Patriots Veteran on Bill O'Brien: 'He Knows What He's Doing'
FOXBORO — Following a disappointing 2022 NFL season, the New England Patriots are hoping to improve upon their 8-9 finish.
While several Patriots seem intent on putting their dismal performances behind, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is feeling a bit of extra rejuvenation under the tutelage of new Pats offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.
“Bill’s familiar with what he’s doing, so it feels good,” Bourne told reporters on Friday. “He knows what he’s doing in all areas of offense — receiver, lineman, running back, he knows offense.”
Despite entering last season on the heels of a promising first year in New England, Bourne was relegated to sporadic reserve duty in 2022 in a Pats offense led by former play caller Matt Patricia. At times it appeared that a notable disconnect existed between Patricia and members of the team including quarterback Mac Jones and Bourne himself.
Conversely, O'Brien has essentially been charged with the duty of repairing what had become a fractured offense. Albeit in a limited sample size, Bourne has already seen significant progress during the Pats offseason workouts.
“He’s doing well,” Bourne added. “He knows how to engage with all of us, I feel like. He knows our traits right now, and he knows where to put us. It’s been good. We’re still learning each other as a group, but he’s doing well. You can tell he knows what he’s doing.”
Though O’Brien’s hiring is expected to pay dividends for the Patriots offense this season, Bourne realizes the he needs to make improvements to his individual game, as well.
Having signed with the Patriots as a free agent in the 2021 offseason, Bourne became one of the team’s most-reliable receivers. In his first season with New England, Bourne caught 55 passes for 800 yards and five touchdowns in 17 games. In the Pats lone playoff matchup with the Buffalo Bills, he logged seven catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns. He also demonstrated an ability to be a threat in the running game, 12 carries for 125 yards. The versatile wideout even tossed one touchdown pass; coming in the form of a 25-yard, first-quarter scoring strike to Agholor against the New York Jets in Week Seven.
Heading into his third season with the club, Bourne will use his widespread skill set to enhance his role in New England’s offense. His versatility should allow him to wear multiple hats for the Pats — a fact lost neither on his coaches, nor Bourne himself.
Though his technical prowess allows him to win from either alignment, he has looked most comfortable in the Z-receiver role, while occasionally assisting in the slot. However, Bourne has also been called upon to line up at the ‘X’ at times, with a respectable level of success. Lastly, Bourne has been known to carry the ball out of the backfield on occasion; both on the jet sweep and on designed runs.
Accordingly, Bourne is ready to put the past behind him and move forward toward a productive 2023 season.
“New year, new me, new us, new everything,” Bourne said with a smile. “That’s what we’re focused on, and that’s always the goal every year: to move forward and be better.”
The Patriots are set to begin their three-day mandatory minicamp on Monday on the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium.
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