Skip to main content
Advertising

DeAndre Hopkins sets franchise mark for TD grabs

The Texans got on the scoreboard Sunday at Jacksonville, courtesy of a record-setting touchdown catch by DeAndre Hopkins.

Trailing 31-0 in the third quarter, T.J. Yates found Hopkins for a 25-yard scoring pitch-and-catch. The ensuing Ka'imi Fairbairn extra point cut the deficit to 31-7 with 8:17 left in the quarter. It would prove to be the only score of the day, as the Texans were defeated 45-7.

"I'm a competitor, so if you lose by one, or 30, it's the same to me," Hopkins said.

It was the 12th touchdown grab of the year for Hopkins, who held the Texans' franchise record for scoring receptions in a season with 11 in 2015. Breaking the record was little consolation to Hopkins, who was more concerned with the team's 10th loss of the season.

"Me being me, I feel like I coud've had more touchdowns this year, than however many I got now," Hopkins said. "My record is what it is. There's no need to sit here and act like I'm happy."

The touchdown was also his sixth of the season that went for 20 yards or more, which tied him with Corey Bradford for the franchise lead in that category. 

Three plays earlier on the drive, he caught a 40-yard pass from Yates, and followed it up with a 5-yard reception. After an incompletion, Hopkins pulled in in the touchdown to get the Texans some points.

Hopkins finished with four catches for 80 yards, and was targeted 13 times. For most of the day, he battled cornerback Jalen Ramsey, a second-year defender Hopkins holds in the highest regard.

"I love playing against that guy," Hopkins said. "He's going to be one of the best. I look forward to competing against him in the future."

Yates was particularly impressed with Hopkins, who he said gets every team's best cornerback on a weekly basis. The physical nature of those battles stand out to the quarterback.

"It's a fistfight almost every single play," Yates said. "He keeps fighting. I was lucky to get a couple to him. We just gotta do more."

The Texans return to Houston, and will play their home finale on Christmas Day against the Steelers.

Texans fans showed up to support their team in Jacksonville.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

Advertising