Kendrick Bourne, who misplaced his standing as a starter and key contributor within the Patriots offense, ought to get on the sphere for greater than two snaps Sunday towards the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Listening to Patriots huge receivers coach Troy Brown throughout his video name with the media Tuesday, Bourne took a constructive step towards seeing extra enjoying time primarily based on his efficiency, coming in chilly towards the Dolphins and making an instantaneous affect.
Brown mentioned if a participant is in uniform for the sport, he must be able to go in on a second’s discover and contribute. And that’s precisely what Bourne did, making an enormous play late within the recreation.
After standing idly on the sideline for many of the recreation, Bourne was despatched in early within the fourth quarter, and instantly broke free down the left facet line, catching a 41-yard move from Mac Jones.
“I feel like Kendrick did a great job of staying ready, didn’t have any reps throughout the course of the game, and was able to come in and make a huge play for us down the stretch,” mentioned Brown. “That was a true sign of being a professional by Kendrick. Just being ready at all times. He did it for us last year, and he’s continued to do it for us this year.”
The Herald confirmed a report from NBC Sports’ Tom Curran that Bourne received into sizzling water after exhibiting up late to a pregame squad assembly, previous to the August 19 preseason recreation with Carolina. That was after the receiver received kicked out of the primary joint apply with the Panthers after partaking in a struggle.
Bourne had fallen down the receiver depth chart properly earlier than that incident, nevertheless. And his lack of enjoying time and targets has been a supply of frustration.
“I’m not giving the coaches what they want, what they want to see,” Bourne mentioned following the loss to the Dolphins when requested about his lack of enjoying time.
Judging by Brown’s feedback, that might change quickly. As all the time, a participant has to earn their reps. Bourne is on his method.
“There’s no named person that’s going to be out there playing more than another person,” Brown mentioned. “It’s just going to be whoever earns the right to go out there and play. They’re going to be the guys who play for us on Sundays.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com