The Baltimore Ravens did what everyone was hoping to see from them in Week 2, dominating the Cleveland Browns 41-17. It was an impressive showing from both sides, as the offense was electric, per usual, and the defense forced two key turnovers.
One of the stars of the show was veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The player everyone was calling washed ahead of the 2025 season, found the end zone yet again on Sunday. He caught two passes for 64 yards and a touchdown, proving to be a big play threat for an offense that was struggling to find a rhythm in the first half.
Through two weeks now, Hopkins has four receptions, 99 yards, and two touchdowns. He is still a productive player, as he continues to polish up his Hall of Fame resume.
DeAndre Hopkins opens up about what fuels him after standout Week 2 performance
Following the game, Hopkins was asked about how the online critics motivate him going into his age-33 season. In response, Hopkins shut down the idea that they motivate him and opened up about what truly motivates him each and every game.
“What motivates me is my mom being blind, and my dad dying when I was six months [old]. Real things in life,” Hopkins said. “I pay attention to more of the people congratulating me and cheering me on my back than I do the people that sit at home and all they have to do is speak negatively about things.”
Hopkins clearly lets his play do the talking when it comes to dealing with the haters on social media. He did in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, where he hauled in a classic one-handed touchdown reception, and he did it again this past Sunday, making two difficult catches look easy.
The five-time Pro Bowler may not be an outstanding separator, but you can still trust him to go get the football. No matter where it is located, no matter how tight the coverage is, Hopkins finds a way to bring it down. Just two games into his Ravens’ career, he appears to be the steal of the offseason.
Looking forward to Week 3 against the Detroit Lions, Hopkins and the rest of Baltimore’s receiving group are matched up against a Lions’ secondary that can have problems in coverage. After a strong start, Hopkins could triple down and put on another impressive display on Monday Night Football next week.