Why Patriots Coach’s Praise for Mack Hollins Could Signal a Game-Changing Move

Picture this: a 32-year-old wideout, often overlooked and tagged as a journeyman, suddenly becomes the heartbeat of a team desperate for spark and consistency. That’s Mack Hollins for the New England Patriots in 2025 — a season bubbling with high hopes centered around young gun Drake Maye’s sophomore year. The Patriots have stacked their deck with talent like Stefon Diggs, yet it’s Hollins, with his relentless work ethic and chameleon-like versatility, who is quietly winning over the WR coach’s praise and, more importantly, showing up where it counts. How often does a player defy age and expectation to quietly steal the spotlight? Well, Hollins is making a case you won’t want to miss — especially as the Patriots crawl up against the shadow of the Bills in the AFC East. Can a few clutch catches from this underdog shift the tide for New England? Let’s dive in and find out.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 14: Mack Hollins #13 of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown reception against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. — (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

The New England Patriots entered the 2025 season with newfound expectations and excitement.

Fans were interested to see Drake Maye’s second year after showing some flashes in his rookie campaign, hoping the positive traits would stick around.

The team has seemingly done whatever they can to make Maye successful, bringing in a few pass-catchers to add firepower to their offense.

Stefon Diggs was the big offseason signing, a veteran that many believed would be a game-changer to this offense.

Diggs has been impactful, as has Mack Hollins, a journeyman wideout who is making his mark on a new team.

WR coach Todd Downing talked about the impact Hollins makes in a recent conversation shared via reporter Zack Cox on X.

“He is an extremely versatile piece, and he sets the tone from an effort and finish standpoint for our room. He’s so well-conditioned and takes care of himself so well physically that he’s out there giving his all every snap,” Downing said.

Patriots WR coach Todd Downing is a big fan of Mack Hollins, who's played the second-most snaps among Pats wideouts through two weeks:

"He is an extremely versatile piece, and he sets the tone from an effort and finish standpoint for our room. He's so well-conditioned and takes… pic.twitter.com/h5GOgwuVPB

— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) September 18, 2025

Hollins might be 32 years old, which is certainly on the older side for receivers, but as Downing mentioned, his shape and athleticism can help him make a difference on this football team.

Maye will take all the help he can get at this point, and even if Hollins only has a few catches here and there throughout the season, if they come at the right times, it could make this team that much better.

The Patriots face an uphill battle now that the Buffalo Bills are in their division, making it that much more difficult for them to make headway in the AFC East.

But if positive trends persist, the Patriots could find themselves in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, and after they get in, it’s anyone’s best guess what could happen next.

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