FOXBOROUGH – There’s one Patriots receiver who won’t have much trouble picking up Josh McDaniels’ offense.
After arriving in New England, Kendrick Bourne absolutely thrived with McDaniels running the offense in 2021.
Bourne put together his best season as a pro that year with 55 catches for 800 yards and 5 touchdowns after signing with the Patriots in free agency.
Then McDaniels left the following season to coach the Las Vegas Raiders.
Speaking with the media on Tuesday, Bourne said the reunion has already gone well.
“Just seeing him has been awesome. Definitely picking up where we left off has been great,” Bourne said. “I’m very familiar with him, and he’s familiar with me. So it’s just an honor to be back with him.”
Specifically, Bourne said he loves the offense because it fits him well as a receiver. But it’s 2025, a new season, and he’s not taking anything for granted.
“I had my best year under him … but I’m not banking on that,” Bourne said. “I work every year. Every year’s different … but understanding that, relationships are big in this league. And if I can build off of that, it will help me in whatever area that is.
“But I love his offense. I’m familiar with it. I just kind of know where I fit in, play to play, different things. I just try to excel at what he wants me to do.”
Bourne also said he loved the energy McDaniels brings to the table. With the exception of the Patriots offensive coordinator dropping some weight, Bourne said he sees the same guy from four years ago.
“He’s a hard worker, precise about what he wants done, and I love that,” Bourne said. “We’re chasing perfection. But, we can never be perfect. But if we can train like that, practice like that, and get as close as we can to that, I think the execution will present itself in that.”