Patriots Gridiron News: Chris Hogan Prepping for First Playoff Experience

New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan is entering new territory in his NFL career…the playoffs.

Chris Hogan is one of a few players who will experience their first postseason experience with the Patriots. Through his first four years in the NFL, he has spent time with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills and didn’t even come close until this season.

Although Hogan has excelled in the Patriots’ offense and has made some pretty explosive plays, he is not sure what to expect in the playoffs as the pace of the game speeds up and the pressure gets more intense.

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"“To be honest with you, a lot of people have asked me that. I don’t really know,” Hogan said via WEEI. “I have never experienced it before. This is all new to me so just talking to some of the guys, the playoffs is, you talk about preseason and going into the regular season, the speed kind of picks up and I’ve heard that from a number of guys where playoff speed picks up a little bit more.“Just the level of play. It’s one and done. You’re playing for the next game so everyone is playing that much harder. I am excited to play in this game and start preparing this week and next week.”"

After signing a three-year deal with the Patriots prior to the season, Hogan has had his best season as a pro. He finished with 38 catches for 680 yards and four touchdowns. More importantly, he gave Tom Brady a deep threat option and has become a player capable of breaking a big play.

Compliments of Steve Smith: Retired wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. has had any battles with the Patriots throughout his 16 seasons in the NFL and took some time to explain what makes New England such a difficult team to play.

Appearing on ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike” on Tuesday, Smith took time to compliment his former foes.

"“I hate to admit it, but the New England Patriots staff seems to have it all together,” Smith said. “Scouting department, they know what you’re doing. Nothing is more defeating to a wide receiver (than) when you’re lined up and the corners and linebackers are saying ‘Watch the dagger route! Watch the dagger route!’…You’re like, ‘They know the plays.’“So you’re running the route and going, ‘Joe (Flacco), you better not throw this ball!’ They do a great job. Their scouting department does a great job keeping you on your toes, and they take away your bread-and-butter plays.”"

Despite the Patriots knowing the plays, Steve Smith Sr. still had some big games against New England. Some of those impressive moments came against Aqib Talib and Darrelle Revis, who both were top corners for the Patriots at the time.

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