Troy Aikman Says DeAndre Hopkins Is Exactly What Ravens Needed
The Ravens entered the offseason with an offense featuring a two-time MVP at quarterback in Lamar Jackson, arguably the best running back of his generation in Derrick Henry, the top tight end trio in the NFL in Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar, and a pair of ascending wide receivers in Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
What they didn’t have was a receiver who specializes in contested catches, who also happens to have a propensity for making jaw-dropping circus grabs.
Enter five-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins, who is already paying dividends after signing with the Ravens last March. Through two games, Hopkins has caught all four of his targets for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
“He’s been a good fit, and it’s really what I thought this offense needed a year ago, if not even before then – somebody who can go down the field and make plays on these contested balls, these 50-50 balls,” “Monday Night Football” analyst Troy Aikman said ahead of Monday’s game between the Ravens and Detroit Lions. “[Jackson] hasn’t had that type of wide receiver over the years. DeAndre Hopkins has already shown that in the first couple of weeks with some of the highlight catches that he’s made.
“So, I thought it was a great pickup, and it’s been nice to see him do what he’s been able to do and what he’s added to that offense for Baltimore.”