Chris Hogan earns praise from former coach Rex Ryan
By James Carson
Former Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan filled in love with New England Patriots’ wide receiver Chris Hogan while both were in Buffalo.
On Adam Schefter’s “Know Them From Adam” podcast, former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan shared his opinion on the New England Patriots‘ loss of Julian Edelman. He segued the thought into his strong opinion of presumptive Edelman-replacement Chris Hogan.
Ryan said that he was not surprised with Hogan’s breakout last season and that it “drives him crazy”.
"“That was the one player I definitely did not want to lose when I was at Buffalo. Not only was he really our best receiver [in 2015]…but he was also our best special team player that year. Like, this kid’s a great football player, a great competitor, and a great athlete. … You don’t wanna lose these guys and, you know, he was tough, he was everything you look for.”"
One of the strengths of Belichick
He discussed how Bill Belichick is an expert at finding players undervalued by teams with new head coaches or general managers. Ryan mentioned that Bill Parcells once told him that many teams will be less willing to retain players they did not sign or watch mature because they want a fresh start with their own handpicked talent.
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Schefter prompted Ryan for his reaction to Hogan signing with New England, to which he responded with a patented Rex Ryan gem.
"“Let’s just say I wasn’t real happy.”"
Hogan got 38 passes for the Patriots last season for a career high 680 yards. He finished in a virtual tie for first in yards per reception last season, with 17.9. DeSean Jackson finished mere decimal points ahead of Hogan.
Tom Brady has shown a similar love for Hogan this offseason, to the point that Hogan moved his locker right next to Brady’s after Jacoby Brissett’s trade to Indianapolis left a vacancy.
Ryan also said that he expects “Touchdown Mike” Gillislee, as he called him, to flourish in the old LeGarrette Blount roll for the Patriots. He also said that cornerback Stephon Gilmore, another former Bill, will be fantastic in New England as long as he remains healthy.
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Ryan believes he can be one of the best corners in the league if that is the case.