FOXBORO — There’s no such factor as an ethical victory within the NFL, or no less than there’s no column for it within the standings, however large receiver Kendrick Bourne was inspired by the Patriots’ efficiency after their 25-20 loss to the Eagles in Week 1.
Facing a 16-0 deficit early within the sport, the Patriots did bounce again in opposition to the reigning NFC champions even when in the end it was not sufficient in the long run.
“We definitely feel like we can play with any team,” Bourne stated. “Just keep improving every day, not feeling like we arrived. Just playing our game, playing within the scheme and just making the plays when they come. I think that will make us better.”
Bourne had an eventful sport. He caught six passes on 11 targets for 64 yards with two touchdowns, however that doesn’t inform all the story. An errant go from quarterback Mac Jones hit Bourne within the fingers as he was leaping and adjusting for the ball in midair halfway by means of the primary quarter. The ball fell to Darius Slay, and the Eagles cornerback took it again for a 70-yard pick-six landing.
“Just react faster,” Bourne stated when requested if there was something he might have achieved in a different way on the play. “Bat the ball down, I’m not sure. But it’s good to go through adversity, testing us. We’re tested in a tough situation. I think we responded well.”
Jones and Bourne didn’t join on the large receiver’s first three targets. Their connection later put the Patriots in place to return again with the 2 landing hookups, one a 19-yard rating late within the first half, and the opposite an 11-yard completion with 3:37 left within the sport.
The Patriots had two extra possibilities to attain late within the sport however got here up brief with two turnover on downs.
Jones focused Bourne on third-and-12 trailing by 5 factors with 2:29 left within the sport. The go, which fell incomplete, was credited as a breakup by Slay, however Bourne put the blame on himself.
“A drop, honestly man,” Bourne stated. “I gotta make the catch. Tough catches, I pride myself on making tough catches. Pretty bummed about that one. I want to show up for my team in all areas. Touchdowns are cool and everything’s cool, but a big play like that would have changed the momentum even more.”
The Patriots had a delay of sport on the subsequent play, and Jones threw incomplete to tight finish Hunter Henry on fourth-and-17.
Jones praised Bourne after the sport.
“I know that’s my go-to guy,” Jones stated.
The Patriots have been 1-of-4 on fourth down. One of these makes an attempt got here on fourth-and-3 with 9:39 left within the contest down 22-14 on the Eagles’ 34-yard line. The Patriots went for it on fourth down fairly than kicking a 34-yard discipline purpose.
Bourne was simply pleased that the Patriots have been taking dangers in any respect, and he believes the crew will carry out higher on these performs sooner or later.
“It’s cool that we’re going for it on fourth down,” Bourne stated. “It shows our confidence. I like that. I think it puts pressure on the other team. Like ‘these guys are confident they’ll get it.’ I think we’ll do better in our next situations.”
It’s high-quality to be inspired after barely shedding to an excellent crew within the Eagles. But sooner or later, the Patriots want to show ethical victories into precise wins.
Source: www.bostonherald.com