FOXBORO -- Chris Hogan said he was just being superstitious when he was sitting away from his offensive teammates and on the defensive side of the bench during Sunday's win over the Bills. But if he wasn't frustrated, his body language was sending some strange signals.
He came to the sidelines with his palms raised to the sky briefly after one drive. He fired his helmet into the turf. He paced briefly before settling in his unusual spot on the sidelines.
Hogan finished the game with more snaps played than any other Patriots receiver (62) but no targets.
For a player in a contract year, it had to be frustrating because this is has been a season-long trend. Among the 55 receivers who've played at least 60 percent of their team's offensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, Hogan has the fewest number of targets (41).
Wanting to see the ball and make plays to help the team is part of being in the league, Hogan said Wednesday.
"I think you're just being a competitor," he said. "You want to go out there and do what's best for the team, help your team move the ball down the field, make plays, help them win football games. It's all about opportunities in this league and when you get the opportunities you have to make the most of them."
New England Patriots
That those opportunities have been few and far between for Hogan has begged questions about his on-the-field connection with Tom Brady.
Are they on the same page? "Yep," Hogan said.
Is the level of chemistry they have with each other as good as it's always been? "Absolutely," he answered.
Over the last two games, getting very little or nothing at all in terms of contributions from Josh Gordon, the Patriots passing offense has stalled. But Hogan echoed comments made by offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels earlier this week when he said he felt as though the passing offense would be there when the team needs it.
What makes Hogan optimistic?
"Because of what we've done in the past," Hogan said, "how hard we've worked in the passing game and obviously the guy who's leading us with the ball. We have all the faith in the world in him.
"I have all the faith in the world in the guys that are in the locker room and on the field on Sundays or whatever it is. A lot of guys are capable of making a lot of plays in the passing game in our offense. Whatever is required, I think everyone will step up to the challenge."
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