk about it all the time. We talk about it, we watch film on it, on different looks, different situations and if we have time to get to that second hole or that second window or this look or different looks, we just communicate it.”

The Texans wide-out may not have big-time numbers to boast from the 2019 season as in years prior. However, Hopkins’ is still “that” guy for Houston’s offense. He’s clutch; rarely makes a mishap in a big moment; and is the person Watson looks for at the end of the game, third or fourth quarter.

“He’s just a guy that wants the ball every time, especially in a moment like that where the drive is on the line,” said Watson. “He likes that pressure situation where, like you said, the drive is on the line so we’ve got to keep the chains moving and keep the possession of the ball.”

The killer instinct can define a football player. The Texans, in Watson and Hopkins, have two with that ever-so-valuable intangible. Even better: their chemistry cannot be touched.

Colts vs. Texans: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 12

Key matchups to watch in Week 12.

All seems to be well again for the Indianapolis Colts after their 33-13 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Whether it was Jacoby Brissett returning to his post this team’s starting quarterback or the historical rushing performance by Marlon Mack and Jonathan Williams, the Colts certainly had a lot of positives in their Week 11 performance.

But things will take a different turn in Week 12 as the Colts play face another divisional rival in the Houston Texans on Thursday night. This game is arguably the most important one for either team, as they’re currently tied for first place in the AFC South and it involves playoff implications for not only right now but at season’s end.

Here are three key matchups to watch in the Colts’ primetime Week 12 bout against the Texans:

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

RB Carlos Hyde vs. Colts’ defensive front seven

It was just a few days ago when the Colts’ defense had to face another red-hot running back in Leonard Fournette before ultimately slowing him down (eight carries for 23 rushing yards). But this week is a new week and up next for the AFC South competitor now is a tough matchup with Texans running back Carlos Hyde.

As crazy as this might sound, Hyde’s very solid season in Houston is under the radar. After disappointing stints in Cleveland and Jacksonville between 2017-’18, the former San Fransisco 49er is playing his best football ever. By having 769 rushing yards, a yards per carry average of 4.9, and four rushing touchdowns, Hyde is easily the third-most important player on the Texans offense, behind Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins.

Even with Watson and Hopkins being more than capable of taking over this game, it shouldn’t stop the Colts from trying to contain Hyde. By doing so, this could keep the Texans’ offense in longer down and distances, which is bad for them given their shaky pass protection and Justin Houston’s recent streak of sacks in a game.

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DeAndre Hopkins calls out the NFL over terrible no-call on obvious pass interference

DeAndre Hopkins wants someone else in NYC deciding on these calls.

The NFL has a big problem on it its hands – nobody knows what pass interference is, especially the refs who get paid to make such calls.

While Denver Broncos fans couldn’t believe nothing was called on the final play of their game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Houston Texans star wide receiver DeAndrew was so mad that he called out the NFL after what seemed like an obvious pass interference call wasn’t made in the Texans’ loss to the Ravens.

What made that no-call even more incredible is that the Texans challenged the call, it was reviewed, and the league said it was not pass interference.

It sure looked like PI:

Hopkins thought so, too, saying the league needs someone else in New York to decide on these calls.

Oh, and look at this call in the Cardinals-49ers game:

Yup, this is a mess.