HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- DeAndre Hopkins took a backseat during much of the Texans 53-32 win over the Atlanta Falcons Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium, but he didn't mind one bit.
"I love it," Hopkins said.
He loved it because Will Fuller V singlehandedly destoryed the Falcons secondary for a 14-reception, 217-yard, three touchdown afternoon, eclipsing career-highs in all three categories, becoming the first player to reach the 200-yard receiving mark in the NFL this season. He entered the game with 14 catches for 183 yards after missing the second half of last season with a torn ACL.
"Will putting in work, putting work in all season," Hopkins said. "Coming off of injuries, a guy like that to come out and have that kind of game, I'm a proud big brother."
Hopkins didn't put up Fuller's gaudy numbers, but he still finished Sunday's game with seven catches for 88 yards, while being double covered for much of the afternoon, which he said he expected.
"I've only been playing in the NFL for a long time, so of course teams are going to key in on me. The games I've had against other teams, when we watch film, not a lot of people are going to go out there and just line up in man against me, unless they really believe in them. But that's why we've got guys like Will, tight ends and running backs to go out there and step up when there are two of three guys on me."
No one expects Fuller to catch double-digit passes every game or go for 200 yards, but if he can continue produce near Sunday's level, the Texans offense will be tough to stop.
