FOXBOROUGH, Mass – Throughout their dominating run, the New England Patriots became a team known for taken underdogs and turning them into star players. 

While this season certainly strays away from those winning ways that fans became so used to, that underdog mentality is still there. And no one knows more about being a long shot than Kendrick Bourne. 

"I think division games are exciting," Kendrick Bourne say heading into Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills. "It's some really great opportunities for us to really change this around at a crucial time."

"I like being an underdog. When you really think about the underdog, a lot of us I feel like in the Patriots organization are underdogs in a sense. I feel like Bill likes underdogs," Bourne added. "So underdog mentality is a great mentality, but we all gotta have it and we got to play like it, not just talking about it." 

Bourne began his career with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and after competing all throughout training camp for a roster spot, he proved himself just enough to earn a spot on the active roster. After his four years with the 49ers, Bourne signed a three-year deal with the Patriots, having a stand out performance during his first year with the team. However, he took a step back in 2022 when Matt Patricia was leading the team, but has begun to emerge as a top weapon for the Patriots this season despite all the offensive struggles. 

"The hard work pays off. So I think for our team if we work hard and people want to doubt us, we got to work harder. We got to change the narrative for ourselves," Bourne said. "So underdog mentality. I've had it all my life so I think it's a good mentality to have as a group."

There is one rookie receiver on the team this season who has also exceeded expectations and has showed glimpses of true potential. Standing at 5-foot-8, Demario Douglas was a long shot to make the roster, being drafted in the sixth round in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

But it became pretty clear early on in training camp that he was doing everything in his power to separate himself. And it clearly worked, as he earned a spot on the 53-man roster. 

From one underdog to another, Bourne was asked about what he's seen from Douglas. 

"You don't really know the threat he brings out for opposing defense. He can do a lot of things that I think people doubt, being an underdog and being a small guy," Bourne explained. "He just needs to keep doing it. Making those big plays. Very explosive. I think he can be great. He just has to keep working and doing it and want it every day 

As for past receivers Bourne has looked up to in the Patriots organization, he couldn't help but mention Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, and Chris Hogan. 

"Just people that have built their name. Proving to Bill that they can be reliable, that they can do more than what the naked eye can see from other people," Bourne said. "And that's why I think this organization as well. That's why I love being here. Because Bill, he plays who's playing the best, who's practicing the best, who's putting their best foot forward." 

That mentality of continuing to work hard is something he stressed on Wednesday, explaining that all receivers can make a big impact. It's just about the effort you put in. 

"Because you never know what practice squad guy is gonna be the next guy. Tom Brady, Mr. Irrelevant, you never know," Bourne said. "So I think it's just a great player and I think (Belichick's) built something great. So we just got to get back to that place."