Sky’s the Limit Kayshon Boutte From Setback to Star Receiver
Late-Game Drama and a Tough Start
In the Patriots’ 2023 season opener against the reigning NFC champions, New England faced a critical moment late in the fourth quarter. Trailing 25-20 and needing to overcome a 16-point deficit, the team was on a do-or-die drive. With just 29 seconds left, they found themselves facing a 4th-and-11 at the Philadelphia 20-yard line. Mac Jones targeted rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte, but while Boutte got one foot in bounds, his left foot landed out of play, resulting in an incomplete pass after review. This setback marked the start of a challenging season for Boutte, who found himself inactive for eight consecutive games following that pivotal moment.
A Determined Comeback
Reflecting on his experience, Boutte, a sixth-round pick, was determined to avoid a repeat of his rookie struggles. “I refuse to go through the same expletive I did last year,” he told Patriots.com. He focused on improving his work ethic and mindset, viewing each practice as a blessing and an opportunity to prove himself.
Teammates quickly noticed Boutte’s transformation during training camp. His commitment to mastering the new offensive scheme under coordinator Alex Van Pelt and his growing rapport with quarterback Drake Maye set the stage for a strong second season.
Rising to the Challenge
Now, seven games into his sophomore year, Boutte’s stats may not jump off the page, but he’s making the most of his chances. Since Week 5, he leads all Patriots receivers in snaps, and impressively, he ranks first among 117 NFL receivers in expected points added per target. Boutte has caught all three deep passes thrown his way and is proving to be the best option against press coverage.
“He has a knack for separating in man coverage,” Van Pelt noted, praising Boutte’s ball skills and ability to create separation. This development reflects the hard work Boutte put in during the offseason, resulting in increased playing time and contributions on the field.
A Promising Foundation
To understand Boutte’s journey, we must revisit his early days at LSU, where he burst onto the scene as a Freshman All-SEC selection. However, a severe ankle injury hampered his progress, and despite a strong start, he struggled to regain his former dominance. His disappointing NFL Scouting Combine performance saw him drop to a day-three draft pick, but the potential that made him a standout at LSU remained.
Now, as Boutte works to reclaim his status as a premier receiver, his dedication and growth could lead him to become a key player for the Patriots in the years to come.
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