Andy Reid backs 'dirty tough' DeAndre Hopkins as WR helps extend Chiefs undefeated streak
When the Kansas City Chiefs acquired veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, it didn't take long for the All-Pro pass-catcher to make his presence felt. Hopkins immediately helped the team extend its undefeated start to the 2024 NFL season.
After catching two crucial touchdowns in an overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 30-year-old continued to deliver when needed. Hopkins hauled in four passes for 56 yards in the 16-14 win over the Denver Broncos this past Sunday.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has been thoroughly impressed by DeAndre Hopkins' quick acclimation to the team's offense, praising the receiver's grit and reliability in contested situations. According to Reid, Hopkins' "dirty tough" approach is precisely what Kansas City's dynamic attack needed to maintain its flawless 9-0 record. He told the media on Wednesday:
"He's always been a great player, and this offense gives him opportunities — his style of player and the quarterback trusts him.
"And then, what he is, is what you saw on Sunday with the one catch on the crossing route — where [he's] dirty tough, lands on the football, was able to get up, shows no sign of weakness on that, and wants to get back in and go. And that's been him."
Elaborating on DeAndre Hopkins' physical edge, Reid highlighted the receiver's ability to make contested catches as a major asset:
"He's great with the contested balls, that's what he's great with," the veteran coach explained. "So, if you get it in — he has long arms and big hands and if you get it in that radius, you're pretty sure he's going to get that son of a gun."
Andy Reid concerned about the winning streak despite DeAndre Hopkins' addition
The Chiefs' undefeated streak through nine weeks has been particularly impressive, as the team has managed to win close games despite seemingly not having all three phases - offense, defense, and special teams - clicking in perfect harmony.
As Reid noted last Saturday:
"These games have been close, a lot of them. I'm proud of the guys for playing for four quarters and hanging together for that time, but we can get better in all the different spots me included. So we're just all kind of working in the same direction right now, and that's important to see if we can't improve as we go."
With the potential return of Juju Smith-Schuster and Isiah Pacheco further bolstering the offense, the Chiefs' opponents will have to contend with an even more formidable array of playmakers.
In just three games with his new team, DeAndre Hopkins has already caught 14 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing the impact he could have when fully integrated into the Chiefs' scheme.
His ability to make contested grabs and keep drives alive with physical, determined play has been a welcome addition for an offense that has relied heavily on the heroics of Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce in recent years.