Dwayne Bowe: Should Fans Expect Elite Season From Chiefs’ WR?
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dwayne Bowe has the potential to be one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL on a year-in year-out basis, and 2013 has the potential to be the year he returns to greatness.
Andy Reid is calling the shots and Alex Smith is a more than capable quarterback. If Jamaal Charles and the running game can get defenses to scoot up to the line of scrimmage, and the tight ends can keep safeties occupied in the middle of the field, Bowe could end up having a tremendous season.
The reason I bring this up now is because Bowe apparently stood out at Chiefs’ camp this Tuesday, per Reid Ferrin of KCChiefs.com:
"Later on in practice, when the offense and defense returned for more 11-on-11 action, the Chiefs offense sharpened its execution, including WR Dwayne Bowe, who ended with six catches on the day.“It was a grind,” Bowe said. “Today was one of those days that coach wanted to see if it would make you or break you. My number was called multiple times and being a leader on this offense, I had to come down with the ball, make the play and that’s what I did.”"
It’s good to see that Bowe is taking his leadership role seriously, and even though it’s only preseason practice, the importance of getting in a groove now and developing a rapport with Smith can’t be understated. Quarterbacks are most comfortable throwing to receivers they trust, and trust is developed through reps and catching footballs.
Being able to make catches like this is also a plus:
Bowe missed three games in 2012, so staying healthy is integral, but if he does, the deck is indeed stacked in his favor.
His best season, 2010, saw him put up 1,162 yards and 15 touchdowns, and that was with Matt Cassel throwing him the ball. He now has an accurate quarterback in Smith and a head coach known for being offensive minded. Is it unrealistic to expect a season that sees Bowe once again eclipse the 1,000 yard mark and get over ten touchdowns?
Of course not.
He obviously has the talent to be a marquee receiver, and he has what it takes to shoulder the load of being a team’s No. 1 receiver.
Should Chiefs Kingdom expect another elite year out of No. 82?
I’ll let you discuss that question below.