Arizona Cardinals need plan for DeAndre Hopkins

After starting out hot, Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins has cooled off in recent weeks

It’s not the main reason for the Arizona Cardinals struggles over the past few weeks, but not having DeAndre Hopkins involved in the offense as much as he should be is certainly a contributing factor.

Over the past three games, all losses, Hopkins has just 18 receptions for 158-yards and one touchdown.  Over his first three games he wasn’t finding the end zone but was a huge factor in the Cardinals offense moving the ball.

Over the first three games he had 32 receptions for 356-yards.  The Cardinals started out 2-1 over those first three games.

So what’s the plan here? Yes, the Los Angeles Rams found ways to double and triple cover him but it has seemed the Cardinals plan has not involved him much.

Is this is because of Hopkins, Kyler Murray, or opposing defenses?  In short, you’d have to believe the answer is “yes” to all of the above.

He has 85 receptions on the year but has sort of fallen off the map along with the rest of the offense. He has had 5 receptions or fewer in four of the last seven games.

That needs to change in New York this week.  Whatever it takes.  However this Sunday’s opponent, the New York Giants, may have something to say about that.

This past Sunday, they still allowed 263-yards receiving to the Seattle Seahawks despite a 17-12 victory.  The fact is, you can still throw the ball on the Giants defense.

However they have been more of a bend but don’t break defense despite their record.  Hopefully Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury has a plan to utilize Hopkins more this week.  That also means getting Murray on board as well.

Murray can shoulder some of the blame though.  His passes haven’t exactly been on target much lately, especially against the Rams.  There needs to be better communication.

Yes, there are other receivers that need to step up as well, but if they want to win and compete for a playoff spot, Hopkins must be a major part of that plan for it to come to fruition.  We shall see Sunday what they have up their sleeves.