“Counting” On Da’Quan Bowers
August 5th, 2014
Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier stated the Bucs are “counting” on the services of DE Da’Quan Bowers
For the second consecutive day, Tampa Bay defensive end (tackle?) Da’Quan Bowers could be seen in street clothes watching practice from the sidelines. This was not quite 48 hours after Bowers declared himself a newborn NFL player with the voices of Greg Schiano finally exorcised from his head.
Just from looking at the depth chart and watching Bucs defensive linemen work and produce, one could logically conclude the sands of the hourglass are running out on Bowers’ days in Tampa, given the many chances he has been afforded in years past.
That isn’t the message that Bucs defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is sending out. In a rare briefing with the Tampa Bay pen and mic club, Frazier expressed not only confidence in Bowers but suggested the team was leaning on his skills to help recover from a dismal season.
“His strength, that sticks out,” Frazier said. “He’s a stout football player on the inside. We need a guy that can come in when Gerald [McCoy] is not on the field where we don’t have a big drop off. But we’re also going to use Da’Quan at end as well. he’s one of those few guys that can give you the dual-purpose that you need on a defensive line. His strength and size, his movement and athleticism, if he stays healthy, we’re counting on big things from him.”
It’s a good thing Frazier qualified his last sentence based on Bowers’ health. If anything, Bowers has been more a mystery with his health in recent years than he has been a rock of stability.
Of course, coaches will encourage Bowers to somehow snap out of whatever funk he is in and get back on the practice field and start doing damage.
Yesterday, Lovie Smith suggested Bowers and his trainer’s room twin, Luke Stocker, were on the sideline because they were sore from training camp.
Who the hell isn’t sore from training camp?
Joe has nothing against Bowers. He’s a really nice guy. But it really is hard to believe that the voice of Schiano is keeping Bowers on the sideline for some reason.
August 5th, 2014 at 9:03 pm
The problem with being a truly good coach is that you believe your knowledge and teaching ability can make a difference for someone who has enormous potential like Cheeseburger Bowers. This it the failure of a lot of coaches on any level. But as a former coach, you see there are a LOT of players who have this thing called “potential”. But it is only a few rare players who are willing to make the sacrifices and dedication to be great.
August 5th, 2014 at 9:04 pm
Who said that “the voice of Schiano is keeping Bowers on the sideline…”? Are you sure it is his choice to be held from full practice? This guy has had a bad run of health issues and now is his chance to put all that behind him. I seem to remember McCoy had a tough run of injuries and low production.
August 5th, 2014 at 9:09 pm
Bowers has been getting a lot of negative flack thrown at him by most Buc fans here for what seems like his whole time spent on the team. It sounds like the coaching opinion differs. This cat Bowers must have nine lives. Flip a coin, it’s anyone’s guess whether he plays up to long expectations.
August 5th, 2014 at 9:37 pm
They are hoping to trade him….it’s a business, there’s no value in bashing him. Smarter move, hype up his “versatility”, show case him in the preseason and hope for an injury on another team
August 5th, 2014 at 10:13 pm
Who would want to trade for a guy who hasn’t done a damn thing since he’s been in the league? I guess it’s possible he might have value, if another GM is blind, dumb, deaf and willing.
August 5th, 2014 at 10:19 pm
I’ll support any Buc, firstly.
I’d love to NOT count on Bowers and feel that the warning signs are there to know better! -….Deeper down the rabbit hole we go I guess.. : /
I’ll support any Buc, lastly.
August 5th, 2014 at 10:30 pm
Lovie doesn’t hold back and seems to think Bowers has a shot no matter Joe’s opinion . Bowers does need to impress in pre season..
August 5th, 2014 at 10:40 pm
Yea… just like all the good feelings they were sending out about Nicks. I bought that one hook line and sinker, not going to happen with Bowers though. Yes a move to part time DT would be intriguing, but its just too little too late. I’m not bashing Bowers or anything, but I would be shocked to see him on the 53 man roster.
August 5th, 2014 at 11:02 pm
Signing 2 DE’s isn’t a good sign for Bowers.
August 5th, 2014 at 11:51 pm
Remember Gaines Adams (Clemson)?
August 6th, 2014 at 12:21 am
@Joe
And that was Lovie Smith mind you. So maybe he just has a bias soft spot for the Clemson product in Bowers!
August 6th, 2014 at 12:23 am
Bowers blocked me from his iG last year when I told him to get in shape and pay closer attention to the rock of our D/franchise: #93!
If the guy can’t handle classy constructive criticism from a fan, how is he supposed to handle his tutors? (Coaches)
Sure, that may be a bad example and a big difference from a fan/professional but not football and a coach lol but he could have at least offered a classy response than running (blocking me from his iG account) like a scared little coward.
I have given up on him, last year matter of fact…if he were to do anything this year is main off-season agenda should have been similar to what #93 does EVERY YEAR, and that is train with professionals (particularly Todd Durkin in SD) to not only remain in shape but to become stronger, faster, and all around better !!
Jeez, the more I speak about Bowers the more I realize how much of a waste of an investment he’s been, team wise/draft pick and $, and faith/heart from a fan….total waste.
And it’s obvious he’s being moved from DE to DT because he’s not in shape to be a slice and dice, in shape, fast DE, now all they can ask for him is to give a good “PUSH” on the interior (DL)….
Therefore, it basically shows he’s hanging on a very very thin line to even make the roster, they’ve already given up on him as DE and if he can’t even make a decent 3rd string DT; Bowers is officially bust and history.
August 6th, 2014 at 12:50 am
Sigh….
Waiting for this cat to deliver anything seems slower than watching a tree grow.
August 6th, 2014 at 3:28 am
Lol-
So clueless
August 6th, 2014 at 3:36 am
Joe,
I love your site, I read every article every day. But please everyone, including you Joe, stop bashing Bowers. This guy is going to be a stud, a rare stud, that can play inside and out. I watched him last year, when SchIknownothing would put him in the game, it was rare, but guess what??? He was always in the backfield, and for getting no starts and managing a few sacks, says everything. Back off Bowers before you eat your words Joe, and you to fans.
August 6th, 2014 at 5:36 am
deja vu all over again….Yogi
August 6th, 2014 at 7:41 am
@ Drew
Da’Quan, is that you in disguise?
August 6th, 2014 at 8:12 am
Joe Says:
August 5th, 2014 at 11:51 pm
Who would want to trade for a guy who hasn’t done a damn thing since he’s been in the league? I guess it’s possible he might have value, if another GM is blind, dumb, deaf and willing.
Remember Gaines Adams (Clemson)?
—————————————-
Adams at least played and showed that there might be something there. Plus, he wasn’t known as damaged goods. Bowers is nearly worthless in a trade. His value is that of another enigmatic training camp body.
August 6th, 2014 at 8:12 am
Bowers will have plenty of time for music after the final cuts.
August 6th, 2014 at 8:13 am
He might even learn how to tune his guitar.
August 6th, 2014 at 8:43 am
Congrats Joe.. You finally asked a question yesterday during the press conference without irritating Lovie.. It seemed the last couple of days he looked at you as the dumbest reporter in the room. You did need to prepare a little better and just ask the question without any additional stuff like ‘are you pulling a Gruden’. Wow .. Not good.. I’m guessing since he said good question to you, you can now put my good friend Lovie with each time you mention him.
August 6th, 2014 at 8:53 am
Amar Said:
Bowers blocked me from his iG last year when I told him to get in shape and pay closer attention to the rock of our D/franchise: #93!
If the guy can’t handle classy constructive criticism from a fan, how is he supposed to handle his tutors? (Coaches)
Sure, that may be a bad example and a big difference from a fan/professional but not football and a coach lol but he could have at least offered a classy response than running (blocking me from his iG account) like a scared little coward.
___________________________________________________________
I would have blocked you too. Who needs the fans telling him what he needs to do? He has enough on his mind without fans thinking they can coach him up.
August 6th, 2014 at 9:09 am
I would have blocked you too. Who needs the fans telling him what he needs to do? He has enough on his mind without fans thinking they can coach him up.
———I kind of agree with this.
Man… the bucs simply do NOT have luck with Defensive Ends out of Clemson. This is three in the last 8 drafts from Clemson to not work out for them if Bowers does not turn it around in the preseason to make this team and contribute consistently.
I think he flashes brilliance at times, but he needs to string it together and be consistent. To me that’s not a physical issue as much as it is being mentally tough enough. If he had McCoy’s heart and commitment he would be unstoppable.
August 6th, 2014 at 11:47 am
Bowers is questionable at best.
Doesn’t mean he has to take advice from fans lol
“Classy” or not ( not sure how your question was “classy”, but annoying.
August 6th, 2014 at 12:29 pm
This guy is garbage hasnt shown any flashes except taking a gun to nyc…
August 6th, 2014 at 7:35 pm
Seems like Drew and I are in the extreme minority when it comes to Bowers. I too feel he’s going to change many people’s opinions, the fans here have been brutal and I can see why, I do get it, however it just takes the right time and place (DT), and you might be pleasantly surprised. He’s never had the coaching as he’s getting now, and he hasn’t been 100% healthy either. I’ve been on record stating he will not only make the roster, but he will be a mainstay on that rotation based on production.
Many of the sacks last year, could’ve easily of been to Bowers’s credit, especially when GMC got to the QB, Bowers was a hair behind him. Just watch the games from last year and you’ll see what I mean. If he gets cut, I’ll be the first to admit I was way off, but I don’t believe it will happen.