DeAndre Hopkins’ Savage Clapback Leaves Ravens Star Marlon Humphrey Speechless

Lamar Jackson wanted to play with DeAndre Hopkins for a long time. Now that he finally has the chance, both players seem determined to make the most of it. The early signs are promising, and the potential is sky-high

Ravens fans, buckle up. This could be the most exciting offense Baltimore has fielded in years.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed. Hopkins is now in his 30s, and there are always injury concerns. But if he stays healthy, the upside is immense.

He brings elite skills in contested catch situations, a veteran presence, and a chance for Jackson to elevate his passing game to new heights.

Hopkins said it himself—he could be that missing piece. All signs point to the fact that he likely is.

If he delivers as expected, the Baltimore Ravens may soon be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, with “Mr. Contested Catch” playing a starring role.

DeAndre Hopkins: The Missing Piece in the Ravens’ Championship Puzzle

DeAndre Hopkins has long been recognized as one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL.¹

A five-time Pro Bowler known for his exceptional hands, elite route-running, and ability to come down with contested catches, Hopkins could be exactly what the Baltimore Ravens need to rise above their AFC rivals.

With the Ravens boasting a formidable defense and a dynamic quarterback in Lamar Jackson, the addition of a battle-tested receiver like Hopkins may finally tip the scales in their favor. But is he truly the missing piece? Let’s break it down.

… https://t.co/7D4mL3xKnd

— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) June 16, 2025

The Ravens’ Recent Success: Close, but Not Quite There

The Baltimore Ravens have been a consistent playoff presence under Lamar Jackson.

They’ve won the AFC North in back-to-back seasons and have made the postseason three years running. Despite that success, the team has fallen short of reaching the Super Bowl.

They’ve been a tough out in the AFC, but the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have had just enough firepower to stay a step ahead.

A deeper look suggests that while the Ravens have leaned on their running game, defense, and Jackson’s dynamic playmaking ability, they’ve lacked a true No. 1 receiver who can make game-breaking plays, especially in critical moments against elite defenses.

DeAndre Hopkins’ Confidence and Realism

In a conversation with Marlon Humphrey, Hopkins acknowledged the perception that something’s been missing from Baltimore’s offense.²

When asked about the Ravens from an outsider’s perspective, he said:

“It seems like there’s been a piece that’s been missing. I could be that addition. I could not be that addition.”

This candid take showcases both humility and confidence. It’s rare for a player of Hopkins’ stature to be so honest about his potential impact. Still, his track record suggests he’s more than capable of being the final piece in a Super Bowl-caliber team.

“Mr. Contested Catch”: A Perfect Fit for a Physical Offense

Humphrey dubbed Hopkins “Mr. Contested Catch,” and the nickname is more than just locker-room banter. Since entering the league in 2013, Hopkins has built a reputation for thriving in tight spaces and making the improbable look routine.

Hopkins leads all active receivers with 84 contested catches since 2015, and he led the NFL with 12 touchdown receptions in tight-window scenarios during one stretch. Simply put, he wins the kinds of battles that make the difference in playoff football.

His 6-foot-1 frame and physicality provide an edge in the red zone and on critical third-down conversions. In an offense that already includes speedsters like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, Hopkins brings a different, much-needed dimension.

Lamar Jackson’s Evolution: From Dual Threat to Deep Threat

Lamar Jackson is known for his mobility and improvisation, but his passing game has steadily matured. Still, one clear trend stands out—he prefers targeting open receivers. Last season, Jackson threw into tight windows just 52 times, the fewest among all NFL quarterbacks.

That stat is not a knock on Jackson—it reflects his ability to read defenses and find the most efficient play. However, it also means that he’s yet to be paired with a receiver who thrives in those physical, low-separation situations.

Hopkins could change that.

Though Jackson’s preferred targets averaged 4.26 yards of separation—the most in the league—Hopkins excels even when he’s closely guarded, averaging just 2.54 yards of separation.

Their contrasting styles could complement each other perfectly. Hopkins doesn’t need to be wide open to make an impact; he just needs the opportunity.

The Need for a Go-To Receiver in the Postseason

Postseason football demands toughness, precision, and the ability to make clutch plays in high-pressure moments. Games slow down, defenses tighten up, and separation becomes harder to come by.

This is where Hopkins’ experience shines. His playoff performances with the Texans and Cardinals showed that he can be counted on when the stakes are highest.

Baltimore’s current receiving corps has promise, but none have shown the level of postseason poise and production that Hopkins brings.

He gives Jackson a dependable weapon in crunch time—a reliable target who can make a contested catch on 3rd-and-9 or score the go-ahead touchdown in the final minutes.

DeAndre Hopkins: Building a Super Bowl-Caliber Offense

With Mark Andrews at tight end, Flowers and Bateman on the outside, and a rushing attack anchored by Jackson and J.K. Dobbins, the Ravens already had a balanced offense.³

But what they lacked was an alpha receiver who could consistently beat man coverage and command attention.

Hopkins not only fills that role, but he also makes life easier for everyone else on the field. Defenses will have to pick their poison: double-team Hopkins and leave the speedsters and Andrews with favorable matchups, or cover him one-on-one and risk giving up big plays.

This kind of gravity—the ability to dictate defensive coverages—is what separates great receivers from good ones.

What Hopkins Brings Beyond the Stats

Hopkins’ impact goes beyond his impressive stat line. He brings leadership, veteran savvy, and a chip-on-his-shoulder mentality that could benefit a team looking to take the next step.

He’s played with multiple quarterbacks over his career—from Deshaun Watson to Kyler Murray to Ryan Tannehill—and still managed to produce at a high level.

His presence in the locker room and in film study will only help Jackson, Flowers, and the rest of the young core develop a more polished passing attack.

The Chemistry Factor: Can Lamar and DeAndre Click?

The biggest X-factor will be how quickly Jackson and Hopkins can develop chemistry. Timing, trust, and rhythm are critical between a quarterback and his top receiver.

With Hopkins being a precision route runner and Jackson becoming more patient and accurate in the pocket, there’s every reason to believe this duo could thrive.

Training camp and the early part of the season will be essential to building that connection. If they get on the same page quickly, Baltimore could be terrifying by midseason.

Can the Ravens Leapfrog the Chiefs and Bills?

The AFC is loaded. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are the reigning kings, and Josh Allen’s Bills are always lurking. But the addition of Hopkins might just be enough to close the gap.

Baltimore already has one of the league’s best defenses, a former MVP at quarterback, and a strong coaching staff.

Add a top-tier receiver to the mix, and they could be in for a deep playoff run—or even a Super Bowl appearance.

DeAndre Hopkins’ Hall-of-Fame Resume

It’s not just admiration—Hopkins’ stats speak volumes. Entering this season, he ranks:

• 16th all-time in receptions (984)

• 21st all-time in receiving yards (12,965)

Those numbers put him within striking distance of 1,000 career catches and 13,000 yards—two milestones that few receivers in NFL history have achieved.

Hopkins isn’t just a talented addition; he’s one of the greatest wide receivers of his era.

How Hopkins Fits into the Ravens’ Offense

Hopkins’ game fits perfectly with what the Ravens want to do under offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

Known for his ability to make contested catches and move the chains, Hopkins will complement the deep speed of players like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.

Expect Monken to use Hopkins in a variety of ways:

• Intermediate routes to keep the chains moving

• Back-shoulder fades in the red zone

• Isolation plays against single coverage

Add in Jackson’s mobility and ability to extend plays, and Hopkins’ improvisational skills will be on full display.

DeAndre Hopkins: Building Chemistry Beyond the Field

Quarterback-receiver relationships aren’t just built on talent—they require trust and time.

Jackson and Hopkins have already been seen working together outside of scheduled team activities, running routes on their own and breaking down film.

This commitment is encouraging. Hopkins has played with elite quarterbacks before—Deshaun Watson and Kyler Murray—but Jackson offers a unique blend of power and creativity. The more reps they take together, the more dangerous they’ll become.

A Revamped Wide Receiver Room

For years, Baltimore’s wide receiver room was considered one of the weakest in the league. But in just a few short seasons, it has become a strength. The 2025 lineup now includes:

• DeAndre Hopkins – Future Hall of Famer

• Zay Flowers – Explosive second-year wideout

• Rashod Bateman – Talented route-runner when healthy

• Nelson Agholor – Veteran depth and solid hands

Combine that with tight end Mark Andrews and running back Keaton Mitchell out of the backfield, and the Ravens now boast one of the most complete skill-position groups in the league.

 

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Raising the Ceiling for Lamar Jackson

With Hopkins in the mix, Jackson’s MVP-level ceiling only rises. He won the MVP in 2019 with far less firepower.

Now, with arguably the best supporting cast of his career, he’s in a prime position to challenge for another MVP trophy.

More importantly, he’ll be better equipped to make a deep postseason run—something that has eluded him so far in his career. With a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver, Jackson has fewer excuses and more opportunities to lead his team to a Super Bowl.

The AFC Arms Race

The Ravens’ addition of Hopkins isn’t happening in a vacuum. The AFC is stacked with powerhouse offenses: Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Josh Allen and the Bills, Joe Burrow and the Bengals, and now Caleb Williams leading the Chargers.

To compete in this arms race, every team needs elite talent on the perimeter. The Ravens have answered the call. Hopkins may be the missing piece that gives them an edge.

Projecting the Numbers

If both players stay healthy, don’t be surprised if Hopkins posts a stat line like this in 2025:

• 85+ receptions

• 1,100+ yards

• 8–10 touchdowns

Those numbers are well within reach and would likely place him in the Pro Bowl conversation yet again.