DeAndre Hopkins Praises Mike Vrabel, Patriots Ahead Of Big Matchup
Hopkins played for Vrabel in 2023
The Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots will face off on Sunday in a game with major playoff implications.
The Patriots can clinch a playoff berth with a win, and the Ravens need a win to help catch the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. The Patriots have been one of the best teams in the NFL this season, and Ravens receiver DeAndre Hopkins spoke on the matchup.
“They play Vrabel ball and that’s solid football, don’t make many mistakes, gonna go out and try to dominate you,” Hopkins told reporters on Thursday. “That’s what Vrabel’s instilled, and that’s why I think the switch from last year and this year (happened) with those guys. Having a coach like Vrabel out there coaching you, you wanna go out and compete, play hard. I played with him in Tennessee, so I see why those guys are playing the way they’re playing. It’s just solid football.”
Hopkins played for Vrabel in 2023, and it’s safe to say he has respect for his former head coach. Vrabel has been key in the Patriots’ turnaround, and the rest of the league knows the type of team the Patriots are with him leading the charge.
Hopkins’ last 1,000-yard season came in 2023 with Vrabel as his head coach. Hopkins is no longer the player he once was, be he is still a respected veteran capable of making big plays.
The Patriots may have their hand full with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense. The Ravens beat the Cincinnati Bengals 24-0 last week. The No. 1 seed is still in play for the Patriots, even though chances are slim. However, any chance of claiming the top seed in the AFC starts with the Patriots winning out.
The Ravens are trying to make the playoffs, and the Patriots will get their best effort on Sunday night. The Ravens trail the Steelers by one game in the AFC North standings, and if the Steelers lose to the Detroit Lions, the Ravens will have a chance to catch up with the Steelers in the standings.
