Patriots’ Kendrick Bourne feels “a lot better” about week two role

The Patriots’ season opener was not the best showing for the team, leaving many more questions left unanswered than before the game.

One of the biggest takeaways was second-year receiver, Kendrick Bourne’s lack of involvement throughout the game. He would hit the field for the first time in the fourth quarter, making an impact immediately with a 41-yard reception. But he would only join the offense for one more snap.

There have been rumors circulating over the past month regarding Bourne’s status with the team and the potential reasoning behind his alleged benching. Although nothing concrete has been revealed by those inside of the Patriots organization, insiders have provided what they’ve heard behind the scenes.

It was made clear this week that Bourne was in Matt Patricia’s “doghouse” for an apparent late arrival to a preseason meeting. It had also been reported that Bourne wasn’t the most on board with the Patriots’ push for a new Shanahan-style offense which the coaches were made aware of.

If either or both situations are true, this could indicate why the receiver saw fewer and fewer passes his way in the latter half of preseason practices and games, and even for his apparent benching for the first game of the season.

As the WR2 for the 2021 season and the Patriots’ game long offensive struggles against the Dolphins last week, Bourne’s nearly complete absence became worrisome. Knowing what he is capable of within New England’s offense, and then seeing it with his one reception, made his benching more alarming as he could have been the boost the offense really needed.

With the story continuing throughout the week, Bourne was asked if he had seen any changes when preparing for their game in Pittsburgh this weekend when speaking to the media on Friday.

"“Not much has changed. Just doing what they ask me to do. Everything’s really the same in a sense. Just doing the role they ask me to play, so keeping it the same.”"

When asked how he felt about his practices this week, Bourne expressed he was feeling a lot better overall.

"“I felt better. I felt better. Felt a lot better. Healthy, just moving well and just wanting to do everything right that I’m supposed to do.”"

Although he didn’t see a drastic change in the offensive game plan over the last two weeks, the receiver did say he felt he would be on the field more when asked if he thought he’d see an increase of snaps against the Steelers.

"“Yeah, yeah, for sure. I got some plays that I see out there. It was kind of the same last week, too, but it’s the same.”"

As the Patriots continue their first stretch of games against difficult opponents, there’s no reason for Bourne to continue watching from the bench. It was clear the offense was stagnant last week and his presence on the field could’ve made the difference needed for positive plays.

The upcoming game against the Steelers isn’t just a winnable game, but it’s also become a must-win for the Patriots. If they want to remain competitive for the 2022 season, integrating Bourne will be needed for the rest of the year.