Arizona Cardinals: Pats coach said great things about DeAndre Hopkins
By Sion Fawkes
Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins received some awesome recognition this week from Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
While the Patriots have had some lean years since quarterback Tom Brady’s departure following the 2020 season, no one in the NFL to this day knows talent better than Bill Belichick. And if he has something to say about a player, he will deviate from his short, straightforward ways, and let the NFL Universe know what he’s thinking.
So when it came to talking about DeAndre Hopkins, Belichick didn’t hold back. Here is what the longtime Patriots coach had to say about the potential Hall of Famer:
"“He’s a smart football player. Very savvy. I’d say his ball skills are at the very elite level of guys that I’ve seen in this league. He’s up there with whoever the top guys are. The Cris Carters of the world. Guys like that. I think he’s every bit as good as anybody I’ve ever coached against.” – via SI.com"
And when you look at the longtime receiver’s stat lines, they completely backup Belichick’s words. Prior to the Arizona Cardinals Week 14 matchup vs. the Patriots, here is what Hopkins primary stats look like:
142 games, 838 receptions, 11,155 yards, 13.3 yards per reception, 71 touchdowns, and 62.7 catch percentage.
Break these down by 9.5 seasons, and you get the following statistics per year: 93 receptions, 1,174 yards, 8 touchdowns.
Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins gets praise from Belichick
It’s almost like you get a sense of confirmation when Belichick talks about your overall skills and talent. There is no one harder to impress than the longtime Patriots coach, and he didn’t become arguably the greatest head coach in NFL history by lack of evaluation.
Related Story. Cardinals have struggled in matchups against Belichick. light
We are looking at a guy who leaves no stone unturned and looks at a player’s talent from all angles before deciding whether they are worthy to take a flier on. Clearly, Hopkins is more than worthy, and although the receiver is on the wrong side of 30, you can expect at least a few more good seasons from #10. Hopefully, those good seasons occur in the desert.
(Statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference)
Article Source: DeAndre Hopkins Reacts to Serious Praise From Bill Belichick: ‘Respect’ by Dan Lyons
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