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New England Patriots: 5 observations from a putrid loss in Pittsburgh

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass under pressure from T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass under pressure from T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Chris Hogan. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Chris Hogan. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Steelers still refuse to cover Hogan

The Pittsburgh Steelers won the game, but still struggled to recognize Chris Hogan on the field.

Reminiscent of his big game against the black & gold in the team’s 2016 playoff run, Hogan caught a 63-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady with no Steelers’ defenders around him.  Hogan only ended up with a total of two receptions for 68 yards in the game overall, but it was a reminder that he can still make contributions in the offense.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1074420554147409920

At the time, the Patriots were down 7-0 and responded quickly with the Chris Hogan touchdown.  It was the longest touchdown pass by Brady since he threw a 64-yard TD to Brandin Cooks last season.

While it hasn’t been the type of season fans expected out of Hogan, the team may need to look his way more now that opposing teams are starting to pay more attention to Josh Gordon.  He could be an X-factor in the final games of the season and into the playoffs.

In all, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots have to find a way to utilize Chris Hogan more in the offense.  We will see the next couple weeks against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.

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