Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne offers insight into Mac Jones' struggles, Belichick's future
LAS VEGAS — Kendrick Bourne missed the second half of the 2023 NFL season when he tore his ACL. But even from the sidelines, the wide receiver was able to analyze the New England Patriots offense.
Bill Belichick had the worst season of his head coaching career, finishing 4-13. The Patriots missed the playoffs for consecutive years for the first time since 1999 and 2000.
Some of the blame was placed on quarterback Mac Jones, who threw 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season. Belichick benched the first-round draft pick during a game four times before handing the starting role to Bailey Zappe.
Bourne, who is a free agent this offseason, gave a glimpse behind the scenes of the team dynamic. He had 406 receiving yards and four touchdowns before getting hurt.
"I love Mac, we got a good relationship," he said. "I think it was just more the environment for him and not gelling with the OC or the head coach. It was just tough, so hopefully he bounces back."
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The receiver said that the offensive coaching carousel the past few years has been confusing. Belichick didn't have an offensive coordinator for the 2022 season — which isn't anything new for him — but he rehired special teams coach Joe Judge as an offensive assistant and reportedly had defensive specialist Matt Patricia doing the offensive playcalling.
"It was rough, bro. It was rough. Everybody feels the same," Bourne said, noting that the team was as puzzled as the rest of "the world."
"Mac's so smart, so I think Mac likes complexity. He likes a complex offense to where he has to think. I think it makes him play better. So Matt Patricia, we were just so one-dimensional and kinda stagnant, so I think Mac, it didn't work with Mac, as we obviously see."
Bourne also commented on Jones' future with the team. The quarterback has one more year left on his rookie contract and a fifth-year option on the table. There's speculation New England is one of the teams vying for USC's Caleb Williams in this year's draft.
"I think he sticks around. I think he's too valuable," Bourne said. "The backup role is so important now. So if they're going to draft someone or whatever they're going to do, he'd be a great backup. I think he could be the starter. I think he could be the guy. Like I said, I got a good relationship with Mac, I'm team Mac for sure. So hopefully he can turn around."
Kendrick Bourne wants to see Bill Belichick take on a broadcast role
One of the biggest questions in the sports world is what Belichick will do next. He left the Patriots last month after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl wins. He was in the running to become the next head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, but the team ultimately went with Raheem Morris. All the other head coaching vacancies were filled by people other than Belichick.
Bourne thinks that Belichick should follow in the footsteps of coaches Sean Payton, Bill Cowher and Tony Dungy in becoming a television analyst.
"Woo! I want him to be on TV, I want him to be on media," he said.
Even though Belichick is known for his stoicism, Bourne pointed out that fans were thrilled when he put on the old school Army helmet during "College GameDay" for this season's Army-Navy game.
"He took over the internet, so he know how to go viral," he said. "He know how to go viral while being stalemate. ... I think he's a good fit for a role like that."