The Kansas City Chiefs and their new star receiver DeAndre Hopkins are off to a great start. Before his arrival, the Chiefs sported a sputtering offense hobbled by injuries. Now after just two weeks with the team, Hopkins has revitalized the Chiefs’ passing attack to give them a well-rounded offense.
Hopkins was acquired by the Tennessee Titans days before the Chiefs’ Week 8 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. In limited action, he caught two of three targets for 29 yards. This was merely a prelude of what was to come from the Chiefs’ new #1 receiver.
Chiefs DeAndre Hopkins Goes Off in 2nd Game with Team
DeAndre Hopkins saw much more of the field last Monday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hopkins was used as Patrick Mahomes’ primary receiving option on the outside. Fortunately for the Chiefs, ten days is all Hopkins needed to fit into Andy Reid’s offense.
Hopkins finished the game with eight catches for 86 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It resembled the kind of vintage performances the 32-year-old became known for in Houston and Arizona. After a forgetful time in Tennessee, Hopkins looks ready to reignite his career in Kansas City.
Opening Up the Offense
The rest of the Chiefs’ offensive weapons are benefitting from their new star receiver’s presence. Hopkins drew so much attention against the Bucs that it created opportunities for other players to get open. This resulted in Patrick Mahomes’ most efficient passing performance of the season.
Mahomes finished with 291 yards while completing 77% of his passes on the night. Along with the two touchdowns to Hopkins, he connected with Samaje Perine for another seven-yard score. Travis Kelce also had his most productive game of the year, catching 14 passes for 100 yards (both season highs).
Can Chiefs New-Look Passing Attack Get Past Broncos?
Next up for the Chiefs is a divisional showdown with the 5-4 Denver Broncos. While the records might not seem even, this will be one of the toughest challenges for the Chiefs so far this season. Denver has one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL, allowing just 17.9 points per game.
Kansas City’s passing offense couldn’t be finding their stride at a more perfect time. Led by star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos are giving up less than 200 passing yards a game. Furthermore, Denver didn’t allow a quarterback to throw for more than 240 yards in a game until last week against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
The Chiefs will want to get Hopkins and Kelce going early to try and carry over their momentum from last week. The team will need stronger performances from other pass-catchers as well. While Justin Watson made a few big plays, Noah Grey and first-round rookie Xavier Worthy were held to no catches against the Bucs. That will need to change for the Chiefs to break through the Denver defense.
Andy Reid may choose to continue running the offense through Kareem Hunt. The resurrected running back has helped carry the team through major injuries and rushed for over 100 yards with the game-winning touchdown last week. Testing Denver’s elite secondary one too many times could easily cost the Chiefs the game, so establishing a strong rushing attack and wearing the Broncos down might be the better strategy on Sunday.
Main Image: Jay Biggerstaff – USA Today Sports
