The New England Patriots are preparing for the Super Bowl, and their moves in the offseason are a huge reason why.
One of the additions the Patriots made in the offseason was signing Mack Hollins. He has emerged as a great leader for the team and produced when he was on the field. However, CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco ranked him as the second-worst starter in the Super Bowl.
“The veteran doesn’t offer much in terms of down-the-field speed, but he is a big-body target who can win on 50-50 throws,” wrote Prisco of Hollins on Monday. “He had 46 catches and two scores during the regular season, but missed two playoff games before grabbing two for 51 yards against Denver.”
Before an oblique injury that knocked him out for four games, Hollins was third on the Patriots in receiving yards and receptions. He ended up finishing fourth on the team in receiving yards, falling one yard short of Kayshon Boutte for the No. 3 spot. He finished third in receptions.
Hollins being ranked as the 43rd best starter between the two teams is disrespectful to the season he had. He was ranked behind Cooper Kupp, who had a very similar year statistically, despite playing in one more game and playing over 100 more snaps than Hollins.
Story continues below advertisement
Additionally, Prisco is not taking into account what Hollins does in the run game. His size plays a huge role in his ability as a blocker and he has been instrumental in the Patriots rushing attack this season.
Hollins will have a chance to prove Prisco wrong on Sunday when the Patriots take the field, looking to win their seventh Super Bowl in franchise history.
Featured image via Marc Vasconcellos/The Enterprise/Imagn Images
