Da’Quan Bowers No. 25
June 20th, 2013
No, Da’Quan Bowers didn’t cough up $50,000 to wear No. 25. Besides, that’s an illegal number for an NFL defensive — and a cruel reminder of helmet-wielding, cabbie-slugging, pill-popping, granny-hassling Aqib Talib.
Rather, Pat Yasinskas of ESPN is counting down what he believes to be the top-25 players in the NFC South, and Bowers began the countdown at No. 25.
Why he’s No. 25 in 2013: I’m going out on a limb here and projecting big things from Bowers because that’s exactly what the Buccaneers are doing. They let last year’s sack leader, Michael Bennett, leave via free agency because they believe Bowers is ready to blossom into a force as a pass-rusher. The Bucs went slowly with Bowers as a rookie as he recovered from knee issues and had to follow a similar course last season. But Bowers was a guy that was viewed as an elite pass rusher coming out of college. If he can stay healthy, Bowers should be able to prove the Bucs right and come up with double-digit sacks.
The key phrase there is, “if he is healthy.” Bowers has yet to play a full season in the NFL because of injuries.
Joe knows Bowers has large goals. This year, he has gone on record saying if he doesn’t record sacks in the double-digits, he will be disappointed.
Yes, there’s a lot of pressure on Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman. Joe thinks there is an equal amount of pressure on Bowers because the Bucs must generate real heat on opposing quarterbacks if this teams wants to dance in the NFL postseason gala.
June 20th, 2013 at 7:13 pm
bower and clayborn is the best 2013
June 20th, 2013 at 7:25 pm
50 total team sacks 2013
June 20th, 2013 at 7:56 pm
I’ve been saying it since his Clemson days, where he was an absolute beast! Nobody could block him for very long, he played the run every bit as he did the pass, he’s a strong DE that plays with leverage, we saw signs of him starting to put it together in both years he’s been on the club, he has several moves in his repertoire of skill sets, I think he will emerge as the most talented player on this defense, and that’s saying alot! This is my humble opinion after watching him grow as a collegiate and now in the pro’s, so I’m not blindly guessing at this, I remember watching him take over a few games (in college) and thought if the Bucs EVER get a chance at this guy-SNAG ’em! And that’s exactly what they did, along with Claiborne who is another underrated player, the Bucs are going to surprise A LOT of people this year!!!
June 20th, 2013 at 8:30 pm
I hope we sack A LOT of QBs this season that would be a surprise for sure. Going to be fun to watch how it all unfolds this season. How much longer until we can HIT SOMEBODY? Bring on them jets.
June 20th, 2013 at 8:56 pm
His knee must look fine to them for them to make a move like this. I am looking forward to seeing what a healthy Bowers and Clayborn can do for us.
June 20th, 2013 at 9:57 pm
Hearing John Lynch call “Da’Quan Bowers” on draft day, made me about sh!t myself out of happiness/shock.
Hearing the TSA call “Da’Quan Bowers” at the NY Airport, made me about sh!t myself out of extreme dissapointment/shock.
The sky is the limit for this guy. If healthy, I see 12+ sacks.
June 20th, 2013 at 9:59 pm
Revis Island will certainly provide us the extra moment for a sack.
Can’t wait to see this defense play. First time since Brooks, we may be worth a sh!t out there.
LaVonte David, can’t get enough out of watching him go. Dude is a BOSS.
June 20th, 2013 at 10:33 pm
Although Bowers saw limited action last year I saw flashes of brilliance from him. He is really, really quick off of the ball. Reminds me of McCoy with his first move. He also has great leverage. I expect the duo of Clayborn and Bowers to be a nightmare for opposing offenses, not to mention McCoy. I really don’t think people realize just how good this defense is going to be. I’ve been saying it could very well be better than our super bowl defense if the key players stay healthy.
June 21st, 2013 at 2:48 am
Getting sick and tired of excuses for our DE’s….time to produce guys!
And am I the only one ready to replace Clayborn yet? I love the guy but he has a disability. Can we really be able to afford disabilities from our DE’s right now? He needs to beast this year or we need to move on!!!
June 21st, 2013 at 2:59 am
replace clayborn huh? wtf are you smoking?
June 21st, 2013 at 3:02 am
Clowney…thats wtf Im on! But you’re Couch, dont expect you to get it!
June 21st, 2013 at 4:13 am
Madmax, I guess you have to put me with Couch because I don’t get it either. Clayborn had a very nice rookie season and then was hurt and lost early in the season last year. Why in the world would you bail on him already? The dude is a potential stud!
June 21st, 2013 at 5:21 am
Just amazes me what I read here sometimes. A guy has 7 sacks as a rookie and displayed a non-stop motor, gets hurt after four games in year two and we have a “fan” already wanting him replaced. No wonder the divorce rate is so high. The article about Bowers anyway. Disability? Not evident to me.
June 21st, 2013 at 7:39 am
There’s an awful lot of “if he’s healthy” on the defensive side of the ball.
June 21st, 2013 at 8:56 am
Replace Clayborn???? Hence the name “MadMax”. You’d have to be crazy to think like that…
@Adam…Everyone is healthy on the defensive side of the ball right now. I’m just hoping they stay healthy which I’m sure every fan for every other team in the NFL hopes for their team too.
June 21st, 2013 at 9:26 am
@Bobby. The Bucs biggest addition has the biggest question mark. Assuming Revis is on the field Week 1 at full speed. How blue will your face be from holding your breath the FIRST time he is slow to get up?
McCoy? Good when not injured.
Claiborne? Good when not injured.
Bowers? Looks good when not injured (in limited play)
Wright? Good when not injured (I’m wary of Achilles injuries)
My MAJOR concern is that there isn’t a whole lot of depth behind them. A successful Bucs season is going to (mostly) be predicated on keeping those 5 guys guys on the field for 16 weeks. They don’t even have to be world-beaters. Give me last year’s offensive output and a #15 overall D and I think you can control the clock and do some damage.
June 21st, 2013 at 10:00 am
@Adam
That’s basically the concern with every team in the league. Carolina, Giants, Bears, have great starters but no one behind them. If Julius Peppers, Jason Pierre-Paul, or (Charles Johnson and/or Greg Hardy) gets hurt they are screwed on Dline. They do not have much depth and Carolina and Giants don’t even have a secondary.
June 21st, 2013 at 11:10 am
Just saying what some were thinking already. He’s limited to right side DE because of his erb’s palsy. Yes, I know he’s awesome when healthy. But another injury on top of his limitations should get Coach and Dom thinking. I mean we did just draft 2 DE’s, so the wheels are already turning. But hopefully he stays healthy and tears it up this year.