Chiefs Bowe Should Be Starting - Page 3

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.

LaChapelle · 08-15-2009, 09:57 PM

Huard threw softballs
Croyle threw lazers
Thigpen wings some strange ass shit only a HOF can catch

Basileus777 · 08-15-2009, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Even if he isn't what we think he is, he's at the very least a starting WR in the NFL.

There's no way to argue that Bowe is anything but the best receiver on this roster.

**KcMizzou** · 08-15-2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

There's no question he'll be starting.

But if he spends the entire preseason with Croyle and/or Thigpen, how effective is he going to be?

I'm not worried about that at all...

Cassel can deliver the ball in perfect spots... and Bowe can catch it.

Haley's just busting his balls because he knows the guy's good, but has the potential to be even better.

Bowe will thank him for it, one day.

Mecca · 08-15-2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basileus777

There's no way to argue that Bowe is anything but the best receiver on this roster.

Yea, I'd think he'd start on a good majority of the teams in the NFL.

**KcMizzou** · 08-15-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Even if he isn't what we think he is, he's at the very least a starting WR in the NFL.

He's better than that. Right now.

But he's got the talent to be more.

ArrowheadMagic · 08-15-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Even if he isn't what we think he is, he's at the very least a starting WR in the NFL.

Not if he doesnt work for it. Haley is pushing a button and seeing how he reacts. Does he want to be a starter.... or a star? Johnnie Morton was a starter in the NFL.... doesnt make him good. Bowe has star qualities... Haley is trying to get the effort out of him.

Hoover · 08-15-2009, 10:02 PM

So one might say Haley's tactics worked with Bowe.

It the first preseason game and it was raining hard. Come on dude.

Hammock Parties · 08-15-2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

So one might say Haley's tactics worked with Bowe.

Maybe. Maybe not. It's quite possible all Haley's "tactics" did was make the first-team offense look like a pile of shit.

Quote:

It the first preseason game and it was raining hard.

Didn't seem to bother Bowe.

Mecca · 08-15-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArrowheadMagic

Not if he doesnt work for it. Haley is pushing a button and seeing how he reacts. Does he want to be a starter.... or a star? Johnnie Morton was a starter in the NFL.... doesnt make him good. Bowe has star qualities... Haley is trying to get the effort out of him.

Hey Morton had some really good years, people remember his blah years here but before that he was pretty good.

It was weird how coming here destroyed his numbers.

**Slainte** · 08-15-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

It the first preseason game and it was raining hard. Come on dude.

I'm still trying to figure out how Haley got it to rain like that...

chiefs1111 · 08-15-2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Well yea unless Todd Haley would like to have a really short head coaching tenure.

If Bowe isn't starting in the 3rd preseason game I'll be concerned because he would then basically no time with Cassel going into the year.

Bowe will probably be starting in next Fridays game against the Vikes

LaChapelle · 08-15-2009, 10:06 PM

Thats the down side to having JC Pierson in the both. He reminds me of Johny Morton.

**Slainte** · 08-15-2009, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Hey Morton had some really good years, people remember his blah years here but before that he was pretty good.

It was weird how coming here destroyed his numbers.

That was one of the most brutal disintegration of talent I've ever seen in football. Morton was solid in Detroit. To this day I wonder what happened when he got to KC...

Titty Meat · 08-15-2009, 10:07 PM

It won't matter who the WR's are if the line plays like shit.

ArrowheadMagic · 08-15-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Hey Morton had some really good years, people remember his blah years here but before that he was pretty good.

It was weird how coming here destroyed his numbers.

In an offense that shouldnt have? It was an offense where his position was 1st option. Kennison did fine in it. Was a wake up call... lets hope Bowe gets it.... there's no doubting his talent. Bowe is and can be a top 3 WR. lacks focus and will see the next couple of weeks if he has the desire. I know you clown haley over his last few jobs as WR coach.... but fact is.... none of those players are better since he left.

08-15-2009, 09:38 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4540478	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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08-15-2009, 09:57 PM	#31
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	Huard threw softballs Croyle threw lazers Thigpen wings some strange ass shit only a HOF can catch
Posts: 8,588

08-15-2009, 10:02 PM	#37
Hoover Rufus Dawes Jr. Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $1488179	So one might say Haley's tactics worked with Bowe. It the first preseason game and it was raining hard. Come on dude.
Posts: 17,379

08-15-2009, 10:06 PM	#42
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	Thats the down side to having JC Pierson in the both. He reminds me of Johny Morton.
Posts: 8,588

08-15-2009, 10:07 PM	#44
Titty Meat Inmem 2.0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: My house Casino cash: $2107558	It won't matter who the WR's are if the line plays like shit.
Posts: 75,312