The Houston Texans had a disastrous outing on Sunday and were redeemed Thursday night thanks to a huge game from one of the game’s best receivers.
The Houston Texans entered the 2019 season as Super Bowl contenders. They were on the brink. DeAndre Hopkins stepped up.
A 6-4 record going into Thursday night was nothing to scoff at, but a loss would have put the team second in the AFC South and in the hunt for a wild card spot. Sunday’s blowout against the Baltimore Ravens didn’t inspire much confidence and fans were hoping for some life on offense Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts. They got just that.
Deshaun Watson aired it out all night long and while Will Fuller V led the way with 140 receiving yards, it was DeAndre Hopkins‘ night in the spotlight.
Hopkins hauled in six catches for 94 yards and more importantly had two touchdowns.
It was only the second time this year Hopkins has recorded more than one touchdown in a game and is only the fourth game in which he has caught at least one touchdown. It has not been his best year, but he showed up big in a must-win game for his team.
The Texans tried in earnest to run the ball all game. Carlos Hyde had 67 yards on 16 carries and Duke Johnson added 22 yards on five carries. However, it was clear that Watson needed help from his receivers if the Texans were going to pull away.
A player like Hopkins is always an invaluable weapon, regardless of stats he has compiled in previous weeks this season. It is equivalent to the Cleveland Browns having Odell Beckham Jr. on the field. Fans know a breakout performance can come at any time, as long as the quarterback can drop the ball in a catchable area.
The Texans have five games remaining this season. Four of those appear very winnable, and one comes next Sunday night against the New England Patriots.
That Patriots game is going to be the ultimate test for the Texans. A 41-7 loss against the Ravens made it seem like the Texans were in a lower tier behind the AFC elite. Yet a win over the Patriots would have the Texans right up there in the fight for the top overall seed in the conference.
Hopkins is going to be a huge part of any Texans victory this season. If he can continue to have glue fingers and get just a tiny bit of separation, Watson has to keep finding him and allow the star receiver to show off his abilities.
Hopkins touchdowns also allow him to give footballs to his family and there is nothing more heartfelt than that.