Schiano Says Bowers’ Drive “Needs To Be Better”
August 6th, 2013
The Bucs have gambled big time on Da’Quan Bowers’ ability to be a stout every-down defensive end.
In fact, Greg Schiano’s on record expecting Bowers to record double-digit sacks. Asked about Bowers today after practice, Schiano said he wants No. 91 to play with more drive. It was clear that Schiano is somewhat disappointed in what he’s seen from Bowers to date.
“I want to see him play hard, play after play, after play, after play,” Schiano said.
Schiano went on to say Bowers has been performing “on and off” in training camp and Bowers playing hard in the every-down role “needs to be better.”
The move from situational pass rusher to an every down player, Schiano said, is as challenging as transitioning in baseball from reliever to starting pitcher.
As Joe wrote last week, the Bucs have not been wowed by Bowers in training camp. That’s not to say they’re down on his ability, more like he’s gotten a disappointing grade of C- versus the A- they might have been expecting.
For the Bucs to be a playoff team, they need high grades — consistently — from Bowers.
August 6th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Like I tell my nephew who just turned pro as a boxer, play like your next meal is on the line. Above all, study your craft. Bowers should know this and not have to be told by the coach.
August 6th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
I really hope Daquan works out but I don’t have a great feeling about him as a starting def. end. They invested a second round pick in the guy so their going to give him a few chances to succeed but these updates sound bad. I predict him to have a disappointing year but hope I’m wrong.
August 6th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
Another example of the Bucs outsmarting themselves here. You spend all that $ on your secondary, but don’t do anything on the D-line when everyone was clamoring for a lineman (or 2). They have a lot of good things going, but in a year where there were so many DE that were willing to platoon and the Bucs w a need for a platoon DE… this is a bonehead move by Dom, confirming our earlier concerns. Fans know this team better than we get credit for.
August 6th, 2013 at 1:14 pm
Is this one of the guys that Penn referred to?
Every single one of the DE’s should be listening to Penn’s advice between series, not just Means.
August 6th, 2013 at 1:35 pm
It’s early in training camp. I believe this is his first off season where he wasnt dealing with an injury. No need to be disappointed yet. They haven’t even played a pre-season game yet.
August 6th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
I get the feeling Bowers is one of those guys who doesn’t practice very well, but shows up eating nails on game day…
August 6th, 2013 at 3:13 pm
So why did we let the now healthy and practicing with the Seahawks Michael Bennett walk again?
August 6th, 2013 at 8:32 pm
qp I don’t think Bennett’s shoulder is healthy. it was said that he required surgery. I doubt he had the surgery or he would not be practicing already. Which means h is one hit or wrong extenson away from the Disabled List and the knife. Although keeping Bennett would have been nice I am tired of people acting like he was an ALL Pro. He was adequate but not special why not gamble. I doubt the combination of players the bucs use this year will be worse and the potential upside is greater.
August 7th, 2013 at 5:12 am
Some players just aren’t practice players and have difficulty motivating themselves. Hopefully, he gets inspired in the games. I’m over Michael Bennett. It’s not like the guy was Reggie White.