Being 6-6 after the end of Week 13, Bill Belichick finds his team in a tough spot. They are currently one game out of the wild card spot in AFC. With Bengals, Bills and Dolphins are remaining to play – Patriots’ latest challenge is against the unpredictable DeAndre Hopkins’ Arizona Cardinals in Week 14.
When Bill Belichick was inquired upon Hopkins – reeled in 49 catches for 574 yards and three TouchDowns, given his 6-game performance so far in the 2022-23 season – he could not hold from applauding the skill set and caliber of this veteran receiver, who has tormented defensive units for years now.
“He’s got tremendous ball skills, he catches everything, great hands,” Belichick said, as mentioned by ClutchPoints. “He’s never covered — even if he’s covered, there’s a place the ball can be that he can get it, still make the catch. Great coordination on the sidelines, and he doesn’t really look it but he’s a strong kid.”
“You see him break tackles, he’s strong creating separation, yards after contact, extra yards around the goal line or the extra yard for a first down.”
Bill Belichick how Hopkins has made a name for himself, and even praised him upon his game mindset, acumen and the threat he poses for his opposition.
“He’s a smart football player, very savvy. His ball skills are at the very elite level with guys I’ve seen in this league. He’s up there with whoever the top guys are. Cris Carters of the world and guys like that. He’s every bit as good as anybody I’ve ever coached against.”