Tag: Mack Hollins

Falcons WR Drake London ruled out vs. Vikings

The Vikings path to victory got a little bit easier on Sunday

The Minnesota Vikings will have an easier time on Sunday when the face the Atlanta Falcons. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, wide receiver Drake London will not play on Sunday due to a groin injury.

The Falcons selected the 6’4″ 213 lb wide receiver at eighth overall in the 2022 NFL draft. During his career, London has made an impact in his short time with 109 receptions for 1,304 yards and six touchdowns.

His massive frame and ability to box out defender paired with excellent body control makes him a unique weapon on the outside.

In his place, Mack Hollins and Van Jefferson will need to step up on the outside and Kyle Pitts at tight end.

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NFL Week 4 Awards: Mike Tomlin has no answers for his disappointing Steelers

Mike Tomlin’s team is treading water and he doesn’t know what to do.

We’re used to watching the Pittsburgh Steelers with gold and yellow glasses.

They are, traditionally, a marquee NFL franchise, marketed like a heavyweight team every year. And for the most part, under Mike Tomlin, they’ve almost always been respectable. They’ve literally never had a losing season under him. Call it a hunch, but that remarkable streak seems like it’s in jeopardy this season.

On Sunday, the Houston Texans — with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, mind you — humiliated the Steelers in a 30-6 win. Pittsburgh had no answers for an inexperienced quarterback, and its offense could never get off the ground against a young Houston team that is supposed to be rebuilding. When Tomlin was asked about making “changes” to prevent another outcome like this from happening, he professed something would shift.

But I’m not quite sure what strings he can pull to make these Steelers look respectable. (Warning: NSFW language in the tweet and video below.)

Kenny Pickett might be out for a while with a knee injury. Is Mitchell Trubisky really going to be that much of an upgrade for Matt Canada’s uninspirational offense? Is a defense that lets everyone cut it up over the top really going to be that much better with rookie Joey Porter Jr. in the fold?

The fact of the matter is that Tomlin’s Steelers don’t seem like they’re good enough to contend with the AFC’s big boys anymore. Deep down, I feel like he probably knows it. Deep down, another season straddling around .500 should probably be considered a massive accomplishment for Pittsburgh this year. This is a flawed roster with a flawed process that really needs to take a good look in the mirror and realign its expectations.

And who’s to say Tomlin even has a good answer for the Steelers’ issues outside of anything obvious? He hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has missed the postseason as many times (3) as it’s qualified over the last six years.

The 2-2 Steelers are without a paddle, and I’m not sure Tomlin can rescue them this time.

Social media reacts to Mack Hollins’ heated exchange with Desmond Ridder

Social media reacts to former North Carolina Tar Heel Mack Hollin’s heated exchange with teammate QB Desmond Ridder.

Week four of the NFL season has brought some exciting moments from the 1 P.M. slate, one being former Tar Heel wideout Mack Hollins appearing to get upset with Falcons starting quarterback Desmond Ridder.

The broadcast caught the moment briefly, with many speculating it coming from Ridder’s lackluster play in the game. While others suggested it could be Hollins’s low numbers on the season due to a lack of targets, failing to snag a reception in Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars.

The viral clip has garnered more than seven million views.

Hollins this season has seven receptions for 114 yards and zero touchdowns. When Hollins was a member of the Las Vegas Raiders this time last year, he had already had 17 receptions for 273 yards.

Hollins’s heated exchange with Ridder caused quite a stir on social media, with major sports media platforms sharing the encounter. Let us look at how social media reacted to the viral moment.

Desmond Ridder leaves Mack Hollins hanging on throw, gets left hanging on high-five

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder left receiver Mack Hollins hanging on a post route. Hollins left Ridder hanging on a high-five. Not a great sequence of events.

The Atlanta Falcons’ passing game has been a disaster this season, and that was once again the case when quarterback Desmond Ridder and his guys took the field Sunday morning (our time) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London.

It was already 17-0 in Jacksonville’s favor when Ridder tried to throw a post to receiver Mack Hollins. However, Ridder left the ball short, the pass was nearly intercepted by Jaguars cornerback Darious Williams (who returned another Ridder pass 61 yards for a touchdown on the previous drive), and Hollins had no shot.

After the drive was over, ended as it was by Ridder’s second pick, Hollins left Ridder hanging in his own fashion.

Ridder finished his day in the 23-7 loss with 19 completions in 31 attempts for 191 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, four sacks, and one big slight on the bench. Not that it’s all Ridder’s fault — Arthur Smith hasn’t exactly been Bill Walsh as the Falcons’ play-caller — but this is never a good sign.

Mack Hollins appeared to big time Desmond Ridder on an in-game high-five

Was Hollins upset with Ridder about his play?

The Atlanta Falcons seemed to be anything but normal in their game across the pond Sunday. Not only did Atlanta never get off the ground in a 23-7 loss at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars, but starting quarterback Desmond Ridder was absolutely horrendous. The first-year full-time starter struggled to get the Falcons’ offense in a rhythm, and he finished with a putrid line by completing 19-of-31 passes for 191 yards for one touchdown and two picks. Not even the Toy Story broadcast could make this performance look fun.

And, at least from afar, it appeared one Falcons teammate wasn’t entirely pleased with Ridder’s play. After the signal caller walked off the field while down 17-0 in the first half, he tried to encourage receiver Mack Hollins with a high-five. Hollins didn’t even reach his hand out and stood up, seemingly displeased with Ridder about something. (And yes, in case you were wondering, this sequence didn’t receive a Toy Story animation.)

All that to say, this wasn’t a great look for a team trying to rally from a massive deficit.

I’m not sure what’s going on behind the scenes in Atlanta or if Hollins was even upset with Ridder. It could’ve been the receiver trying to hype his quarterback in return. But the optics from a distance say something else for a quarterback that has now arguably cost the Falcons in two straight losses.

How did former Tar Heels fare in Week 1 of NFL action?

Several former UNC football players, highlighted by Sam Howell and Javonte Williams, performed well for their NFL teams last weekend.

You could say this weekend was very stressful for the UNC football program and its fans.

The Tar Heels almost suffered a third defeat in five seasons to in-state rival App State, but rode a career day from Omarion Hampton and a late defensive stop to a 40-34 victory. UNC was down after one possession, then saw Hampton and Drake Maye reach the end-zone in back-to-back possessions. Carolina’s defense was very reminiscent of 2022’s, allowing the opposition to move the ball without much resistance, something surprising considering the 9-sack performance against South Carolina.

Life for former Tar Heels in the NFL was a little less stressful, highlighted by Sam Howell’s second win in two starts as the Washington Commanders’ quarterback.

Let’s take a deeper dive into how former Carolina players performed around the NFL:

The UNC football connection with Atlanta Falcons is strong

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, receivers coach T.J. Yates and wide receiver Mack Hollins are all UNC football alums.

Looking at college throwbacks of athletes always gives a nostalgic feel.

Fans can think back to that first connection they formed with their favorite athlete. Was it a specific game? Touchdown catch? Bone-crushing tackle that SportsCenter played on repeat Sunday morning? How about their willingness to come over and sign autographs after a busy day under the hot sun?

Regardless of how people develop those initial connections with their favorite athletes, it’s always interesting to hear someone’s story.

Do the names Mack Hollins, T.J. Yates and Arthur Smith ring a bell?

Hollins is the most recent Tar Heel on this list. A former walk-on, Hollins is now fifth all-time in touchdown receptions (20). Hollins, now an Atlanta Falcon in Year 6, is coming off his most productive season, one in which he caught 57 passes for 690 yards and four touchdowns for the Las Vegas Raiders.

T.J. Yates, down in Atlanta with Hollins as the Falcons’ receivers coach was one of Carolina’s best quarterbacks in recent years. He threw for 9,377 career yards, second all-time behind Sam Howell. Yates started 44 games, including 29 consecutive to close out his career. He didn’t fare as well in the NFL, though, logging 2,057 career passing yards while throwing for 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Yates is best-known in the NFL for helping the Houston Texans clinch their first playoff berth in franchise history.

Arthur Smith, a guard who played in Chapel Hill from 2001-2005, is, coincidentally, head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Most of Smith’s collegiate playing time was marred by foot injuries.

Want a look back at the Falcons trio during their Carolina days? Scroll through these classic Instagram photos:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CvvNy19Ohum/?img_index=2

 

The Falcons will be playing in a new-look NFC South this year. The Carolina Panthers will have 2023 first overall pick Bryce Young at quarterback, a brand new running back room and wide receiver trio, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be rolling with either Baker Mayfield or former Florida Gator Kyle Trask at quarterback, while the Saints might have the division’s best quarterback in Derek Carr.

Hollins will be catching passes from Cincy alum Desmond Ridder, while working closely with Yates.

Can this Carolina trio help lead the Falcons to their first playoff berth since 2017?

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

LOOK: Mack Hollins bulks up for new season

Former UNC football wide receiver Mack Hollins looks like he has bulked up in the offseason.

Former North Carolina wide receiver Mack Hollins resurrected his career last season with the Las Vegas Raiders as he was one of the lone bright spots in a dim year for the team.

Hollins finished last season with 57 receptions, 690 yards, and 4 touchdowns with the Raiders. After having a big role on special teams, Hollins started to find his groove in the offense and he cashed in with a new deal with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. 

Hollins joins an offense that also features Drake London and Kyle Pitts while they added Bijan Robinson at running back. With Desmond Ridder at quarterback, Hollins is hoping he can be a legit weapon in that offense.

And it looks like Hollins put in some offseason work. Check out this video of Hollins at training camp, looking like he bulked up:

Yeesh.

Hollins looks stronger and let’s hope that can translate to him becoming a better receiver and having a big year in Atlanta.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Mack Hollins lands one-year deal with Atlanta Falcons

Former UNC football wide receiver Mack Hollins has earned a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

The 2023 free agent class for wide receivers in the NFL was nothing to write home about this year with all due respect. It was considered one of the weaker classes in years for the position and not many players have signed deals yet.

On Sunday, former UNC football standout Mack Hollins decided it was time to find a new home and not return to the Las Vegas Raiders. Instead, Hollins will head to Atlanta as he has agreed to a one-year deal with the Falcons.

Per reports, Hollins’ one-year deal is worth $2.5M.

Hollins had a nice season in Las Vegas, finishing with 57 catches for 690 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was also a standout on special teams for the Raiders, providing some extra value.

Prior to that Hollins spent time with both Miami and Philadelphia.

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Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Falcons signing WR Mack Hollins to one-year deal

The #Falcons have a new No. 2 WR after signing free agent Mack Hollins to a one-year deal

The Atlanta Falcons have a new No. 2 wide receiver after signing free agent Mack Hollins, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday evening. Hollins, 29, had a career-best 57 catches for 690 receiving yards and four touchdowns for the Las Vegas Raiders last season.

Outside of Drake London, the Falcons were relatively thin at wide receiver. The team has yet to re-sign Olamide Zaccheaus or Damiere Byrd. Hollins is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound wideout, who served as the Raiders’ No. 2 WR behind Davante Adams in 2022.

Don’t be surprised if Atlanta adds another receiver or two in free agency or the upcoming NFL draft. Our latest seven-round Falcons mock has the team trading back and selecting Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba at pick No. 13.

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