Start making your weekend plans, because NFL season is officially back. On Wednesday night, the Seattle Seahawks started their title defense with a comeback, 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch.
Former UNC standout Drake Maye struggled at quarterback for the Patriots (0-1), tossing just one touchdown to three interceptions, while finishing under 200 passing yards. Maye arguably played better on the ground, recording seven carries for 47 yards and finishing four yards behind Rhamondre Stevenson as New England's leading rusher.
Another former Tar Heel, Mack Hollins, proved to be the Pats' top pass-catcher on Wednesday. Hollins led New England with 51 receiving yards on just four catches, averaging a team-best 12.8
yards per catch.
After the Pats' loss, Maye praised Hollins for his big game.
"That's what he does," Maye said. "That's Mack Hollins' career, stepping up and being in the right spot, knowing what to do and making big plays. That fourth down was a big play he made. I know these guys are eager to get touches and eager to help this team win. I've got to do my part. I'm the leader. I need to bounce back and get ready to go for next week."
Drake Maye on #Patriots WR Mack Hollins stepping up:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) September 10, 2026
“That's what he does. That's Mack Hollins' career, stepping up and being in the right spot, and knowing what to do and making big plays. That fourth down was a big play he made. I know these guys are eager to get touches and… pic.twitter.com/JyclA1uBaJ
Hollins' most impactful catch came during New England's final drive, when he converted a fourth-and-nine on a dime from Maye. The two North Carolina standouts nearly connected for a game-winning touchdown minutes later, only for Seattle (1-0) to intercept Maye for a third time.
In 2025, Hollins enjoyed one of his best NFL seasons to date, catching 46 passes for 550 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the Pats' loss in Wednesday's opener, Hollins proved he'll once again be a viable pass-catching option for Maye.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC standout leads New England Patriots in receiving yards Wednesday
