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Mack Hollins, a veteran wide receiver with a varied NFL career, has landed with the New England Patriots after a season catching passes from Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills. He has signed a two-year, $8.4 million contract with the Patriots.
Hollins’ NFL journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability, starting with his fourth-round selection by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. He has since played for the Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons, gathering valuable experience with each team.
Hollins’ Perspective: Parallels Between Allen and Maye
During his introductory press conference with the Patriots, Hollins offered an insightful comparison between his former quarterback, Josh Allen, and his new one, Drake Maye. He highlighted their shared mentality and playing style, noting that both quarterbacks exhibit a similar approach to the game. Hollins suggested that this similarity would make for a seamless transition as he adapts to playing with Maye in New England.
Key Observations:
Similar Mentality: Hollins pointed out the shared on-field mentality between Josh Allen and Drake Maye, emphasizing their competitive drive and a determination to extend plays beyond their initial design.
Play Extension: He stressed the importance of conditioning when playing with quarterbacks like Allen and Maye, who are renowned for their ability to extend plays and create opportunities outside the pocket.
Drake Maye’s Game: Hollins specifically mentioned that he sees the same play extension ability in Drake Maye’s game, underscoring that Maye’s style of play aligns closely with what Hollins experienced with Allen.
What This Means for the Patriots:
Offensive Adaptability: Hollins’ experience playing with Josh Allen will provide valuable insights into how to maximize the potential of a quarterback with Drake Maye’s skillset, helping the Patriots adapt their offense accordingly.
Veteran Leadership: As a seasoned player, Hollins brings veteran leadership to the Patriots’ receiving corps, offering guidance and sharing his wealth of experience with younger players.
Offensive Chemistry: Establishing strong chemistry with Drake Maye will be crucial for the Patriots’ offensive success, and Hollins’ ability to quickly build that rapport will play a key role.
Playmaking Ability: Known for his playmaking ability, Hollins has the potential to be a major asset, especially when it comes to extending plays in sync with Maye’s dynamic style of play.
Understanding Maye: The fact that an NFL veteran like Hollins sees clear parallels between Maye and Josh Allen is a positive sign for the Patriots, suggesting that Maye’s transition into the starting role could be smoother with Hollins’ experience to lean on.
Hollins’ Role in the Patriots’ Offense:
Providing a Reliable Target for Drake Maye: Hollins’ experience and skill set make him a dependable target for Maye, offering a consistent and trustworthy option in the passing game.
Using His Experience to Create Separation and Make Contested Catches: With his veteran savvy, Hollins knows how to create separation from defenders and is adept at making tough, contested catches, adding a valuable dimension to the offense.
Contributing to the Team’s Blocking Efforts: In addition to his receiving skills, Hollins brings a strong blocking presence, contributing to the team’s run game and overall offensive line efforts.
Being a Veteran Presence in the Locker Room: Hollins also offers valuable leadership off the field, serving as a mentor to younger players and bringing a sense of stability and experience to the Patriots’ locker room.
