Now Hogan Time
showing that he can finish a drive in a tight setting. The second was a 32-yarder down the left sideline in which he essentially won a jump ball with Lions defender Evan Lawson and came down with the grab in the end zone.
On his third catch, he bailed out Brady. With the Pats quarterback scrambling for his life on a rollout, Hogan, who was moving deep down the sideline, sensed the trouble, and — probably hearing Brady’s shouts — rerouted his way back to catch a 6-yard delivery. On the very next play, Brady hit him on the fly on a crossing route for a 25-yard gain.
There’s no question he and Brady are clicking right now. They’re in a good groove and there’s no reason to believe that won’t carry over into the regular season.
“Chris does a great job. (He’s) in shape, works hard, puts the team first, good in the kicking game, blocks, runs after the catch, catches the ball, makes tough catches, smart. A lot to like about Chris,” Belichick said of Hogan during a recent media session. “He’s earned everyone’s respect as far as day-to-day attitude, performance. Has a lot of toughness.”
Last year, after Edelman (38 times), it was Hogan (12 times) who was most targeted by Brady on third down. That number should rise this season.
Obviously, Brady and Rob Gronkowski already have a special connection. It would be foolish to think Brady won’t rely on his tight end with Edelman down, and Gronk surely will get plenty of looks from No.12, particularly during critical moments when the games count. But opposing defenses also know all about that history. Without Edelman, they’ll focus more on taking out Gronk, trying to neutralize the Pro Bowl tight end with double teams. That kind of coverage opens things up for Brady’s other receivers.
Likewise, Brandin Cooks’ speed is likely to warrant a good share of double teams, garnering the most attention of opposing defenses. Especially without Edelman around, Hogan is going to be in prime position to take advantage. Brady will certainly find him in a pinch.
Last year, the former lacrosse star broke through with a careerhigh 680 receiving yards and four touchdown catches, but he was only scratching the surface. He was immense in the AFC Championship Game, with nine catches for 180 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Steelers, and followed with four catches for 57 yards in Super Bowl LI.
Just like Edelman, Hogan can be used in the slot if needed, but really, he can be a little bit of everything.
He’s tough, gritty, clutch, smart, and heck, while he might not have been a college quarterback, he can also throw the football if the need arises.
So, right on cue, it’s his time. It’s going to be Hogan’s year.