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The New England Patriots pushed their winning streak to seven games with a 28-23 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10. The result lifted their record to 8-2 and reinforced their position as one of the league’s most consistent teams this season.
Wide receiver Mack Hollins played a pivotal role in the win despite not always receiving the spotlight reserved for other offensive contributors.
Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed Hollins after the game and praised the veteran receiver for his contributions both on the field and within the locker room.
“I appreciate his professionalism. Don’t judge a book by its cover. He walks around like Encino Man. But he’s smart, he’s easy to talk to; I enjoy our conversations. I think he’s a good leader. I like having him here,” Vrabel said.
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on WR Mack Hollins:
"I appreciate his professionalism. Don't judge a book by its cover. He walks around like Enchino Man. But he's smart, he's easy to talk to; I enjoy our conversations….I think he's a good leader….I like having him here." pic.twitter.com/a9hTAy64F9
— New England Sports Fellow (@_JosephManning) November 10, 2025
The reference to Encino Man stems from the 1992 film about two high school students who discover a caveman and attempt to pass him off as a foreign exchange student. The character Link is portrayed with long hair and unconventional clothing, traits that mirror Hollins’ distinctive appearance and personal style.
The receiver is known for his eccentric fashion choices and his tendency to walk barefoot in all weather conditions. Hollins led the Patriots with six receptions for 106 yards during a game where quarterback Drake Maye faced challenges finding rhythm. The performance provided stability in the passing attack when New England needed reliable production from its receiving corps.
Over 122 career NFL appearances, Hollins has only surpassed these numbers once. That came on September 25, 2022, when he caught eight passes for 158 yards and a touchdown while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders against the Tennessee Titans. He also threw a four-yard completion in that contest.
While his recent output fell short of those totals, it contributed directly to a Patriots victory that keeps their postseason aspirations firmly intact.
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