Kansas City Chiefs: Five Players Who Need To Step-Up In 2014

Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) makes a catch while being defended by Indianapolis Colts defensive back Josh Gordy (27), but was unable to keep in bounds during the fourth quarter of the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

DWAYNE BOWE, Wide Receiver

I bet you knew that Dwayne Bowe was going to make this list at some point. I defended Bowe to the death last year, claiming he was doing more for the team with his blocking and him taking the heat from the defense. Well, Bowe made us all look stupid not only with his play on the field, but his actions off of it as well.

Fresh off of signing a new extension that pays him around $10 million per year annually, Bowe decided to lack in numbers and also pick up an arrest in the heart of the season back in November. The list goes on with the guy and honestly, he could be in this top 5 every single year of his career minus the 2010 season.

At this point, pending the draft, Dwayne Bowe is still the best receiver on the Chiefs roster and what’s sad about that is, he’d likely be a number two receiver on a lot of other teams rosters. I don’t necessarily agree with that fully, as Bowe has shown signs of dominance but, he lacks consistency. We didn’t really get a taste of the “D-Bowe Show” until the wildcard game against Indianapolis.

Bowe dominated the Colts secondary, catching 8 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. He also had a spectacular 63 yard catch and run that he almost took to the house. With Jamaal Charles out with a concussion and the Chiefs needing to turn to a play maker, Bowe stepped up big when it mattered most. What they need from him in 2014 is less streaky and more consistent. So much of the offense is riding on his shoulders, especially because they’re married to him for at least the next three years because of his extension.

Bowe is capable of a big year and the Chiefs could really use it from him in 2014.