Chris Hogan developing into bigger offensive role

Getty Images | Brett Carlsen

One play. 79 yards. Touchdown.

That connection from Tom Brady to Chris Hogan was the play that helped New England regain control of the game in a 30-23 victory Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens.

With the Patriots’ “Next Man Up” mentality, wide receiver Chris Hogan is benefitting from just that. Rob Gronkowski is done for the year and Danny Amendola is rumored to be sidelined until the playoffs. So, Hogan is seizing the opportunity to step up for his team.

In his first season with the Patriots, Hogan is already breaking his own personal records of his previous three years in the league. He spent the beginning of his career with the Buffalo Bills.

So far, he has shattered his PR in two major categories. Right now, he has 613 receiving yards, as opposed to his previous best of 450. He also has 19.2 yards per catch, with his previous record at 12.5; and currently matches his season-best 4 touchdowns.

Hogan has also set a new personal record in longest receptions with that all-important 79-yarder on Monday night. A 46-yard reception was his longest before that.

“Me and Tom are on the same page,” Hogan said about the big play, ““It was something where I had the option of going to the corner or the middle of the field, and we saw the same thing. Tom made a great throw and I think it was the time and the point in the game where we needed someone to step up and make a big play. I was just happy I was able to do that for the team.”

That’s great news for Patriots fans as playoffs are near. Let’s hope the two can stay on the “same page” from here on out.

Follow Megan on Twitter: @carnahanmegan