Patriots Gameday: Kendrick Bourne primed for another elite performance
The most frustrating part about the New England Patriots offense this season has been the phasing out of Kendrick Bourne.
Coming into the season, this was supposed to be a breakout season for Bourne who was coming off an impressive first season with the Patriots. Not only was he the team’s leading receiver, but there was also just a nice aura about the player, and no one could deny the chemistry between he and Mac Jones.
But, throughout training camp and the preseason there were rumblings of something going on with Bourne which trickled into the season when his snaps were way down, and he wasn’t a part of the offense like he was. Trade rumors came and went, but still Bourne put the blame of his lack of production on himself.
Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was a baller vs Bengals
Fast-forward to last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Bourne we all anticipated showed up. The Mac Jones to Bourne tandem exploded as they connected for 6 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. Where has this been all seasons? Well, that’s what made everyone watching the struggles of this offense scratch their heads more.
Ego over what’s best for the team. We’ve seen this movie before. If you are a Patriots fan, you remember the Malcolm Butler benching that we never really got an answer for from the coaches nor the player. A similar mystery has been playing out with Bourne all season long and Bill Belichick added to that mystery by saying there was “no particular reason” Bourne hasn’t been involved more in the offense this season.
Clearly, Bourne makes Mac Jones a better quarterback. There is a trust in that connection as seen by this touchdown pass in the team’s 22-18 loss to the Bengals:
https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1606749650752483328
It’s a new year and the New England Patriots still have a shot at making the playoffs. So, why not continue to ride with Kendrick Bourne? With two games to go, he is a player who can make things happen. He is a target who Jones is confident and comfortable throwing the ball to and above all, he seems to always make something happen when he is on the field.
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Against the Dolphins on Sunday, Bourne will have to put forth more of those dynamic plays he made against the Bengals. With the Patriots’ secondary depleted, this could turn into a high-scoring affair even with Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback.
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With two explosive wide receivers on the other side in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Patriots’ offense will need to find their own explosiveness.
DeVante Parker is out, but we’ve seen glimpses from Bourne, Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers and Tyquan Thornton. Can the receiver group put it all together and break out as a unit? Well, it does start with Bourne who can create magic when he is involved in the offense.
So, let’s get ready for an air show. It’s game day.