The New England Patriots brought in wide receiver Eric Decker for some veteran leadership, but he needs to start holding onto the ball if he wants to have the chance to provide that during the season. It seems every practice he has two or three drops, and people around the Patriots and the league have taken notice.

Decker was asked about all the drops after practice Monday and said there are no excuses for it, according to The Providence Journal.

“There’s no excuses for it. It’s something I obviously have to address,” Decker said. “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.”

Article Continues Below
More New England Patriots News
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Mike Florio examines ‘complicated’ Stefon Diggs cut scenarioBen Strauss ·
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel (center) with Eastern Washington receiver Efton Chism III (left) and Patriots cornerback Kobee Minor (right)
3 New England Patriots hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowJaren Kawada ·
Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) walks towards the sideline before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Patriots rumors: Stefon Diggs being cut ‘on the table’ amid viral videoMike Gianakos ·
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) warms up prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Stefon Diggs’ future hinges on truth over boat party says Albert BreerJake Faigus ·
New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (93) at Allegiant Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Controversial 1st-Round pick on chopping block to be cutConor Roche ·
New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) watches from the sideline during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium.
2-time Super Bowl champion retires after 10 seasons with PatriotsConor Roche ·

Decker went on to say that mistakes are part of the game, but everyone needs to have the mental toughness to be able to come back from the mistakes that they make.

“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.”

Decker has a great opportunity with the Patriots, especially while Julian Edelman is suspended, and if he can clean up the drops he has a really good chance to make the team. More clarity should come in the next three preseason games as the team continues to get ready for another run at the Super Bowl.