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New England Patriots: 5 winners and losers from win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

By Kenneth Teape

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: Fans light up the light on their cell phones as they join the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a moment of silence in horning the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting before the start of an NFL football game on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: Fans light up the light on their cell phones as they join the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a moment of silence in horning the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting before the start of an NFL football game on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots: 5 winners and losers from win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 5: Wide receiver Chris Hogan #15 of the New England Patriots makes an attempt to haul in a pass by quarterback Tom Brady that was intercepted by safety Justin Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter of an NFL football game on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Winner No. 1: Wide Receiver Chris Hogan

Chris Hogan continues to perform at a high level for the Patriots. People questioned if he would help fill the shoes of Julian Edelman, and he has done well as the Patriots chain mover. Against the Buccaneers, he was needed to help replace Gronkowski, and he did that too.

Hogan was once again excellent. He received the most targets from Tom Brady, as he was thrown to 11 times. He converted eight of those targets into receptions, going for 74 yards and one touchdown.

With Gronkowski sidelined, the Patriots leaned more heavily on three and four wide receiver sets. With the Buccaneers being spread out, Hogan picked apart the middle of the Buccaneers defense. He played every offensive snap, which was important, as well, as the Patriots didn’t have many pass catchers to rely on.

Hogan has continued to be a preferred target for Brady. Brady has confidence targeting Hogan, and rightfully so. The two have built quite the chemistry and it shows on the field. Expect Hogan to continue being the most targeted receiver for the Patriots, especially if Gronkowski’s injury is worse than expected and he misses more time.

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