Chiefs Bowe Should Be Starting - Page 7

Hammock Parties · 08-15-2009, 09:38 PM

http://kan.scout.com/2/888768.html

It’s time for the Chiefs to end their silly game with Dwayne Bowe.

In case you were actually doing something remotely entertaining and missed Saturday night’s Chiefs game, here’s the shocking news from Arrowhead Stadium – Dwayne Bowe didn’t start the game with the rest of KC’s first-team offense. Nope, the Chiefs trotted out a couple of NFL spares – Terrance Copper and Devard Darling - to complement Matt Cassel, Larry Johnson and Branden Albert.

The results, as predicted, were disappointing.

After zipping a precise 12-yard timing pattern to Copper on his first pass, Cassel’s second perfect throw was dropped (by Copper). Darling’s lone touch came on a doomed slip screen on a later third down. In about a half of football, Copper and Darling combined for two catches, 15 yards, and didn’t come close to scaring a defensive back or proving they actually deserve their “starting” jobs.

We probably shouldn’t be surprised. Both are little more than career special teams players. Copper is wearing his fourth NFL jersey in seven years. Darling spent the first half of last season in Kansas City failing miserably to beat single coverage despite the fact Bowe and Tony Gonzalez were drawing defenders.

Why were Copper and Darling starting? Supposedly, it was a motivational ploy by Coach Todd Haley, who wouldn’t mind turning Bowe into Larry Fitzgerald, the Pro Bowl receiver who flourished under his guidance with the Arizona Cardinals a year ago. It’s no secret Bowe has been dropping passes in training camp.

Bowe didn’t drop any passes Saturday night.

He got open, latched onto the ball with his incredibly strong hands again and again, and generally looked like someone who was determined to fight his way back into the starting lineup. After catching a simple hook pattern to start his night, Bowe sold out his body on KC’s next drive, diving to secure a 14-yard gain, setting up a Ryan Succop field goal.

Working with Brodie Croyle and a handful of second and third-string Chiefs, Bowe later made an incredible leaping catch down the right sideline for 18 yards. His night concluded after five catches, 70 yards, and nary a dropped pass for Haley to fume over.

Bowe didn’t appear to be a receiver who wanted to pout over his third-team sentence, ala Randy Moss. He looked motivated and hungry to prove himself. He gave Haley exactly what he was looking for – focus, flawless hands and first downs.

Did I mention all of this production came during the middle of a torrential downpour that resulted in fumbled snaps and sloppy, slippery play all over the field?

As Chiefs color man Len Dawson pointed out in the broadcast booth, “That’s pretty good for a third stringer.”

Bowe’s no third stringer, or even a backup for that matter. His performance Saturday night, and the lack thereof from Copper and Darling, should be reason enough for Haley to return his starting job immediately. Bowe might drop a couple of passes this week in practice, but demoting him again, for next Saturday’s game in Minnesota against the Vikings would be silly and counterproductive.

There’s zero reason for the Chiefs to delay developing chemistry between Bowe and Cassel. Considering their other options at receiver – none of whom showed much Saturday night – playing more mind games with Bowe is downright dangerous if the team has any plans at all to move the ball consistently this season. Getting Bowe and Cassel on the same page should be preseason priority number one from here on out.

Do we even want to think about what happens next week if no one is open while Jared Allen closes on Cassel’s blindside? And why even risk your best receiver’s health by putting him on the field deep into the third quarter of a meaningless game? You’re just asking for trouble at that point.

Just imagine if Bowe had caught the slant Copper dropped on KC’s first possession against the Texans. Maybe the offense finishes that drive out with a score, giving the fans something to cheer about other than a 48-yard field goal at the halftime gun. Maybe no one is left wondering if Herm Edwards was upstairs, calling plays for the Chiefs in the first half.

Hopefully Bowe isn’t wondering about his starting job Monday morning.

UsualSuspects · 08-16-2009, 12:16 AM

He is no DVD, For shure!

keg in kc · 08-16-2009, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

Or maybe Bowe would have kicked ass anyway. You think he LIKES dropping passes? You think he LIKES the reputation he earned last year?

The smart money says he would have made just as many plays for Cassel as he did for Croyle. He's not a lazy receiver.

You can deal in fantasy. I'll deal in reality. Bowe was dropped to second team. Bowe began to practice with more intensity. Bowe played well. It worked. End of story.

Hammock Parties · 08-16-2009, 12:19 AM

You know, it's not like Bowe hasn't made similar catches in the past.

I think he would have played well regardless.

**KcMizzou** · 08-16-2009, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

You know, it's not like Bowe hasn't made similar catches in the past.

I think he would have played well regardless.

True.

Bowe was pretty damned good before... but Haley can only make him better. Sure as hell won't make him worse.

milkman · 08-16-2009, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr_capone

Have you had success coaching in the NFL?

Have you had success coaching football at ANY level?

and let the man do his job.

Haley wipes his ass with the articles you write for WPI.

Why would Haley wipe his shit with stupid shit?

tomahawk kid · 08-16-2009, 06:46 AM

You know what I noticed?

Bowe didn't drop one pass last night, and he went after the ball and yards after the catch like a rabid dog.

I would argue Haley's approach to the situation is having the desired results.....

milkman · 08-16-2009, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

Or maybe Bowe would have kicked ass anyway. You think he LIKES dropping passes? You think he LIKES the reputation he earned last year?

The smart money says he would have made just as many plays for Cassel as he did for Croyle. He's not a lazy receiver.

He didn't earn tht reputatuion last year.

He earned that reputation at LSU, and has continued to earn it through his first two years with the Cheifs.

Bowe has always had concentration issues.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Maybe he isn't a good practice player?

There are numerous guys like that, that are shit in practice but are great in games.

I can't speak to what kind of practice player, but as you yourself have pointed out numerous times, he has always had the dropsies, so this isn't a practice issue.

Haley is challenging him to concentrate.

There's no guarantee that it'll work, but this may well be the first time that Bowe has been challenged in this manner since high school.

There's no question that Bowe is far and awy the best receiver on this roster, and he has shown time and again that when he concentrates on making the catch that he has great hands, and there is absolutely no reason that those hands shouldn't be reliable on routine catches.

That is what Haley is trying to get from Bowe.

One other point.

You really lose objectivity when it involves your favorite players.

Inspecta101 · 08-16-2009, 08:43 AM

Bowe and Mark Bradley should be the starters, Never really cared for Darling always seemed a bit overrated he would make a good back up....

FloridaMan88 · 08-16-2009, 08:47 AM

Last night was just a glimpse into the reality that is Pioli not doing enough to upgrade the talent around Cassel this offseason. I'm not suggesting he would have come in and become the WR he was a few years ago... but having Torry Holt in this offense, starting opposite Dwayne Bowe with Engram and Toomer as #3 and #4 WRs would be a lot better than the garbage the Chiefs started the game with last night.

If you are going to give a $60+ million contract to Cassel at least give him the weapons to succeed.

beach tribe · 08-16-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inspecta101

Bowe and Mark Bradley should be the starters, Never really cared for Darling always seemed a bit overrated he would make a good back up....

The cream will rise to the top, and Bowe, and Bradley are the only cream we've got.

milkman · 08-16-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCChiefsfan88

Last night was just a glimpse into the reality that is Pioli not doing enough to upgrade the talent around Cassel this offseason. I'm not suggesting he would have come in and become the WR he was a few years ago... but having Torry Holt in this offense, starting opposite Dwayne Bowe with Engram and Toomer as #3 and #4 WRs would be a lot better than the garbage the Chiefs started the game with last night.

If you are going to give a $60+ million contract to Cassel at least give him the weapons to succeed.

Holt's knees are shot to hell.

He won't last the season.

DTLB58 · 08-16-2009, 09:12 AM

This article is one game to soon.

If Bowe dosen't start next week then go for it, right now we all knew why Haley did what he did and it appears it worked.

Reading this now is like DUH!

**cabletech94** · 08-16-2009, 10:25 AM

Here's my Master of the Obvious prediction:

D Bowe will be starting for this WR corps. First team. Write it down. Championship.

Just a hunch.

08-15-2009, 09:38 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4700478	Bowe Should Be Starting http://kan.scout.com/2/888768.html It’s time for the Chiefs to end their silly game with Dwayne Bowe. In case you were actually doing something remotely entertaining and missed Saturday night’s Chiefs game, here’s the shocking news from Arrowhead Stadium – Dwayne Bowe didn’t start the game with the rest of KC’s first-team offense. Nope, the Chiefs trotted out a couple of NFL spares – Terrance Copper and Devard Darling - to complement Matt Cassel, Larry Johnson and Branden Albert. The results, as predicted, were disappointing. After zipping a precise 12-yard timing pattern to Copper on his first pass, Cassel’s second perfect throw was dropped (by Copper). Darling’s lone touch came on a doomed slip screen on a later third down. In about a half of football, Copper and Darling combined for two catches, 15 yards, and didn’t come close to scaring a defensive back or proving they actually deserve their “starting” jobs. We probably shouldn’t be surprised. Both are little more than career special teams players. Copper is wearing his fourth NFL jersey in seven years. Darling spent the first half of last season in Kansas City failing miserably to beat single coverage despite the fact Bowe and Tony Gonzalez were drawing defenders. Why were Copper and Darling starting? Supposedly, it was a motivational ploy by Coach Todd Haley, who wouldn’t mind turning Bowe into Larry Fitzgerald, the Pro Bowl receiver who flourished under his guidance with the Arizona Cardinals a year ago. It’s no secret Bowe has been dropping passes in training camp. Bowe didn’t drop any passes Saturday night. He got open, latched onto the ball with his incredibly strong hands again and again, and generally looked like someone who was determined to fight his way back into the starting lineup. After catching a simple hook pattern to start his night, Bowe sold out his body on KC’s next drive, diving to secure a 14-yard gain, setting up a Ryan Succop field goal. Working with Brodie Croyle and a handful of second and third-string Chiefs, Bowe later made an incredible leaping catch down the right sideline for 18 yards. His night concluded after five catches, 70 yards, and nary a dropped pass for Haley to fume over. Bowe didn’t appear to be a receiver who wanted to pout over his third-team sentence, ala Randy Moss. He looked motivated and hungry to prove himself. He gave Haley exactly what he was looking for – focus, flawless hands and first downs. Did I mention all of this production came during the middle of a torrential downpour that resulted in fumbled snaps and sloppy, slippery play all over the field? As Chiefs color man Len Dawson pointed out in the broadcast booth, “That’s pretty good for a third stringer.” Bowe’s no third stringer, or even a backup for that matter. His performance Saturday night, and the lack thereof from Copper and Darling, should be reason enough for Haley to return his starting job immediately. Bowe might drop a couple of passes this week in practice, but demoting him again, for next Saturday’s game in Minnesota against the Vikings would be silly and counterproductive. There’s zero reason for the Chiefs to delay developing chemistry between Bowe and Cassel. Considering their other options at receiver – none of whom showed much Saturday night – playing more mind games with Bowe is downright dangerous if the team has any plans at all to move the ball consistently this season. Getting Bowe and Cassel on the same page should be preseason priority number one from here on out. Do we even want to think about what happens next week if no one is open while Jared Allen closes on Cassel’s blindside? And why even risk your best receiver’s health by putting him on the field deep into the third quarter of a meaningless game? You’re just asking for trouble at that point. Just imagine if Bowe had caught the slant Copper dropped on KC’s first possession against the Texans. Maybe the offense finishes that drive out with a score, giving the fans something to cheer about other than a 48-yard field goal at the halftime gun. Maybe no one is left wondering if Herm Edwards was upstairs, calling plays for the Chiefs in the first half. Hopefully Bowe isn’t wondering about his starting job Monday morning.
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08-16-2009, 12:16 AM	#91
UsualSuspects Starter Join Date: Aug 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	He is no DVD, For shure!
Posts: 220

08-16-2009, 12:19 AM	#93
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4700478	You know, it's not like Bowe hasn't made similar catches in the past. I think he would have played well regardless. __________________ Chiefs game films
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08-16-2009, 06:46 AM	#96
tomahawk kid Drunk in the Neighborhood Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Beating the War Drums Casino cash: $10001837	You know what I noticed? Bowe didn't drop one pass last night, and he went after the ball and yards after the catch like a rabid dog. I would argue Haley's approach to the situation is having the desired results.....
Posts: 5,974

08-16-2009, 08:43 AM	#98
Inspecta101 say what..... Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kansas Casino cash: $10004900	Bowe and Mark Bradley should be the starters, Never really cared for Darling always seemed a bit overrated he would make a good back up....
Posts: 14

08-16-2009, 08:47 AM	#99
FloridaMan88 Mahomes: We Are All Witnesses Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Miami, FL Casino cash: $3152906	Last night was just a glimpse into the reality that is Pioli not doing enough to upgrade the talent around Cassel this offseason. I'm not suggesting he would have come in and become the WR he was a few years ago... but having Torry Holt in this offense, starting opposite Dwayne Bowe with Engram and Toomer as #3 and #4 WRs would be a lot better than the garbage the Chiefs started the game with last night. If you are going to give a $60+ million contract to Cassel at least give him the weapons to succeed.
Posts: 38,246

08-16-2009, 09:12 AM	#102
DTLB58 DT CARD COLLECTOR Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: ManCave Casino cash: $10005837	This article is one game to soon. If Bowe dosen't start next week then go for it, right now we all knew why Haley did what he did and it appears it worked. Reading this now is like DUH! __________________ 667 Different DT cards and counting
Posts: 7,574

08-16-2009, 10:25 AM	#103
cabletech94 Everything is Awesome!!!!! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: The Pitt Casino cash: $2076805	Here's my Master of the Obvious prediction: D Bowe will be starting for this WR corps. First team. Write it down. Championship. Just a hunch.
Posts: 10,889