The box score will show that DeAndre Hopkins caught two passes for 29 yards in his first game with the Chiefs, who defeated the Raiders 27-20 on Sunday, matching a franchise record with a 13-game winning streak.
However, his real influence was much greater than those simple stats.
After just two practices since his trade from the Titans, the three-time All-Pro wide receiver helped convert an important third down early in the game.
Despite having limited opportunities, Hopkins consistently excelled in one-on-one coverage, including a play in the red zone where he was open, but Travis Kelce ended up catching the touchdown pass.
“I thought he did a great job,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “I looked back at the tablet and there were a couple of times where in man coverage he was just really working and winning. Even the touchdown to Trav I threw, if you look back on his side, he’s open, too, for a touchdown there.
“You see that on the field; it shows if they’re going to play man coverage against him, he’s going to get open,” Mahomes added, “and I have to give him chances to go out there and make plays.”
Those chances will likely increase as Hopkins becomes more comfortable with the Kansas City offense.
He will have another week to learn Andy Reid’s extensive offensive system before playing again on Monday night, when the Chiefs (7-0) host the Buccaneers in their first home game in almost a month.
Even when Hopkins wasn’t catching passes on Sunday, his presence on the field forced the Raiders to pay attention to him, which opened up opportunities for other players. Kelce had 10 catches for 90 yards, Xavier Worthy caught four passes for 37 yards and a touchdown, and Justin Watson caught all three of his targets for 33 yards.
Mahomes also had one of his best games of the season, passing for 262 yards and two touchdowns, despite a tipped-ball interception.
“It was good to get DeAndre in there in the limited reps he had in practice,” Reid said. “Listen, I thought he was good. He wanted to be in there, which was a positive, and I understand. He’ll get more chances the next game.”
