Saturday was a difficult day for the New England Patriots, and several players did not have a stellar opener, including wide receiver Kendrick Bourne.
He was on the field for only two snaps in the 20-7 loss to the Miami Dolphins, which ended in him hauling in one catch for 41 yards. It was a greatly reduced role, as the wide receiver was one of the team’s top pass-catchers last season. He caught 70 passes for 800 yards and five touchdowns last year.
The 2022 season is off to a bit of a different start, as he spent most of Sunday afternoon on the bench. He knows he needs to play better in several aspects.
“I’m just not giving the coaches what they want, what they need to see,” said Bourne. “I just need to get better on my part. … No doubt, I’m disappointed in myself. I know I can be better, play better, practice better. I think that’s what it takes, just me practicing better so Coach can trust me more.”
Kendrick Bourne, who didn’t play until late in the fourth quarter, said he’s disappointed in himself and needs to practice better to show the coaches they can trust him. pic.twitter.com/Cir0b4Fapu
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) September 11, 2022
The Patriots could use Bourne’s skills, as the offense sputtered against a tough Dolphins defense Sunday. It’s possible that the wide receiver could have a bigger role in a tough Week 2 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
