Henry’s Defense Sparks a Conversation
After a grueling practice on Friday, Baltimore’s powerhouse running back Derrick Henry gathered his teammates for a quick word about the chatter surrounding DeAndre Hopkins. With a grin, Henry told anyone listening that the constant nickname of "washed" was actually doing the receiver a favor. "Hopefully they keep calling him that because that [expletive] has been working," he said, adding, "We need it."
The exchange didn’t stay in the locker room for long. Within minutes, it made its way to the press pool, where Henry’s remarks were quoted by several outlets. His candidness highlighted a growing sense of camaraderie on a Ravens squad that is still finding its rhythm early in the 2025 season.
For Henry, the comment was about more than just defending a teammate; it was a reminder that critics can fuel performance. The running back, who rushed for over 1,700 yards last season, knows what it feels like to have doubters, and he wants his offensive unit to use that noise as motivation.
Hopkins’ Season So Far and What Lies Ahead
DeAndre Hopkins entered the year on a modest one‑year, $5 million contract after a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw his average yards per catch dip to a career low of 10.9. Yet the veteran wideout has already turned heads in Baltimore. In Week 1, he snagged a 29‑yard touchdown against Buffalo, and a week later he added a 23‑yard score in a dominant 41‑17 win over Cleveland.
Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ dynamic quarterback, has been quick to point out the chemistry blossoming between his arm and Hopkins’ hands. “The guy has huge hands to catch the ball – one hand, two fingers – it doesn’t really matter,” Jackson quipped, emphasizing the veteran’s knack for contested catches.
Jackson was also the first to address the "washed" narrative, noting after the second win that Hopkins was proving the chatter wrong. The sentiment resonates through the locker room, with teammates echoing the sentiment that the criticism has only sharpened the receiver’s focus.
Statistically, Hopkins is on pace for a historic run. If he records another touchdown against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, he becomes the first Ravens receiver ever to touch the end zone in each of the first three games of a season. A quick glance at his career numbers shows 85 touchdowns now, just 15 shy of the coveted 100‑touchdown milestone.
Looking ahead, the Ravens have a packed September. After the Lions showdown, they travel to Kansas City, then host the Houston Texans before heading west to face the Los Angeles Rams in early October. Each game offers Hopkins a chance to solidify his resurgence and possibly rewrite the narrative of a veteran who was once labeled past his prime.
Key takeaways for fans and analysts:
- Hopkins’ early touchdowns show he still possesses elite route‑running and catching ability.
- Henry’s outspoken support reflects a locker‑room culture that thrives on external criticism.
- The Ravens’ offense appears more balanced, with both the run and the pass game contributing to early victories.
- Should Hopkins score a third consecutive touchdown, he would set a franchise first and boost his case for a future Hall of Fame discussion.
With the buzz growing and the stakes rising each week, the rest of the season will likely be measured by whether the Ravens can keep this momentum alive. For now, the partnership between Henry and Hopkins is a story worth watching, especially when both men continue to turn doubters into believers.
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