DeAndre Hopkins Makes Sense for the Titans

DeAndre Hopkins’ decision to sign with the Tennessee Titans appears to be based on the fact that they offered the most guaranteed money. That makes sense.

From a football standpoint, the move also makes plenty of sense for both the Titans and Hopkins.

Aside from addressing an obvious need on their roster, the biggest reason that this is a good fit is Tennessee’s use of play-action. No team had a greater percentage of its passing yards come from play-action than the Titans did in 2022. In fact, that’s pretty much been the case since Ryan Tannehill got to Tennessee in 2019:

When you’ve got a running back like Derrick Henry, it’s a no-brainer to take advantage of the defense paying extra attention to him.

But the thing to focus on here is what play-action does for the passing game. It moves defenders. Particularly 2nd-level defenders. Which creates openings at the intermediate level.

What does this have to do with Hopkins?

Well, as Nick wrote a few weeks ago, Hopkins can still be as good as any receiver in the league within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage because of his superb route running, savvy, and awareness. And that’s generally the area of the field that play-action passes target.

None of this is to say that the Titans offense will be exactly the same as it has been over the last 4 years. They did make a switch at offensive coordinator to Tim Kelly, who was the passing game coordinator a year ago. But it wouldn’t be a shock to see them continue to lean on play-action given the presence of Henry.

Hopkins’ presence should also help expand the Titans’ non-play action passing game and take the attention off of 2nd-year receiver Treylon Burks. Not to mention, a professional 10-year veteran like Hopkins should be able to teach him a thing or two.

Hopkins to the Titans is certainly not the sexy move we were all hoping for as football fans. But it’s a good fit for both sides.