The Houston Texans’ new offensive philosophy for 2020 was to run the offense through quarterback Deshaun Watson’s decision-making. Set him up with a variety of offensive weapons, and let the two-time Pro Bowler determine where the ball should go.
It was a risky move, but it was the direction the Texans went in during the offseason. Three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for a second-round pick and running back David Johnson.
The football world blasted the Texans for that move, and it was the basis for most analysis when it came to Houston’s 2020 prospects. Everyone would see Week 1 how it worked out.
The Texans lost 34-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Newcomers Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb had just two catches apiece. Will Fuller did record his first 100-yard receiving game of the year, and actually joined Andre Johnson and Hopkins as the only Texans wideouts to record at least one 100-yard receiving game in their first five seasons.
When Hopkins caught a career high 14 passes for 151 yards in his debut game with the Cardinals, who beat the San Francisco 49ers 24-20 Sunday, it dredged up all the criticism the offseason had quickly buried.
Bill O'Brien seeing DeAndre Hopkins set a career high in receptions pic.twitter.com/THbNWsgmrM
— PFF (@PFF) September 13, 2020
This what y’all wanted to see🤝
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) September 13, 2020
The Texans WR seeing Hopkins today pic.twitter.com/Eq11qVGNpq
— SteveLFC (@Steve_LFC19) September 13, 2020
Bill O’Brien, why did you decide to trade Hopkins again? pic.twitter.com/EdY3hUPdXO
— Luke Garrison (@SonicHockeyFan) September 13, 2020
Us Texans fans missing DeAndre Hopkins: https://t.co/MPHnON3lBV pic.twitter.com/rQK3xf5nfz
— Tim Sim (@TimLSim) September 13, 2020
The Texans would rather have Hopkins too
— Sean Salisbury (@SeanUnfiltered) September 13, 2020
Texans fans: pic.twitter.com/hv2Cau45vH
— RIP #8/#24 (@TitanThe_FkUp09) September 13, 2020
DeAndre Hopkins wins. Texans Lose. Cam Newton wins. Panthers Lose. It's a beautiful day for revenge.
— Reese Waters (@reesewaters) September 13, 2020
Ultimately, it is one game, one of 16 in a long season that will have more plot twists and surprises than a soap opera. After the first week, the Texans’ 0-1 has to feel tougher for Houston sports fans considering Hopkins, one of their icons for the past half-decade, is still his elite self in another NFL city.
