Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is unfazed by the criticism directed at wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins; in fact, he encourages it.
Hopkins, 33, has had a resurgent start with the Ravens. In his first two games with Baltimore, the receiver, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, has made impressive touchdown catches, recording scores of 23 and 29 yards. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was the first to mention the external criticism about Hopkins “being finished” after the 41-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns.Let’s hope they keep calling it ‘finished’ because that’s been working. We need it.
Derrick Henry
In the 41-40 loss in Buffalo, Hopkins achieved his fourth one-handed touchdown reception since 2017, tied for the most in the NFL during that period. In the victory over the Browns, Hopkins completed a 23-yard touchdown reception from Jackson with very little separation. When the Ravens face the Detroit Lions on Monday night, Hopkins is looking to become the first Ravens player to achieve a touchdown reception in each of the first three games of the season.But he is proving otherwise. The guy has huge hands to catch the ball, with one hand, two fingers, it really doesn’t matter.
Lamar Jackson
Hopkins signed a one-year, $5 million contract with Baltimore this offseason after struggling in 2024. With the Titans and Chiefs, Hopkins was held to career lows of 38.1 receiving yards per game and 10.9 yards per reception. With the Ravens, Hopkins has made a big impact despite not having much playing time. He was on the field for 18 plays in Week 1 and 10 plays in Week 2.I think he’s done this his whole career. Everyone knows that stigma, when you get older, suddenly, something has changed.
Derrick Henry
We’re just going to keep putting him out there. With each day, I think his packages are going to continue to grow as we go. And it has to be that way because he’s a tremendous football player. The more we can have him on the field, the better we’re going to be.
Todd Monken
