The New England Patriots offense expected to get a boost when Kendrick Bourne was activated off the physically unable to perform list three weeks ago.
That hasn’t happened yet with Bourne back in the lineup.
The veteran wide receiver is aware he has underperformed since returning, including having a tough showing in Sunday’s 25-22 last-second win over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Bourne was targeted three times and failed to come up with a catch, including dropping multiple passes.
After that disappointing performance, Bourne vowed that things will change on the field going forward.
“Ima play better NE!” Bourne posted on the X platform.
Story continues below advertisement
Bourne even went as far to tell reporters in the Patriots locker room after the contest that he “hated” the game against the Jets.
“Personally, I just got to play better, man,” Bourne said, per NESN’s Sean McGuire. “I hated that game. I just played so bad. So, I just got to look in the mirror too you know. I got to make more plays.”
Bourne had past 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 looked on track to surpass those figures last year until he suffered a torn ACL.
Perhaps Bourne isn’t back to himself physically since he’s only a year removed from the significant injury. And there was bound to be rust, too, with so much time off. He has totaled just four receptions for 29 yards in four games this season.
Story continues below advertisement
But with more time, Bourne could feel more like himself and possibly turn back into a go-to option the Patriots offense desperately needs.
