After a rain‑soaked practice on Friday, Baltimore Ravens' workhorse Derrick Henry took a moment to set the record straight about teammate DeAndre Hopkins. Reporters had been buzzing about the 33‑year‑old wideout’s age and whether he’s past his prime. Henry just laughed, told them to keep the "washed" chatter coming, and added that it’s actually helping Hopkins stay sharp.
Why the "washed" tag is missing the point
Critics love to point to a player’s age as a red flag. In the NFL, the average career lasts under four years, so a 33‑year‑old wide receiver naturally draws extra scrutiny. Hopkins, however, has turned those doubts into a showcase. In just 28 snaps over his first two games with the Ravens, he’s snagged four one‑handed touchdowns – a feat no other player has matched since 2017.
Henry, who’s watched Hopkins from the front row of the backfield, says the numbers speak louder than any headline. “Everyone knows the stigma,” he said. “When you get up in age, people think something has changed. But he’s still that same guy, and he’s showing it.”
How the Ravens are building around the receiver
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken isn’t planning to hide Hopkins any longer. “We’re just going to continue to get him up to speed,” Monken told the press. “The more we can get him on the field, the better we’ll be moving forward.” The plan is simple: increase snap counts, craft routes that let Hopkins use his veteran instincts, and let his chemistry with Henry develop.
- Snap count boost: Expect Hopkins to see more than double the current usage by mid‑season.
- Target mix: Henry’s power running will open up play‑action opportunities, creating space for Hopkins to work his route‑running.
- Red‑zone focus: Hopkins’ four one‑handed scores show he thrives in tight‑area situations – the Ravens will lean on that.
Even with limited reps, Hopkins has already become a focal point of the Ravens’ offense. The contrast between the “forgotten” label he once wore and his current status as a go‑to weapon is stark. Teammates, led by Henry’s vocal support, view the criticism as fuel rather than a setback.
Looking ahead, the Ravens have a handful of primetime games that could turn the spotlight fully on the Henry‑Hopkins duo. If the early spark continues, the "washed" narrative may be relegated to a footnote in the season’s story. For now, Henry’s blunt message sends a clear signal: doubt the veteran, and you’ll just see him double‑down on the field.
