New England Patriots: JuJu Smith-Schuster Impact 'More than 100 Yards'?

Some aren't pleased with JuJu Smith-Schuster's early returns with the New England Patriots but don't count fellow receiver Kendrick Bourne among them.

Kendrick Bourne hinted that the impact that JuJu Smith-Schuster has had on the New England Patriots is more valuable than any fantasy football metric.

Those who drafted Smith-Schuster in anticipation of seeing him headline the Patriots' passing attack have been left disappointed in the early going, as the former Pittsburgh Steeler/Kansas City Chief has earned only 66 yards on 10 receptions over his first three Foxborough features. The Bourne justification, however, sang his praises and labeled him as a leader whose impact can't be measured by a simple box score.

“They just don’t understand,” Bourne said of Smith-Schuster's critics to NESN. “You've got to look at the bigger picture ... You may want somebody that makes spectacular plays, but you also need somebody that’s going to be consistent in doing the right thing, being in the right spot, because you never know which play might be the most important.”

“JuJu’s very smart,” Bourne continued “Whatever people are saying right now about him, all the noise … he plays his role well and he understands his role." 

JuJu Smith-Schuster (7) during Week 1 action against Philadelphia / USA TODAY SPORTS

Smith-Schuster is in town on a three-year, $25.5 million contract, Many viewed him as more or less stepping into the role that Las Vegas-bound Jakobi Meyers left behind in the offensive hierarchy. The receiver lost part of that payday when his most memorable play as a Patriot yet ... a penalized blindside block penalty against C.J. Mosley in Sunday's win over the New York Jets ... was charged with an unnecessary roughness fine.

Bourne, who currently paces the Patriots with 139 yards and 14 receptions, said that the group isn't looking for any scoreboard-breaking, fantasy-winning, highlight-reel-hitting efforts. Instead, they're focusing on growing chemistry and camaraderie as the team works through an awkward but potentially rewarding season where several players lock down or lose their Foxborough futures.

"In the (receiver) room, we don’t look at it as trying to be No. 1. We look at it as, ‘We’re working together.’ So, whoever’s game it is, it’s their game and whoever’s game it’s not, it’s just not. I think we do a good job of understanding that, and that’s going to help us in the long run.”

"Just to the people: Y’all got to understand that there’s so much more that goes into it than just getting 100 yards every game,” Bourne said. “We’re not trying to do that."

The Patriots (1-2) have very real football to worry about on Sunday as they face a crucial interconference showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox). 

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