Practice Stud Owusu Seeking A Breakthrough
June 12th, 2014
Bucs wide receiver Chris Owusu is one of those guys who talks about his team when you ask him about himself.
A Stanford graduate with a degree in biology, and a seemingly natural politician, Owusu is publicly all about team to the nth degree.
But something it’s hard to spin your body language.
Owusu is having another standout spring, which doesn’t mean much in the NFL. Fall is what counts. Regardless, Owusu is impressing all over the field, and yesterday he largely was the No. 1 wideout in the passing game with Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans off the field.
He also was the first-team kick returner.
Lovie Smith has talked about Owusu’s impressive ways and noted his 4.3 speed out of college.
Now healthy, Joe asked Owusu about how he feels about his play, and Owusu gave a typical (for him) answer.
“I think the team’s playing at a high level right now,” Owusu said. “I mean, for having a new coaching staff, for having a new offensive coordinator, I think this offense is ready to go. Just with the limited kind of knowledge we have of the offense, you know, it’s great to see us go practice at a high level and see Josh [McCown] lead the way he’s leading.
“I think I’m picking the offense up well, too. So it’s going to be an encouraging year.”
But when Joe followed up with a question about whether Owusu still has the 4.3 speed he entered the NFL with in 2012, Owusu cracked a big grin.
“I feel fast. That’s how I feel right now, playing fast,” Owusu said with a smile.
Joe’s not sure what it all means with the 24-year-old Owusu. He was dynamite through spring and training camp last year, but dropped multiple balls in the preseason opener last season before a serious ankle injury in that game.
So now it’s back to play the “hope” game for the guy former rockstar general manager Mark Dominik plucked from the San Diego practice squad two years ago.
Owusu added that he’s getting more help than ever — from his quarterback.
“Oh, man, his leadership is bar none,” Owusu said of Josh McCown. “I mean it’s just amazing to have him and Vincent Jackson, and a bunch of these veteran guys, to lead the way they’re leading. Plus, the style of this coaching staff. It’s amazing.”
June 12th, 2014 at 9:15 am
No3 WR lock?
June 12th, 2014 at 9:26 am
Murphy is the #3 IMO because he can play outside and the slot too.
June 12th, 2014 at 9:45 am
” a bunch of these veteran guys, to lead the way they’re leading. Plus, the style of this coaching staff. It’s amazing.” says, Owusu
Great to see players be treated as adult professionals for this is what they are. College days are over. I’m eager to see the players evolve under this way coaching. Lets see what “The Cannon” is capable of in preseason. The control system has shifted to a support system. The CHAINS are off!
Every player truly has the opportunity to be their best. As a fan, I feel like I’m going to get my money’s worth this year. Go Bucs!!!
June 12th, 2014 at 9:48 am
Best WR corps we’ve had around here in a long time.
June 12th, 2014 at 9:48 am
What Touchdown just said! Amen brother!
June 12th, 2014 at 9:50 am
Herron #3
June 12th, 2014 at 9:58 am
Dare we dream that we actually have a decent wide receiver corp?
And above average running backs and tight ends?
Shhhhhhh forget I said anything.
June 12th, 2014 at 10:01 am
Finally we have talented competition for wr 3 and 4. But what feels even better is that we Have a legit coaching staff who will put in the best players instead of the ones they get along with the best.
June 12th, 2014 at 10:25 am
@StPete- The best is yet to come. After last year’s experience as a fan, I’m celebrating this all the way whether is until Dec.28 against the Saints or beyond.
I’m hoping Tedford grows into the success Gruden had his first year offensively. We will see how quickly Tedford grows. This feels like a good mix (Lovie/Licht/Frazier/Tedford). Even Arroyo/Tedford feels great to support the QBs. QB mechanics will be addressed. Go Bucs!
June 12th, 2014 at 10:28 am
I remember Joe was pretty high on Chris Owusu when the kid first came. I think Joe felt he might be a breakout player.
Obviously it didn’t happen last year (as Joe points out above), but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen eventually.
His most likely gig is as a kick returner, but it is going to be hard to beat out Eric Page, who does well at it and can also actually catch passes.
No one has mentioned the possibility of Page playing the slot. If he keeps doing well in the passing game, he may well be a solution there. And I still believe he should be our kick returner.
He may not have scored at it last year, but he did plenty in college and he still had good return yards last year.
June 12th, 2014 at 10:32 am
I don’t think Tiquan could have made this years club and to think he’ll be a starter for the Stinkn’ Panthers. I like Owusu, Murphy, and Herron behind VJ and ME. Let’s not forget Tim W. who will line up as a TE and WE. Add ASJ and Brandon M. You have to really like our receivers!
June 12th, 2014 at 11:30 am
POSITIVE ENERGY IS BACK IN TAMPA!!!
COME ON YOU HATERS AND TROLLS!!
JOIN THE REVOLUTION OF LOVE AND LIGHT!!
LOVIE PLUS LICHT (PRONOUNCED LIGHT)= JESUS!!!
HAHAH
ONE LOVE!!!
June 12th, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Owusu was a well-regarded player by the draftniks prior to the draft; he didn’t come out of nowhere.
brandonbucsfan, I agree; slot receivers who won’t go over the middle aren’t real helpful, & the Bucs certainly have replaced his speed.
June 12th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
@brandonbucsfan
If you’ll recall…..Tiquan didn’t make last year’s initial 53….we called him up after a few games.
June 12th, 2014 at 8:14 pm
Owusu was a helluva good kick returner at Stanford during his junior year… he was all banged up his senior year and didn’t really stand out.