Locking Up Dwayne Bowe is Key

To sign, or not to sign, that is the question? The 6’2 221 pound receiver is seeking a new, top tier contract for 2013. But, the question is, should Kansas City do it?

When Bowe began his college career, he had two future NFL players in front of him. Michael Clayton and Devery Henderson were a hard duo to beat out. It didn’t take Dwayne long to show how much of a standout receiver he was once he got the chance. During his sophomore year, he opened up the season with a bang. He was on the receiving end of a 38-yard touchdown grab that tied the game and sent it to overtime. Bowe continued to produce throughout his collegiate career and led LSU in receptions his junior year.  He also set a record for catching touchdowns in seven consecutive games. His senior year was by far the best with 990 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns (another LSU record).

Will Bowe Be Back? (Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

After watching some highlights and reading Bowe’s scouting report coming out of college, you couldn’t help but drool over the guy. When Kansas City selected him at 23 in the 2007 draft, fans were ecstatic that we finally had our number one wide receiver. There were some that believed that most of Dwayne’s success came from his “incredible” quarterback in college. As many soon learned, Mr. Russell was obviously not the key to Bowe’s success.

Recently, an NFL scout has claimed that he is “scared to death of Dwayne Bowe”. According to the unnamed scout, the LSU alumnus has too much baggage that comes along with him. While Dwayne certainly has some drawbacks, baggage would not be the correct term. Not to mention that if you aren’t going to put your name to a quote, there is no credibility behind it.

To me, this scout needs to find a new line of work. When someone uses the word “baggage”, my immediate thought is Terrell Owens. Pumping iron in your driveway to hype up your name and get TV time is baggage. Dwayne Bowe has done nothing to be a cancer in the locker room. Last year when he was going through a contract dispute, the media didn’t hear much from the matured Bowe. In the past, he has opened his mouth about topics that should have remained private. Dwayne has learned from those mistakes and proved that he is doing what it takes to be a veteran in this league. Bowe has learned what is important. He knows that he is not going to make the big money by talking out of turn and making a big deal out of himself. Instead, he has stayed out of the spotlight, and done his job on the field when given the chance.

If someone were to scout Dwayne Bowe, I can see many things that would turn scouts in an opposite direction. He has shown when he is not properly motivated; he puts forth less than his full effort. One thing Todd Haley did was get the most out of the talent that was on the roster! He has also had many problems with drops. On one play, he will make a spectacular catch that puts him at the top of the NFL. On the very next attempt, he will drop a 3^rd and three crossing route that any college WR could make. A prime example of his inconsistent play was the 2008 opening game. Bowe obtained five catches for 49 yards. However, he dropped four passes including what would have been a game tying catch in the later part of the game that was an easy catch.

On the opposite side of the coin, Bowe has many qualities that anyone would covet. He has great size against most corner backs. Any QB in the NFL would love to have this large target when they are throwing for the pylon in the back of the end zone. Another quality that he possesses is run blocking. Bowe is great at down field blocking and that is a very under-rated quality for a wide out. Although he doesn’t possess top end speed, he is a great route runner.  Dwayne has shown that he can create great separation throughout his NFL career.

To sum it all up, Dwayne Bowe needs to suit up as a Kansas City Chief in 2013. Every receiver has a downside, but Dwayne has showed that he can be among the top in the league. Even if he is not putting up pro bowl numbers, he is drawing a lot more respect from the opposing defenses than Jonathan Baldwin would as the number one. Bowe is making an impact on many parts of the offense even when the ball is not thrown his way. I think that Andy Reid will see that and make sure that we see Bowe in Red and Gold this coming year!