Cardinals superstar DeAndre Hopkins hasn’t been playing in 2022 for long. Sunday was just his second game back from a six-game suspension. But he already has some issues with NFL officiating.
With the Cardinals attempting a two-point conversion late in the third quarter against the Vikings, Kyler Murray tried to link up with Hopkins on a slant route. The throw was a little low and Hopkins couldn’t haul it in, but he was leveled by Vikings safety Harrison Smith in what looked like clear helmet-to-helmet contact.
With the NFL’s emphasis on eliminating helmet-to-helmet hits, Hopkins would like some clarification.
… @NFL I need an explanation? https://t.co/smr0HeKvkN
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) October 30, 2022
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The hit kept the score at 28-23 instead of the Cardinals getting another chance to make it a three-point game.
Hopkins stayed in the game and seemed fine after the hit, but the overarching issue is, of course, the inconsistent application of different emphases by the NFL. Particularly regarding issues of player safety.
Hopkins had an excellent game overall, and the Cardinals’ offense looks significantly better with him in it. He had 12 catches for 159 yards and a touchdown on a highlight-reel catch, but Arizona would go on to lose 34-26.
The Cardinals will go up against the surprising Seahawks next week, as Hopkins tries to continue his heater. In the meantime, we’ll see if the NFL responds to the receiver’s request for an explanation. It would be interesting to hear what the league has to say.
