The New England Patriots offense expected to get a boost when Kendrick Bourne was taken off the Physically Unable to Perform list three weeks ago.
That hasn’t happened yet with Bourne returning to the lineup.
The veteran receiver is aware that he has underperformed since his return, including having a rough performance in the 25-22 last-second victory over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Bourne was targeted three times and failed to catch up, including dropping several passes.
After this disappointing performance, Bourne vowed that things would change on the pitch in the future.
“I’m going to play better in NE!” Bourne posted on the X platform.
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Bourne even went so far as to tell reporters in the Patriots locker room after the game that he “hated” the game against the Jets.
“Personally, I just have to play better, man,” Bourne said, according to Sean McGuire of NESN. “I hated this game. I played so badly. So I just have to look in the mirror too, you know. I need to make more plays.
Bourne has had success in the Patriots offense, so his struggles are a bit puzzling. He set career highs in receptions (55) and receiving yards (800) and tied his career high with five touchdowns in his first season with the Patriots in 2021. He seemed on track to surpass those figures last year until he suffered a torn ACL.
Perhaps Bourne hasn’t returned to his physical self since he’s only a year removed from his significant injury. And there was bound to be some rust too, with so much free time. He has only four receptions for 29 yards in four games this season.
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But with more time, Bourne could feel more like himself and possibly return to being a go-to option that the Patriots offense desperately needs.
