DeAndre Hopkins and The Titans
It took a considerable amount of time for Pro Bowl and veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to come to an agreement with an NFL franchise but better late than never. After talks about Hopkins possibly going to either New England or Tennesee, the latter went on to sign him from free agency. The 31-year-old WR could be the missing puzzle piece in this Titans offense. Will this signing make the Titans a playoff contender, or will it fall short of expectations? With DeAndre Hopkins joining the Titans, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate his impact on the team's offense.
How DeAndre Hopkins Changes The Titans Trajectory
Many people think Hopkins is washed up, too old, and past his prime. However, last season, he was able to amass over 700 yards and had 64 receptions in just nine games. Then there is the conversation on how this will impact the Titan’s offense.
That conversation starts with Will Levis. Since he got drafted later than expected, many people doubt the rookie quarterback’s ability. Whether he starts is still up for debate. But I think he could prove many people wrong. Levis has a pretty strong arm and potential. With wide receivers like Burks and Hopkins, the Titan’s offense could shape up quite well.
This is especially true when you also have Derick Henry looming in the backfield. Together this squad could significantly improve the team. During the 2022 season, the Titans went 7-10. If the Titans run a tight ship, they could easily improve this record. I could see them getting to .500. For now, only time will tell.
Adjusting to a New System
In the offseason leading up to the 2023 NFL season, Deandre Hopkins, the star wide receiver, found himself adjusting to a new chapter in his football career as he joined the Tennessee Titans. After spending the early years of his career with the Houston Texans and then a successful stint with the Arizona Cardinals, this marked the first time Hopkins had to adapt to a different team's system and culture.
Known for his exceptional route-running, hands of glue, and remarkable ability to make contested catches, Deandre Hopkins has already established himself as one of the league's premier receivers. However, the transition to the Titans will present him with both opportunities and challenges. Adjusting to a new playbook and building chemistry with a new quarterback and receiving corps requires time and effort.
Hopkins has changed teams before and has proven adaptable in various situations. When he moved from the Houston Texans to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, many doubted how he would fare in a new environment. Yet, Hopkins quickly formed a strong connection with quarterback Kyler Murray and continued to put up impressive numbers. His ability to seamlessly integrate into the Cardinals' offense was a testament to his work ethic and football acumen. As he embarks on this new journey with the Titans, Hopkins will draw upon his previous experiences to navigate the adjustments more smoothly.
Playoff Expectations
Even though DeAndre Hopkins brings another weapon to this Tennessee offense, I don’t expect the Titans to make the playoffs. Jacksonville is expected to win the AFC South with ease. During the 22-23 season, the Jags shocked NFL fans with their playoff run, while the Titans didn’t do enough to make it to the postseason. While their record may improve, I don’t think they will have enough in the tank to make it to playoffs again this year. However, the NFL is full of surprises, and football is a game of inches. Exactly how things will pan out is unpredictable but expect Levis to take some time getting adjusted to the NFL game. Nevertheless, it’ll be exciting to see how the AFC South shapes up this year. Players I am most excited about in the AFC South include:
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