Preview and Prediction: Oakland Raiders vs. Houston Texans
By Austin Gayle
DeAndre Hopkins to Test David Amerson
Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has ascended as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL since entering the league in the 2013 NFL draft. It’s up to Raiders cornerback David Amerson, a former NC State product selected just 24 spots after Hopkins in 2013, to bring him back down to earth.
Due in large part to the poor play quarterback Brock Osweiler has put forth under center, Hopkins is on pace for his worst season in terms of receiving yards and touchdowns since his rookie year. However, he still possesses the tools necessary to have a dominant performance in any given week.
At 6’1”, 215 pounds, Hopkins is an elite athlete for his size. He is always a threat to beat a defense deep, but they must also respect him in underneath coverage, for he will tear apart shallow zone coverage with his ability to find open holes and make plays after the catch.
Asking someone to mirror Hopkins in coverage is a tall order for any cornerback in the NFL, but Amerson isn’t just any cornerback.
No order has been too tall for Amerson this season, as the 6’1”, 205-pound cornerback has accumulated two interceptions and a team-high 13 pass deflections in nine games.
According to PFF.com, Amerson has graded out as the 15th best cornerback in the league through 10 weeks.
Both star players should have their fair share of big plays in this matchup, but it will be the brighter star that ultimately gives his team the edge.