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Patriots Gridiron News 10/31: Chris Hogan Goes Deep on Bills’ Secondary

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) is knocked out of bounds after making a catch for a first down with Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) defending during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) is knocked out of bounds after making a catch for a first down with Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) defending during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan came up big against his former team on Sunday. 

Chris Hogan didn’t have a good first game against his former team, but in his return to Buffalo, he torched the Bills for a 53-yard touchdown catch.  It was the second of four touchdown passes thrown by Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in a 41-25 rout over the Bills.

Hogan ended the game catching four passes for 91 yards, but the long bomb was a thing of beauty and showed the deep ball connection Brady and his new receiver are starting to have.  On the season, Brady is now 3 of 3 on deep passes to Hogan for a total of 159 yards and a touchdown.

The one touchdown couldn’t have come at a better time for Hogan, who tried not to hype the game up.  It also came against the Bills best defender, Stephon Gilmore.

"“It’s just one of those plays,” Hogan said via NESN. “I think it was a long third down. Good chance that maybe if I had a good release off the line then the ball was going to come to me. Once I got off the line and looked back, the ball was already in the air. It seemed like the ball was in the air for a long time. I knew it was just one of those things that go up and make a play, and Tom made an awesome throw. Didn’t even have to stop.”"

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Hogan’s overall performance was gratifying more because his new team was able to pick up a victory, the fact that he contributed in a big way made the victory even more sweet.

Stephen Gostkowski:  Kicker Stephen Gostkowski bounced back nicely in Buffalo on Sunday.  The veteran kicker was a perfect 7-for-7 on kicks during the Patriots’ 41-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills.

One of those kicks was a 51-yard field goal in the final seconds of the first half.  The field goal was the second longest he has kicked all season.  Most importantly, he helped his confidence by making it and hopefully will boost him in the opposite direction as he has struggled so far this season making kicks.

"“Steve is one of the best kickers in the league,” Belichick told reporters following the game via NESN. “We have a lot of confidence in him. When we need a kick, there’s nobody I’d rather send out there than Steve.”"

Rex Ryan says AFC East race is over:  Bills head coach Rex Ryan has given up hope catching the Patriots in the AFC East following the blowout loss.  Buffalo is currently in second place at 4-4 and Ryan doesn’t see anyway his team can catch a 7-1 team that looks unstoppable right now.

"“I mean, it’s the halfway point, but I think in the division, it’s unrealistic to think you’re going to win your division when you just got beat by — how many games are they up by? Three? Something like that, so I don’t see that changing,” Ryan said via WEEI. “I just told you the truth, but I never said it was going to ruin our season. I thought within winning the division you’re pretty much shot if you really think we can really run the table and still win it. I don’t think so.”"

Next: Patriots, Tom Brady Blast Bills In Buffalo

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