When the Arizona Cardinals re-signed receiver A.J. Green this offseason to a one-year deal, they didn’t envision him having only 10 catches for 56 yards in the first six games of the season. That is what he has produced so far in 2022.
Since Week 8 of last season, Green has only had 35 catches for 448 yards and has not scored a touchdown.
That corresponds with the time that DeAndre Hopkins has missed between his injuries last season and suspension this season.
If you look at Green’s production over the last two seasons, having Hopkins on the field has made an incredible difference.
In the 10 games Hopkins and Green played together last season, Green had 37 catches for 572 yards and three touchdowns.
In the 11 regular-season games Green has played without Hopkins, he has caught 27 passes for 332 yards and no touchdowns.
With Hopkins’ return this week, perhaps it will signal an increase in production for Green.
Most would say that Green hasn’t looked good in a season and a half with the Cardinals. But when he and Hopkins played together, Green was at least productive.
Maybe that can start again this Thursday when Hopkins returns to the starting lineups against the New Orleans Saints.
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