Kendrick Bourne Adopts Tom Brady’s Playbook as Jerod Mayo’s Patriots Lost 2 Captains in the Offseason

The New England Patriots are facing a leadership shakeup after losing two key captains this offseason – quarterback Mac Jones and special teams ace Matthew Slater. For Jones, his stint as the Patriots quarterback was a rollercoaster ride. The 2021 first-rounder burst onto the scene, earning a Pro Bowl alternate nod and finishing runner-up for Offensive Rookie of the Year. But Lady Luck turned her back on Jones as Bill Belichick’s controversial coaching moves put a stop on his development.

Former Patriot, Damien Harris, bluntly put it recently on ‘The Athletic Football Show’, “What happened to Mac Jones in New England was not because of Mac Jones.” The running back didn’t mince words, lambasting Belichick for handing the offensive keys to Matt Patricia and Joe Judge – a couple of “guys who have coached defenses and special teams their entire lives.”

The Patriots are now banking on Kendrick Bourne to embrace the GOAT’s supreme leadership philosophy and help fill the gaping hole in their locker room fabric. In a recent interview, Bourne made it clear he’s ready to be a vocal leader and fill the void left by Jones and Slater’s departures. “I’m tryna be a captain this year,” he said. “The way I got to do it is just being present, bruh. Everyday, going to OTAs, being on time, leading the guys, talking, being vocal.”

Bourne’s commitment to leading by example and with his voice echoes Brady’s philosophy that great leadership starts at the top with accountability. As the former Patriot QB said, “Leaders need to hold themselves accountable” and “care about the people you work with” while harboring “a genuine passion for what you’re trying to accomplish.”

Echoing Brady’s mantra that “great leadership always starts at the top,” Bourne is aiming to be a dual-threat leader – a vocal inspiration while setting the benchmark through his actions. As TB12 professed, “You can only ever ask someone to do something you’re willing to do yourself.”

For the Patriots, having a vocal leader like Bourne who can rally the troops is priceless. If Bourne can channel Brady’s legendary mindset and rekindle that fire, he’ll be the X-factor in reigniting New England’s fading championship pedigree.

The Patriots’ future is here with Slater’s mentorship

While Bourne aims to galvanize the locker room, the recently-retired Slater is sliding into an advisory role under head coach Jerod Mayo’s watchful eye. Though his gig remains loosely defined, the special teams legend is leaving his fingerprints “in everything” according to Mayo.

For the coach, having a grizzled vet like Slater in his corner is a cheat code. “At this level, it’s hard to find people who will tell you the truth,” admitted Mayo to reporters. “He’ll tell you how it is” – a brutal honesty that could prove instrumental as the Patriots navigate their leadership revamp.

With Slater’s wisdom complementing, Bourne’s on-field intensity, and Mayo’s steady hand at the helm, things are surely going to get interesting for the team. If they can blend the throwback ideals that forged New England’s dynasty with an innovative, player-led culture, the future could be bright in Foxborough.