Drake Maye won’t have one of his favorite targets for the rest of the regular season, as well as the first two games of the post-season if the Patriots advance that far.
Mack Hollins, who was placed on IR Saturday with an abdomen injury, had quietly assumed an important role in the offense. In his first season as a Patriot, he had built a nice chemistry with Maye.
He started 13 games, led all receivers in snaps played (68%), was third in receptions (46) and receiving yards (550).
Given his height (6-4, 221 pounds), catch radius and competitiveness, the Patriots really don’t have another receiver who fits his profile.
During the playoff-clinching win over the Baltimore Ravens, Hollins produced a 7-catch, 69-yard effort. It would seem he suffered the injury in that game.
Maye often looked toward Hollins on deep crossing routes. The wideout was also effective as a blocker when the Patriots ran the football.
His efforts in the pass and run game will be missed.
With Hollins out, the Patriots are going to need someone to fill the void and step up starting with Sunday’s game in New York against the Jets.
Stefon Diggs (76 catches) and Hunter Henry (52) lead the way, but if opposing defenses are able to neutralize them, which Buffalo was effective doing a few weeks back, Maye needs another outlet. That was the beauty of having Hollins.
Kayshon Boutte is out against the Jets due to a concussion, but he should be in that mix when he returns.
DeMario “Pop” Douglas, who is questionable with a hamstring injury for Sunday’s game, is another option.
Over the course of Hollins’ four-game absence, it’s important that both Boutte and Douglas factor into the solution in helping make up for Hollins production.
Ditto rookie Kyle Williams, who has shown some big-play ability, and fellow rookie Efton Chism III, who should see more snaps against the Jets as a start.
Maye typically throws to the open receiver. That’s how the offense works. Hollins, who is known for his penchant to go barefoot, even shirt-less in the cold, fit well with Josh McDaniels’ scheme.
The 32-year-old was viewed as a leader by Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
“He has an energy to him,” Vrabel said of Hollins Friday. “And seeing him on Sunday night with the passion he had to help us win; we’ll obviously miss him. I’ve always appreciated his willingness to learn what we’re doing but also be a leader for some of the younger guys.”