BALTIMORE, MD. — – Xavier Hutchinson was starting to wonder aloud if the end zone was a no-passing zone where he was excluded.
In his third NFL NFL season and previous 36 career games, he hadn’t scored a touchdown despite entering this year with 45 previous targets and 20 catches.
Now, the Texans steady wide receiver has his first two professional touchdowns under his belt. Hutchinson scored twice during a 44-10 rout of the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
“It felt good, man,” Hutchinson told KPRC 2. “I was joking around with the guys earlier this week that it felt like me and the end zone were allergic to each other. So, to get it, it felt great. It’s all glory to these guys in the locker room, who just keep the confidence in our teammates.”
Hutchinson got the Texans off to a fast start with his five-yard touchdown as quarterback C.J. Stroud found him after executing a play-action fake. He also caught back-shoulder throw from Stroud for a 10-yard touchdown.
Throughout this year, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans has consistently praised Hutchinson for his blue-collar work ethic and professionalism as one of the team’s most improved players.
“Hutch is the guy who has shown what hard work looks like,” Ryans said. “You don’t get a lot of credit. He’s getting better in the background. A lot of people don’t see it, but Hutch is one of the hardest working guys on our team.
“There is no better guy to be able to get two touchdowns today than Hutch because he’s worked really hard for us. I’m proud of him for having his moment today.”
Hutchinson finished the game with three catches for 18 yards and two scores.
Hutchinson could tell that Stroud was set for a big-time game. He delivered with four touchdown passes and 85 percent accuracy.
“He was locked in,” Hutchinson said. “He was all business. It started on Wednesday when we started practicing. It was just the energy he had, the confidence he had. It was just the swagger and the way he held himself. You could tell he was locked in and ready for this game.”
As was Hutchinson. He and Stroud have built a strong connection and timing.
And that was on display on his touchdowns.
“First one, I was super nervous,” Hutchinson said. “I knew I was wide open, and it’s always the ones when you’re wide open that you’re a little nervous. But once I caught the ball, it was kind of over with.
“I kind of blacked out a little bit. I had to do my little dance I’ve been preparing for three years now, and it just felt good. My second touchdown felt natural, and you start to just think I can go get another one.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com
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