New England Patriots: 4 player grades from Preseason Week 3
Four receptions, 70 yards, two touchdowns.. WR. New England Patriots. CHRIS HOGAN. A
It’s appropriate that in the same game New England would lose starting wide receiver Julian Edelman to a season-ending ACL tear, second-year Patriot, wideout Chris Hogan would haul in four grabs for 70 yards and two scores.
Hogan, who will see a much larger share of targets with Edelman’s injury, had his best performance of the preseason, Friday night.
Earlier in the week, tight end Dwayne Allen revealed his nickname for Hogan, “Mr. Perfect”, via NESN.com.
"“I’m sure he could (catch his own pass) if he tried it,” Allen said Wednesday morning. “He’s an extremely hard worker. His production also speaks for it.”"
Allen wasn’t the only person to praise the lacrosse player turned Super Bowl champion wide receiver, head coach Bill Belichick said the following of Hogan, prior to Friday’s matchup:
"“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.”"
Hogan’s second touchdown of the night came on a contested 32-yard end zone grab despite being interfered with by Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson.
According to NESN’s Doug Kyed, Friday night’s showcase was just a glimpse at the “monster season” ahead for Hogan.
Regardless of the severity of Julian Edelman's injury, it's becoming apparent Chris Hogan will have a monster season.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 25, 2017
Hogan finished 2016 with 38 grabs for 680 yards and four touchdowns. With Edelman out for the season, he will see more chances to contribute come his way.