In their 20-7 season-opening defeat to the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots' receivers failed to provide above-average downfield separation, a problem that started the previous year.
If the Patriots want to avoid going 0-2 down, a number of things must change against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
One simple solution is to give Kendrick Bourne more than just two snaps after his 41-yard catch in the fourth quarter.
Bourne provided the crucial burst of energy, quickness, and explosiveness downfield.
After Sunday's defeat, Bourne, who drew a sizable media contingent into the locker room, accepted responsibility for his restricted role by declaring: "I'm not giving the coaches what they want and need to see. I simply need to improve.
Bill Belichick, the head coach, cited Bourne's light workload Sunday wasn't a punishment-related day.
Brown previously claimed that Bourne's offseason wasn't as productive as it was the year before.
Bourne finished the previous season in second place on the team with 55 receptions for 800 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The team's Week 2 strategy against the Steelers will focus on improving separation down the field and giving Jones a chance to take advantage of it with strong pass protection.