The Houston Texans have become a potential team on the rise next season and beyond behind the emergence quarterback Deshaun Watson. There was a strong level of promise in his play prior to suffering a season-ending ACL tear last November.
A major part of that optimism has been directed toward his unique bond with star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in his brief together with him on the field last season. With that in mind, on Tuesday, Hopkins voiced his belief that he and Watson will develop into the top duo in the league.
Hopkins on Watson: "I expect us to be the best duo in the NFL, honestly. That's our goal. The sky's the limit with what that kid can do."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 17, 2018
There was an obvious connection on the field between Hopkins and Watson that had led to a tremendous amount of success in the passing game.
Over the first seven games, Watson threw for 1,699 yards while setting the rookie franchise-record with 19 touchdown passes, which were tied for the most in the NFL at the time before an ACL tear in practice ended his campaign. This also included a huge performance in his final game before the injury in a 41-38 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, where he notched a career-best 402 passing yards and four passing touchdowns.
Hopkins was the primary beneficiary of the targeted throws making eight receptions for 224 receiving yards and a touchdown. It was a glimpse into the type of potential connection that the two share on the field that could make the Texans one of the league's most explosive offenses.
What is more promising is that Hopkins continued to produce at an elite level even with Watson out for the season by finishing sixth with 96 receptions, fourth with 1,378 receiving yards, first with 13 receiving touchdowns and second in receiving yards per game (91.9).
Ultimately, the success between these two will depend on the health of Watson as he continues to recover from the torn ACL. If he is able to get back to form next season, it could lead to a huge campaign for both players while leading the team back to the playoffs.
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