There have been doubts as to how the New England Patriots wide receiver group will perform in the 2023 season, but wideout Kendrick Bourne believes the group can prove doubters wrong.
Bourne is determined to have a bounce-back year after recording only 35 catches for 434 yards and a touchdown last season. He wasn’t utilized much, as the New England offense struggled throughout the course of the year. Now, he will be looking to become an integral part of the offense like he was in his career-season in 2021.
The wide receiver unit includes veterans like Bourne, JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker, as well as up-and-coming rookies Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas. The mix of talent has Bourne believing the Patriots can play the underdog role at the wide receiver position.
“I think we’re going to be a group that’s going to shock a lot of people,” Bourne said, via NESN’s Zack Cox. “It’s good to be the underdogs.”
It will be interesting to see what the Patriots’ wide receiver room can do with this particular group. One thing is for certain: Bourne does not lack confidence they can prove naysayers wrong.