Featured Columnist IVNovember 5, 2024
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DeAndre Hopkins is clearly happy to be playing with Patrick Mahomes since being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The star wideout posted a cryptic picture Tuesday on his social media accounts of former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrating a touchdown reception with Randy Moss:
Deandre Hopkins @DeAndreHopkins
Was Hopkins suggesting that he and Mahomes could be a similar pairing to the epic Brady-Moss duo, who combined for 23 touchdown passes in the 2007 season? Was he hinting that the currently undefeated Chiefs could record a perfect regular-season record like the 16-0 Patriots did in 2007?
Let the sleuthing begin.
Hopkins has certainly been having fun on the socials, also giving a nod to his former team after Monday’s win:
Deandre Hopkins @DeAndreHopkins
It was a shout to Tennessee, if u know me u know it’s nothing but love for Nashville. Ran and his crew are like family. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. https://t.co/6YqEZlXyn5
In terms of the Mahomes and Hopkins pairing, the receiver caught eight passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns in just his second game in Kansas City during Monday’s overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For the past two years, the Chiefs have had major issues with their receiving corps. It was due to a lack of talent last year, while the Chiefs have been hammered by injuries at the position this season.
However, Hopkins looks to have addressed that issue. That makes the 8-0 Chiefs a real threat to run the table, though they still have some tough matchups remaining, including the Buffalo Bills in Week 11, the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 14, the Houston Texans in Week 16 and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17.
One difference between the 2007 Patriots and the 2024 Chiefs is that Brady and company tended to stomp their opponents. Those Pats scored 30 or more points in the first eight games of the season (12 times overall) and won by a 20-point margin 10 times.
This year’s Chiefs have won six of their eight games by only one possession. They’ve been winning ugly, including Monday’s close call against the Bucs, but that also puts them in a greater position to eventually lose a close one late.
The Hopkins addition should make the offense more dynamic, which could lead to a few more comfortable wins. That would certainly aid in the Chiefs’ effort to go 17-0.
