FOXBORO, Mass. — Chris Hogan’s first game against his former team began in the worst possible way Sunday.
The New England Patriots wide receiver was whistled for holding and offensive pass interference on the very first play of Sunday’s 16-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Hogan’s infractions wiped away a 90-yard catch-and-run by Julian Edelman and kicked off a forgettable day for the ex-Bills wideout, who was targeted just twice and finished without a reception in the loss.
“I have to play better,” Hogan said Monday. “I have to either run him off or just know better that I can’t put my hands on him that early. That was on me.”
The shutout loss, which dropped New England to 3-1 on the season, was the Patriots’ first since 2006 and their first at home since 1993.
“Obviously, it was tough,” said Hogan, who spent the last three seasons with the Bills before signing with the Patriots in March. “A lot to learn from. But now we’re moving on, and on to Cleveland.”
Some additional notes from Monday’s media availability at Gillette Stadium:
— Even before Hogan’s miscue, Patriots rookie Cyrus Jones committed a costly mental error by opting to return the opening kickoff after fielding it in the end zone. Jones made a similar mistake on Buffalo’s second kickoff, forcing the Patriots to begin their first two drives at their own 9- and 14-yard lines.
Matthew Slater could be seen instructing Jones to take the touchback on his first return, and as the Patriots’ special teams captain, he shouldered the blame for the rookie’s poor judgement.
“I take that,” Slater said. “That’s on me. You have to do a better job of communicating on the back end, and as the leader of the group, that falls on me.”
— Brandon Bolden’s status remains unclear after the running back left Sunday’s game with an apparent knee injury. Bolden has carried the ball only once this season but has been a key contributor on special teams throughout his Patriots tenure.
“It’s hard to see one of your guys go down,” Slater said. “Brandon and I have a great relationship. He’s a special guy to me, and he brings so much to our team that doesn’t get talked about with his heart, his passion, his consistent play. We’re obviously praying that it’s best-case scenario for him.”
ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss reported Sunday night that Bolden’s injury is not season-ending, but that he “could still miss some time.”
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
