Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes praised new wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins after his Week 8 debut, issuing a warning to defenses who may try a specific coverage approach.
“If they’re going to play man coverage against [DeAndre Hopkins], he’s going to get open. I just have to give him a chance to make plays,” Mahomes stated during his postgame press conference.
In the Chiefs’ 27-20 victory, Hopkins didn’t play full-time but was targeted three times, catching two passes for 29 yards. Overall, it was a promising showing for the veteran, who joined the team less than a week before his first game as a Chief.
“He wanted to be in there, which is a positive… He’ll get more chances in the next game,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said of Hopkins, via Harold R. Kuntz of FOX4 News in Kansas City.
Chiefs Remain Undefeated With Victory Over Raiders
In the win against Las Vegas, Mahomes completed 27-of-38 passes for 262 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His primary target was tight end Travis Kelce, who hauled in 10 of 12 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown.
The team’s leading rusher was veteran Kareem Hunt, who carried the ball 21 times for 59 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Chiefs recorded seven tackles for loss, five sacks, one fumble recovery, and held the Raiders to just 228 total yards, per ESPN. Linebacker Drue Tranquill stood out, logging six total tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack.
Next, Kansas City will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home on Monday Night Football on November 4.
X Users React to DeAndre Hopkins’ Chiefs Debut
On X (formerly Twitter), fans reacted to Hopkins’ debut and the Chiefs’ victory.
“Xavier Worthy blossoming. DeAndre Hopkins looking healthy. Travis Kelce still has the juice. Hollywood Brown pushing for a playoff comeback. This Chiefs passing attack could wind up being scary,” Adam Best of Arrowhead Addict commented.
“Just 7 games in and Xavier Worthy is on pace for 12 TDs, and I’m not even sure they’ve cracked the code with him yet,” wrote another fan. “Hopkins is gonna create a ton of opportunities downfield for Worthy as the season progresses.”
“I thought going undefeated and winning a third Super Bowl was impossible, but maybe I’m wrong… maybe we will be undefeated this season,” another fan wrote. “I’m only concerned about the Steelers and Texans, but I’m confident in these Chiefs.”
“Hey Chiefs, I’ve been a fan for a long time, but I miss the days when we scored a ton of points,” another fan wrote. “Can we limit turnovers and score more? I can’t handle the stress of turnovers and low scores much longer.”
“Anyone saying the refs handed us this win is delusional. We got 8 penalties, the Raiders got 5. We lost 55 yards to penalties because the refs (rightfully) called out our mistakes. But… WE WON,” another user shared.
