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Patriots vs. Titans preview: Pats receivers in desperate need of a bounce-back originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
FOXBORO — Five drops. Five.
Kendrick Bourne twice. Kayshon Boutte twice. Tyquan Thornton.
It was an epidemic. And the Patriots are hoping it was short-lived.
They survived a crippling case of the drops in Week 8 in beating the Jets, but starting this weekend in Tennessee the expectations have to be higher for that particular position group. It’s time to learn exactly what they have when it comes to the pass-catchers around Drake Maye.
During this week’s practices, it sounds like Patriots receivers did what they could to respond to their avert-your-eyes showing at home a week ago.
“I would say first, there weren’t a lot of balls on the ground,” coach Jerod Mayo said. “I think that was first and foremost, and that goes back to focus. I would also say those guys came out with good energy, knowing that the last week just wasn’t good enough. I think we all look forward to those guys going out and putting on a good performance.”
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This week in Nashville could represent a bit of a shift in receiver usage and provide a window into how the Patriots envision the future at that spot. Second-round rookie Ja’Lynn Polk could be back in the lineup since he’s been a full participant in practice after missing a game as he recovers from a concussion. Fourth-round rookie Javon Baker, after seeing snaps solely in the kicking game a week ago, could be in the offensive huddle as well.
“The last couple weeks, he’s put together great weeks of practice,” Mayo said. “Now, hopefully he gets an opportunity to go out there and play some receiver. He’s an explosive player. We need to see that on Sunday.”
Add those two names to second-year wideouts DeMario “Pop” Douglas and Boutte who have had impressive moments in recent weeks, and the Patriots have a core of youngsters…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-vs-titans-preview-pats-214825934.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-11-01 21:48:25
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