Pats Pulpit
Things have changed since the New England Patriots crossed paths with the Buffalo Bills in October. But some familiarity remains beyond the coaching likes of Doug Marrone, Robert Kugler, Todd Downing, Scott Booker and Mike Pellegrino this December.
Four former Bills can be found between the 53-man roster, practice squad and injured reserve in Foxborough, while one former Patriot can be found in Orchard Park.
Here’s a glance though the ties heading into Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET AFC East rematch at Gillette Stadium.
Brandin Cooks, wide receiver — The Bills signed Cooks to the 53-man roster after he cleared waivers in November. The Patriots had faced the 32-year-old wideout earlier in the campaign. But Cooks’ second stint with the organization that filled out his card in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft is in the rearview now. His career has brought 730 receptions for 9,710 yards, 58 carries for 341 yards, as well as 62 total touchdowns across 170 games. The New Orleans Saints sent Cooks to Foxborough during the 2017 offseason. The rights to pick No. 32 overall were part of the exchange. The following year, the former Biletnikoff Award winner out of Oregon State went to the NFC West in a swap involving capital in the first, fourth and sixth rounds. A five-year extension with the Los Angeles Rams followed on the way to Super Bowl LIII. So did an additional two trades.
Stefon Diggs, wide receiver — In his autumn return to Highmark Stadium, Diggs amassed 10 catches for 146 yards in a 23-20 divisional win. The veteran wide receiver has started all 13 games for New England. His 79 targets, 64 receptions and 705 receiving yards all lead the offense. Three touchdowns have been logged along the way by Diggs, who joined the Patriots on a three-year deal in March. The 32-year-old Maryland Terrapins product did so after finishing last season on injured reserve with a torn ACL. Originally entering the NFL in the fifth round of the 2015 draft at No. 146 overall, Diggs spent five campaigns with the Minnesota Vikings before being traded into quarterback Josh Allen’s passing game. He led the league in receptions and receiving yards in his first year as a Bill. He went on to eclipse 100 catches and 1,000 yards every season with Buffalo through 2023, earning four Pro Bowls and two All-Pros. The run ended through a trade with the Houston Texans.
Mack Hollins, wide receiver — The Patriots signed Hollins to a two-year contract in free agency. He has since had a hand in 11 starts along with 35 catches for 440 yards and a pair of touchdowns. There have been 567 snaps on offense and more on the odometer via special teams. There have been key blocks, as well. The energetic 32-year-old wide receiver started 13 games as a member of the Bills in 2024. His lone campaign with the previous AFC East winners included a team-high five touchdown...
