ARIZONA CARDINALS

DeAndre Hopkins’ ridiculous TD catch highlights Cardinals’ win over Jets

Oct 11, 2020, 1:15 PM | Updated: 1:17 pm

(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)...

(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals were struggling to put away the New York Jets on Sunday, continuing to shoot themselves in the foot and failing to close a game out against one of the worst teams in the league.

But as the franchise has learned the last 15 years with a player like Larry Fitzgerald, a game-changer at a skill position can effectively do that by himself.

That was DeAndre Hopkins in a 30-10 Cardinals win at MetLife Stadium. He had four catches for 49 yards entering the Cardinals’ drive midway through the fourth quarter and Arizona leading 24-10.

Hopkins caught a pass for 45 yards on the third play of the series, a ball that was underthrown by Kyler Murray, as Hopkins had certainly burned his defender and could have been long gone for a touchdown.

No worries, though, as four plays later Hopkins created separation again and this time the nearly perfect ball from Murray was there.

Hopkins had to readjust just a smidge, taking some contact along the way, but was able to hold on for an incredible 37-yard touchdown grab.

Suddenly, Hopkins had six grabs for 131 yards and a score, a star line the star player has usually put up as a Cardinal. He entered Sunday leading the league in receptions with 39. He added a chunk on the 397 yards and one touchdown he had compiled through four games.

Hopkins has now accumulated over 125 yards receiving in three of his first five games with the Cardinals.

Arizona was able to get a win in New York despite a performance that no one would describe as encouraging. The Cardinals defense was able to benefit from a Joe Flacco start for the Jets and a handful of drops by his receivers.

With that in mind, it was another big day for a No. 1 receiver against the Cardinals secondary. Jamison Crowder recorded eight catches for 116 yards and a touchdown for New York.

Arizona never trailed, leading 17-3 at the half. Kyler Murray threw for a career-high 380 passing yards with the touchdown through the air to Hopkins, another on the ground and one interception.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs in a touchdown against New York Jets free safety Marcus Maye (20) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs in a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) and his defensive teammates celebrate after sacking New York Jets quarterback Joe Flacco during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers, top, sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers (91) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake (41) dives over New York Jets cornerback Pierre Desir (35) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dennis Gardeck (45) celebrates with middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) after sacking New York Jets quarterback Joe Flacco during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (20) breaks up a pass to Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trent Sherfield (16) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) New York Jets quarterback Joe Flacco, center, passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds runs in for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Arizona Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds celebrate after running in a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Arizona Cardinals

Hollywood Brown...

Tyler Drake

Marquise Brown leads Cardinals WRs into life post-DeAndre Hopkins

There's no way around it, the Arizona Cardinals' wide receivers room took a shot Friday morning with the release of DeAndre Hopkins.

10 hours ago

Isaiah Simmons practices...

Tyler Drake

Nick Rallis, Cardinals not rushing process with LB Isaiah Simmons

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons has been a defensive nomad throughout his career. Will he have a home in Year 4?

1 day ago

Budda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals shakes hands with fans after beating the Seattle Seahawks 2...

Wills Rice

Carson Palmer believes Cardinals need Budda Baker

Carson Palmer thinks keeping safety Budda Baker around is vital for the rebuilding years of the Arizona Cardinals.

1 day ago

DeAndre Hopkins...

Arizona Sports

Breer: ‘There’s a healthy divide’ on what ex-Cardinal DeAndre Hopkins has left

The MMQB's Albert Breer sees a split between those who think Hopkins still has something left and those who feel his price tag is too steep.

2 days ago

DeAndre Hopkins speaks after a game...

Dan Bickley

DeAndre Hopkins’ release ends WR’s selfish legacy with Cardinals

For the second time in three years, DeAndre Hopkins is moving on to another team and bringing little or nothing of value in return.

2 days ago

Zaven Collins tackles Dalvin Cook...

Tyler Drake

Vikings hosting joint practices with Cardinals ahead of preseason matchup

The Minnesota Vikings are hosting the Arizona Cardinals for joint practices ahead of their preseason tilt on Aug. 26.

2 days ago

DeAndre Hopkins’ ridiculous TD catch highlights Cardinals’ win over Jets