Tag: DeAndre Hopkins

Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy describes learning from DeAndre Hopkins: ‘I try to pick his brain’

Kansas City #Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy describes learning from DeAndre Hopkins: ‘I try to pick his brain’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy spoke to reporters on Friday about DeAndre Hopkins’s influence on his development since arriving a few weeks ago.

“I try to pick his brain as much as possible without being super annoying,” said Worthy. “Ask him, like, little questions, like, How’d you go about this when you’re this age, and stuff like that, just little things. Just make sure I stay tuned with everything he went through.”

Since being traded to the Chiefs, Hopkins has made an immediate splash. His breakout performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Monday adds to his legacy. Worthy described Hopkins’ presence in the locker room as the veteran mentor.

“Just as calm and poised through times like in the game, he was super calm, chill, relaxed,” said Worthy. “So when somebody’s like dad in your room, and he’s a vet, he’s been there, made plays, it just makes everything easier.”

Worthy had a miscue in the Week 9 victory but has played well overall this season. He will pick up even better habits from one of the best receivers of his generation as the postseason push gets underway.

Broncos vs. Chiefs: 5 things to watch for on Sunday

Here are five things to watch for when the Chiefs host the Broncos on Sunday.

After facing the Baltimore Ravens on the road last week, the Denver Broncos are now set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on the road this week.

The Broncos lost to the Ravens 41-10 and coach Sean Payton must now attempt to stop the bleeding before going up against a division rival.

“Listen there’s a little bit of UFC to our league,” Payton said this week.
“You’ve got to be able to, each week, I don’t care who you’re playing, if you’re not careful you can catch one on the chin. You’ve got to get back up and you’ve got to get back to work.

“That gets back to that mental toughness, the grit, all the things that we’re looking for. Not only in our players, but our coaches and everyone. You get excited to play the next game to hopefully get the taste out of your mouth.”

With the team looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat in Baltimore, here are five storylines to watch for ahead of the Denver vs. KC matchup.

1. Weekend roster moves: The Broncos have seven players set to return to the 53-man roster in the coming weeks, and they’ll have to make some cuts to make room for the returning plays. Denver has one open spot on the active roster after trading pass rusher Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals, but the team will probably need to create at least one more opening this weekend. Center Luke Wattenberg and linebacker Kwon Alexander seem to be likely candidates to get activated to the 53-man roster on Saturday.

2. Denver’s center decision: With Wattenberg expected to return, the Broncos will need to make a decision at center. Wattenberg started the first five games of the season before landing on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Alex Forsyth started the last four games while Wattenberg was on IR. Will the team now stick with Forysth or go back to Wattenberg?

3. Broncos backfield rotation: The Chiefs allow just 83.9 rushing yards per game, third-fewest in the NFL this season. That will be a tough test for starter Javonte Williams and change-of-pace back Jaleel McLaughlin. Payton also hinted this week that rookie Audric Estime could be more involved in the second half of the season.

4. Pat Surtain vs. DeAndre Hopkins: It didn’t take long for “Nuk” to get on the same page with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In his second game after being acquired from the Tennessee Titans via trade, Hopkins hauled in eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns in Week 9. Hopkins is still a formidable receiver, especially in the red zone. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Surtain follow Hopkins on Sunday.

5. Bo Nix connecting on deep throws: Despite playing with Troy Franklin in college, Nix has struggled to connect on deep throws to Franklin this season. Facing a Chiefs secondary that ranks near the middle of the pack, Nix will undoubtedly aim to get on the same page with Franklin this week. Going up a stingy run defense, Nix will need to step up for Denver’s offense to have success on the road.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Playing at home, KC is considered a heavy favorite against the Broncos.

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Chiefs OC Matt Nagy describes veteran wide receiver’s ‘instant synergy’ with Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy describes DeAndre Hopkins’ ‘instant synergy’ with Patrick Mahomes | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy addressed the media on Thursday, gushing about DeAndre Hopkins’ quick grasp of the gameplan and syncing up with Patrick Mahomes.

There’s there has been an instant synergy with Pat (Patrick Mahomes) and DeAndre (Hopkins) instant, and sometimes those take a lot more for some guys than others, but he’s come in here and has just picked up.” said Nagy. “I don’t use the term lightly, but these guys are really Pat and D-Hop are really thinking the same way on certain routes, especially in zone, which is crazy because it doesn’t normally always happen like that. It normally takes time, but from the first practice, second practice, till our last game. “

Hopkins fits in seamlessly with the offense and Mahomes. In his home Arrowhead Stadium debut last Monday night, he caught eight passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

“There’s some stuff in there that he that they’re putting on tape that makes it tough, especially when you put (Travis) Kelce on the same side, or other side that thinks the same way,” said Nagy. “As long as he and Pat have been doing it, that’s tough.

Since arriving in Kansas City, Kelce has praised Hopkins for his veteran skills. Both players were vital to the overtime victory in Week 9.

“So it’s really neat to see when guys are thinking like Pat, and for D-Hop, he’s been doing it a long time,” said Nagy. “it’s been instant with him.”

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reflects on Xavier Worthy stepping out of bounds: ‘He’ll learn from it’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reflects on Xavier Worthy stepping out of bounds: ‘He’ll learn from it’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has led his team to a second 8-0 start since being hired by the franchise 12 years ago. During his tenure, he’s seen many things, including rookie mishaps during games.

Reid spoke with reporters on Wednesday before practice, sharing his thoughts on Xavier Worthy’s incompletion on a big pass play because he accidentally stepped out of bounds.

“Yeah, he’s doing a good job. He just had that look of stepping out of bounds there. I mean, but what a great route. That was an adjustment he made to put himself in that position off of the route.” Reid said. “He’s doing a good job. He didn’t have his number dialed up as much as he did the weeks in the past. I mean, most of the stuff going to (Travis) Kelce and “Eight” (DeAndre Hopkins). But there’ll be weeks like that; his numbers called up more. That just says how it goes in these games.”

Worthy remains valuable to the Chiefs offense, although his targets have dipped since Hopkins’ arrival. Reid continued to explain that the talented fest round pick will learn from the mistake and do better moving forward.

“They plotted that side. He adjusted back outside and was able to escape where you get yourself forced wide. He was able to keep himself in bounds and escape that corner, not force him wider than the play normally brings you to so. But I thought he did a great job on that part.” said Reid. “He’ll learn from that, young guy. He’ll learn from it. You won’t see him step out of bounds very often. It was good, he can take something positive out of it, and then he could take something he can learn from out of it, too.”

Reid knows Worthy is an offensive weapon that can be utilized in different ways now that Hopkins is on the team.

DeAndre Hopkins on how playing for the Kansas City Chiefs is a ‘dream come true’

Hopkins is in the perfect situation.

DeAndre Hopkins made an impactful first appearance at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night, helping the Kansas City Chiefs clinch a hard-fought 30-24 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reflecting on the atmosphere and his new team’s energy, Hopkins shared that the experience was deeply meaningful.

After being traded from the Tennessee Titans on October 24, Hopkins quickly adjusted to Kansas City’s offensive rhythm. He played a prominent role in Monday’s game, securing eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns as the Chiefs moved to an 8-0 record. “Honestly, words can’t describe it,” Hopkins said in a ESPN postgame interview. “To get my first win here with this team and this fan base, it’s something I’ve looked forward to.”
One of Hopkins’ highlights was a 35-yard catch on a crucial third down, setting up his first touchdown as a Chief. He followed up with a second touchdown in the fourth quarter, a short pass from Mahomes that gave Kansas City a temporary lead.

Hopkins spoke highly of Mahomes and credited the Chiefs’ coaching staff for their guidance. “I manifested this, I’ve seen this already,” he explained about working with Mahomes. “It’s been a process to get here, but I’m grateful.” Hopkins also acknowledged the support he’s received from the Chiefs’ coaches. “They’ve been helping me prepare every day,” he noted, adding that the staff’s dedication has made the transition smoother.

The Chiefs aim to continue their winning streak as they prepare to host the Denver Broncos (5-4) in Week 10.

Trade Deadline: Grading the Steelers acquisition of WR Mike Williams

The Steelers acquired WR Mike Williams before the trade deadline; was the fifth-round pick worth it, or did Pittsburgh overpay for talent?

Pittsburgh fans rejoice!  General Manager Omar Khan has finally pulled the trigger on acquiring a fantastic WR opposite George Pickens when the Steelers traded for New York Jets’ WR Mike Williams.

The Khan artist, as fans often refer to him, had high expectations placed on him as Pittsburgh was hours away from the 4:00 PM EST trade deadline. While Williams is an incredible talent and a welcome addition to the team, did Khan overpay the Jets in this trade?

It was no secret that Pittsburgh needed a WR at the deadline, but it was always public knowledge that Williams was the odd man out in a stacked WR room in New York. With this being said, givHopkins? 2025 fifth-round draft selection, the same price that Kansas City paid for former All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins, seems a bit steep for a player who was being used so sparingly in the Aaron Rodgers-led New York offense.

While the Steelers’ front office did potentially create an unstoppable WR unit by acquiring Williams, the compensation package could have been cheaper, resulting in a B grade.

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DeAndre Hopkins honors Titans with ‘Remember the Titans’ TD celebration

Former Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins honored his former team during a touchdown celebration on Monday Night Football.

The Tennessee Titans made headlines in late October when they traded wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs. Some in the fan base criticized this move at the time. 

The Titans received a conditional fifth-round selection for Hopkins, but the pick means very little to the fans who strongly support him. Hopkins not only made an impact on the field, but he also played a huge role in the community and became a beloved figure around town. 

Nashville also impacted Hopkins, and he let the world know how much he appreciated his time with the Titans with a tremendous tribute after his first touchdown with the Chiefs on Monday Night Football.


“I’ve got to thank Ran and his staff for trading me to a contender, first of all, because those guys could’ve traded me anywhere,” Hopkins told reporters after the game. 

He followed that statement with a tweet that makes it clear how much he enjoyed his time with Tennessee. 

Like it or not, the Titans did the right thing by trading Hopkins, who was in the last year of his contract, to a contender. While it may not make sense to the fans by helping the defending Super Bowl Champions, it makes sense for Hopkins and the Titans will be better off in the end for helping him potentially get that championship. 

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Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins describes his chemistry with Patrick Mahomes: ‘I’m always learning’

Kansas City #Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins describes his chemistry with Patrick Mahomes: ‘I’m always learning’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is still adjusting to his new team but showed little uncertainty during his star performance in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran spoke to reporters after the game about working well with Patrick Mahomes during his press conference.

“A lot more comfortable. Coaches do a great job of getting me prepared,” said Hopkins. “It’s not just Connor (Embree), but everybody on the offensive side. Everybody’s always testing me and asking me questions. You know, just seeing my knowledge of the offense as we go.”

Mahomes and Hopkins connected early and often on Monday, with the five-time All-Pro finishing with eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

“Communication, talking through our practice, talking locker room, just communicating every day, just about looks that we see,” said Hopkins. “And me just picking his (Mahomes) brain, asking him what he likes, and when I’m not out there, taking the rep, I’m always learning and just seeing How he does things.”

The growing chemistry between Mahomes and Hopkins should grow with more practice time, as the duo will be back in action on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

Final score: Chiefs sink Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime on ‘Monday Night Football’

The Kansas City #Chiefs defeated the Tampa Bay #Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime on “Monday Night Football.”

The Kansas City Chiefs advanced their record to 8-0 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Monday Night Football” in Week 9, winning the Super Bowl LV rematch 30-24 in overtime.

The Chiefs trailed Tampa Bay 10-17 heading into the fourth quarter but mounted a late-game comeback led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes to remain undefeated heading into Week 10.

Mahomes threw for 291 yards, tossed three touchdown passes, and completed 34 of his 44 attempts. Star tight end Travis Kelce led Kansas City in receiving yards, but it was newly-acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins who stole the show with two touchdown catches.

For their part, Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers put up a great fight, but couldn’t quite break through to spoil the Chiefs’ perfect season.

 

Defensively, Kansas City was led by linebacker Drue Tranquill, who combined for seven tackles and was credited with half a sack.

The Chiefs are set to face the Denver Broncos in Week 10 with a chance to advance to 9-0.

Chiefs edge Buccaneers in overtime, up record to 8-0

The Chiefs had their hands full but beat the Buccaneers as Patrick Mahomes played through a tender ankle

Baker Mayfield called the coin toss for overtime and was wrong.  And there went the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ chances to hand the Kansas City Chiefs their first defeat.

The Chiefs drove 70 yards and Kareem Hunt scored on a one-yard run as KC improved to 8-0 with a 30-24 victory over Tampa Bay on Monday at Arrowhead.

The game had been sent to overtime when Mayfield drove Tampa Bay to a touchdown that concluded with a pass to Ryan Miller.

The coin toss was lost and for all intents, so was the game.

Mahomes had been hobbled. For a second, Arrowhead Stadium’s faith wobbled.

Having injured an ankle while throwing a TD pass to Samaje Perine that tied the game, Mahomes came out of the blue medical tent and found DeAndre Hopkins for a touchdown that gave the Chiefs a 24-17 lead with 4:17 left. Buccaneers.

The Chiefs were 12-of-18 on third down, a key to the game.

Tampa Bay had gotten the ball back before the two-minute warning after a three-and-out by the Chiefs.

The Bucs drove down the field methodically and Mayfield found Palmer for 19 to the one-yard line. After an incompletion, the Bucs went play-action and Mayfield hit Miller for the score.

Rather than go for two and the win, the Buccaneers kicked the PAT to tie the game.

Mayfield was 6-of-8 for 68 yards on the game-tying drive.