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Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas Raiders 2022 Rewind: Mack Hollins, The New WR2?

Originally posted on The Raider Ramble | Last updated 1/14/23

Mack Hollins had a solid debut season for the Las Vegas Raiders. Having stepped up in Hunter Renfrow’s absence, is he the new WR2?

The 2022 season was a failure for the Raiders as a whole, but there were some good moments and some surprises for some players. One of these players was Mack Hollins, the former Philadelphia Eagle and Miami Dolphin, who had a career season with the Raiders, and some fans are hoping for his return. Given more extensive playing time and more action than spot duty, the light shone, and he made the most of the opportunities. We’ll look back at the season through the eyes of “the Mack named Hollins.”

Las Vegas Raiders 2022 Rewind: Mack Hollins, The New WR2?

In Week 2, with the Raiders starting 0-2 against the Tennessee Titans, they had a tough go and all signs pointed to another loss, but Hollins had other ideas. In the game, he led the offense with eight catches for 158 yards and a touchdown. On the game’s final drive, Hollins converted a 4th and 15 for 48 yards and moments later caught a nine-yard touchdown pass to put Vegas in position to tie the game. He had earlier also caught a game-long 60-yard pass. It was a breakout game that many wondered if he could pull off. His play through the game kept the Raiders alive and in a position to possibly pull off a comeback win.

There were a couple of meme-worthy moments that he contributed as well. On the game-winning run by Josh Jacobs, as seen here, Hollins fluffed his wings à la the Seahawks.

Earlier in the season, Hollins also celebrated Davante Adams scoring a touchdown before he caught the pass. It’s reminiscent of the Golden State Warriors shooting a three and celebrating before it goes in.

How did the numbers look for Mack Hollins?

In his first season in the desert, Hollins had a breakout year in terms of total catches and yards caught. The total, as shown through Pro Football Reference, was 57 catches, 690 yards, and four touchdowns. With multiple downed punts inside the 20, he has also demonstrated his exceptional ability as a special team’s ace. He quickly became a valuable asset to the team with his play, and his personality only helped as he fit in with Raider Nation. He was a willing blocker, and the effort he gave would only appeal to the fans more throughout the season.

Hollins fits in seamlessly with Las Vegas Raiders fans

The personality fits right into the Raider Nation. As seen in his appearance on the NFL Network, he showed up to the interview barefoot and mentioned many times that he preferred to be barefoot. It was one of the many times that people enjoyed and laughed at the antics he provided throughout the season. In the season finale, Hollins arrived at the stadium barefoot, and of course, no one would expect anything less.

What’s next for No. 10?

In his most extensive playing time, with injuries to key players, he showed his all-around capabilities and value to a team. If the Raiders could bring him back, it would be most helpful, as the chemistry in the receiving core showed throughout the year. If the team is to compete next year, he should be offered a contract and continue the Hollins show, as the experience could be better with victories behind it.

This article first appeared on The Raider Ramble and was syndicated with permission.

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