At a glance, something is off with those stats, Sapho. Bowe had 15 TDs in 2010, not 17.

No, not really. He was targeted four more times in 2013 than he was in 2012. People keep saying that but it isn't true.

Fixed!

Here are the numbers. You can see that he produces more when he gets downfield looks. That’s on Reid and Alex to make sure it’s happening. Otherwise, you are wasting your money.

2010


2011

2012

2013

But is it on Reid and Alex or is it on Bowe? Can he get down the field and get open or is he slow as shit? It's possible he is slowing down.

Alex Smith has always thrown the ball down the field less than just about every other starter in the NFL.

Even less than Cassel.

Not surprising that Bowe's numbers are down.

You know Clay, if Bowe had ever been an actual down the field type receiver this would all make sense.

Fact is he has always been a catch a run type guy his whole career He isn't a deep threat nor has he ever been.

Yes but his downfield production has still declined with Alex. Because Alex is Alex. That is kind of the point saphojunkie is making.

And we're not talking about bombs or being a deep threat, either.

Not including last year he averages 6 catches a SEASON beyond 20 yards.

The majority of his catches before Smith are 1-10 yards according to those stats and those numbers didn't drop.

So what you are bent about is the 5 catches over 20 yards over the entire season he didn't make with Alex.

OMG!

But production in the 11-20 yard range declined, too.

Alex likes throws under 10 yards. Nice and safe.

All of those passes are sectioned off where they are caught, not where they ended up.

For instance, Bowe catches a 7 yard slant and takes it 30 yards... that is filed under the 1-10 yard category.

He might be a catch and run guy, but he still caught significantly fewer passes ten yards or more beyond the LOS.

I like Alex Smith a lot, and I think he's entirely capable of leading this team on a deep playoff run. But I'm not going to say Count Zarth is trolling for saying Smith isn't throwing downfield when the numbers CLEARLY support it.

I think Reid and Smith would do well to make sure there are more downfield looks going to Bowe. The interesting question is why he's more successful down there. Is it because those passes ten to end up higher in the air, where he can use his size and strength more to his advantage over a smaller CB?

Yea he is averse to throwing 11 yards. There is 50 yards difference between last year and 2012.

Look at those numbers and realize we are talking one or 2 throws a game difference.

Huge difference right. And Bowe dropped more balls last year than I ever remember.

BTW remember the Baltimore playoff game when Bowe had exactly 0 catches? How does that compare to Indy?

You are splitting hairs. Thats splitting a log.

I think they just need to focus on the 11-20 yard range, where he averages about 20 YPC for his career.

Those two catches a game are 40 yards of production, though. If it's not that big of a deal, then it should be easy to make sure to game plan them in.

Thats the area where you need to be able to fight for a ball and make a catch and he was very lazy last year going for the ball.

I have brought this up before.

He jumps up in the air when he shouldn't.(his entire career)

He tips too many balls into the air, last year anyway.

He lets defenders get in front of him getting position.

He stops on slant routes rather than running through them.


If you haven't seen this you haven't been watching the games.

I am talking 2 total. Not 2 in the 20+ range. Look at your numbers. And see my last post.