Patriots Gameday: Time for Kendrick Bourne to have his statement game
If the New England Patriots Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets is about the redemption of Mac Jones, then he will need one of his favorite targets to breakout and have his best game of the season.
We are talking about Kendrick Borne. Remember him?
As one of the team’s top receivers a year ago, 2022 has so far been a tumultuous one for Bourne who has seen his playing time reduced and has had his name swirling in trade rumors since before the season.
With just 11 receptions for 156 yards this season, Bourne has been one of the players impacted by the change in offensive philosophy. Like Jones, he will need to get back to the player he was in this Patriots’ offense for this team to get a chance moving forward. Of course, if the Patriots lose to the Jets this Sunday and depending on how they look in that loss, Bill Belichick could become a seller.
Kendrick Bourne will be a factor for the Patriots this season or someone else
Wide receiver needy teams could come calling which will turn Bourne’s performance in this Week 8 matchup more of an audition for other teams. If the Patriots win, a nice showing out of Bourne could increase his snaps.
Though the veteran receiver has stated since the start of the season that he is not all about his individual stats, Mac Jones and the Patriots will need him to put up some big numbers to keep that aggressive Jets’ defense on its toes.
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As for the trade speculation, a very mature Bourne maintains that he wants to stay in New England.
"“Yeah, absolutely. I want to be here. There’s no doubt about it,” Bourne told The Boston Herald in response to trade rumors. “Yeah, it hasn’t been my best year so far or whatever the naysayers say, but I’m happy here. I’m just playing my role, like I said in the beginning (of the season). It’s about being patient.“I’m not looking to be the stat guy, just trying to be in a position to help the team win, and I’ve always been that way. So, I’m just sticking to that motto and not getting too caught up in trying to get paid or whatever it may be.”"
It is really Bourne’s response to everything that has gone on this season that is most impressive. He continues to say the right things and understands his role in the lack of playing time. All he can do is do what the team asks of him and continue to make big plays and get open for Jones when his number is called.
As far as the Week 8 matchup, Bourne may have a big opportunity to get back in his groove as the Jets will put their best defender on DeVante Parker and the speedy Tyquan Thornton should garner some attention. That will leave the middle of the field open for Bourne as well as the New England Patriots tight ends.
Next. Bill Belichick, Mac Jones and boys are onto New York. dark
If Mac Jones takes what the defense gives him, it could lead to a nice game for the second-year quarterback and a statement game from the receiver all Patriots fans would love to see come alive.
Let’s see how it plays out, it’s gameday.