Bourne Redemption: Patriots' Embattled WR Scores Twice in Eagles Loss

Kendrick Bourne was the offensive star in the New England Patriots' surprisingly feisty Week 1 tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Perhaps nothing personified Tom Brady Day at Gillette Stadium better than an unexpected aerial hero rising to the occasion.

Kenrick Bourne's efforts weren't enough to grant the New England Patriots an upset triumph over the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles but his performance on Sunday, to the tune of two touchdowns, in Foxborough should at least allow New England to (almost) take positive vibes from a one-possession loss to last year's Super Bowl loser.

"He kept fighting,” quarterback Mac Jones said of Bourne's performance, per Pats Pulpit. “I know that about KB. We’ve kind of been in these situations far too often. We’re behind and I know that’s my go-to guy.”

Bourne started the final season of a three-year, $15 million deal signed in March 2021. Like several of New England's offensive pillars ... more or less anyone not named Rhamondre Stevenson ... Bourne saw his Patriots prospects darkened by negative interactions with the cursed offensive leadership duology of Joe Judge and Matt Patricia. His numbers plummeted from career-bests (55 receptions, 800 yards) to near-personal worsts (35 receptions, 434 yards), raising questions about his abilities at the top of the lineup.

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Judge and Patricia's doubts seemed justified at the start of Sunday's game, when Bourne inadvertently partook in an impromptu tip drill. His first quarter drop became a touchdown in the worst way imaginable, as Darius Slay took the free, airborne ball 70 yards for a pick-six and an early two-possession lead.

But Bourne found redemption with two further scores, ones that drew the Patriots closer to their interconference rivals than anyone could've imagined. His first score helped New England close the gap to two points in the final seconds before halftime while the other accounted for their final tallies, which created the 25-20 margin.

Bourne was pleased to make an impact in the Patriots' surprisingly spirited effort, 

"I've got to make the catch," he said. "Tough catches, you know, I pride myself on making tough catches. (I'm) pretty bummed about that one. (I) want to show up for my team in all areas. Touchdowns are cool, everything's cool, but a big play like that would have changed the momentum even more.

“(I'm) just practicing, focusing, looking it all the way in even when it’s a crowded, tight catch like that. I know I can make that catch, next time I will.”

It obviously remains to be seen whether Bourne can keep the momentum up for a whole year under new boss Bill O'Brien. But Sunday's start at Philadelphia, while short on the scoreboard, was an obvious step in the right direction for all parties involved.

Bourne and the Patriots (0-1) return to action and have a chance to extend the momentum in prime time next Sunday night when they open divisional play against the Miami Dolphins (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC).

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