Eric Decker aims to bounce back after rough start with Patriots

FOXBORO – The first pass Tom Brady threw to Eric Decker in an 11-on-11 setting didn’t go as planned.

Running out of the slot, Decker was open, but let the ball slip right through his hands. Immediately, he grabbed his facemask as a sign of frustration. That was last Wednesday and the problem got worse before it got better for the veteran.

On Sunday, Decker dropped two more passes. By the time Monday came, it was evident that there was more frustration. The [...]

FOXBORO – The first pass Tom Brady threw to Eric Decker in an 11-on-11 setting didn’t go as planned.

Running out of the slot, Decker was open, but let the ball slip right through his hands. Immediately, he grabbed his facemask as a sign of frustration. That was last Wednesday and the problem got worse before it got better for the veteran.

On Sunday, Decker dropped two more passes. By the time Monday came, it was evident that there was more frustration. The practice started with Decker dropping the ball not once, but three times – two of those came during a Brady side session with no defense on the field.

It’s been a rough start for the 31-year-old, who’s still learning the ropes in Foxboro. Although he’s had some early struggles, it’s clear that Decker has his head on straight. After the three drops to start practice, he finished Monday’s session with four catches in a row.

“It’s part of the game. We’re all human,” Decker said. “We’re all going to make mistakes, but don’t let it become a habit. Don’t let it happen over and over again. This game is about mental toughness. You’ve got to understand that you’ve got to bounce back. They’re going to be asking you to respond. It’s not really what you do in that moment, it’s how you react to it. I’ve played a lot of football. I’ve had a few drops in my day. I have many catches as well. I know how to bounce back and get to it.”

The Patriots certainly hope Decker can turn things around.

This offseason, the wide receiver position took plenty of hits and they keep coming. After losing Danny Amendola in free agency, the team traded Brandin Cooks. To start this season, Julian Edelman will serve a four-game suspension. The team has also seen injuries to Jordan Matthews and Malcolm Mitchell before both receivers were released.

On Monday, Cordarrelle Patterson didn’t participate and instead worked out on the lower field with other rehabbing players. That list included Kenny Britt, who hasn’t practiced fully since suffering a hamstring injury in June.

It’s clear that the Pats need some help in this area. On Monday, Decker showed the mental toughness to bounce back and help the offense. After his drops, Decker appeared to run the wrong route when Brady first targeted him in 11-on-11s. That kind of play could’ve continued the downward spiral. Instead, the opposite happened.

Decker caught the next Brady pass that came his way and then again. Two sessions later, he made a highlight reel grab over Jonathan Jones on a beautifully thrown deep ball. He finished practice with a reception from Brian Hoyer.

“It’s a work in progress,” Decker said. “I feel more comfortable with the playbook. Things are slowing down, mentally. That’s one thing. Just got to be able to get on the field and execute and be able to not think about things and just react. We’re getting there. Every day is a learning experience, is an opportunity for me to get better and that’s how I’m taking it.”

Over the last two practices, it’s been clear that Decker’s trying everything he can to get on the same page as Brady. On Sunday, he was the only receiver warming up with the quarterback before practice began. In each of the last two days, he’s been invited to Brady’s side session.

It’s clearly still a work in progress. After joining the Patriots on Aug. 3, it’s evident Decker’s shaking off some rust after not practicing all spring. He could’ve issued a laundry list of excuses after Monday’s practice, but held himself accountable.

Drops have been an issue to start his Patriots career. Decker hopes that won’t be what defines it.

“There’s no excuses for it. It’s something I obviously have to address,” Decker said. “You know, it’s something you work through. In my mind, that’s why God created practice. It’s just to be able to be better and kind of flush that out. But again, my job is to catch the football. I’ve got to do better in that field.”