Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne: Pats work harder in training camp than 49ers

FOXBORO — Kendrick Bourne spent the first four years of his career in San Francisco before signing with the Patriots as a free agent last March.

He rose from undrafted rookie to the 49ers’ leading receiver in Super Bowl LIV and then a regular starter last season. These were hard years, full of sweat, strain and competition. Yet through one week of Pats training camp, Bourne says he’s working even harder with his new team.

“I’ve only been at one [other training camp], obviously. My last team. But it’s definitely harder,” Bourne said. “We work harder here. I’m glad to be here, man.”

Bourne has been a steady receiving presence through the first week of training camp, catching almost everything thrown his way. He bested J.C. Jackson multiple times during head-to-head drills for receivers and cornerbacks on Tuesday. It’s no guarantee Bourne, who inked a 3-year deal in free agency, will start Week 1.

Last year, he produced like a borderline starter, with 49 passes for 667 yards, both career highs. If he surpasses those numbers in New England, perhaps he’ll point to a more difficult training camp to explain how he reached a new level in his fifth year as a pro.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3xrq0YF