Can Inside Play Save Da’Quan Bowers?
July 30th, 2014
It was an interesting few hours for Bucs general manager Jason Licht last week. On Wednesday, Licht threw down the gauntlet on underperforming defensive end Da’Quan Bowers, saying he has to “prove” he wants to be with the Bucs.
A few hours later, he was told Bowers (who defensive line coach Joe Cullen called out for being out of shape — in June!) was in the best shape of his life.
To go from out of shape to being in the best shape of your life in about six weeks either means Bowers was working out like a madman during the NFL siesta season, or he was grossly out of shape for most of his life prior to last week.
By most accounts, Adrian Clayborn seems a different player (read:better) in Lovie Smith’s defense and Lovie is infatuated with Steven Means’ speed.
Lovie loves speed.
So it wasn’t looking so good for Bowers to be with Tampa Bay for a fourth season. But maybe Lovie has found a way to keep him around and perhaps save his career, notes Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.
Defensive end Da’Quan Bowers hasn’t been able to carve much of a role for himself in his first three NFL seasons. But the Bucs might be letting him try something new. Bowers has been getting some work at defensive tackle. “He can play inside,’’ Smith said. “On game day, we’re going to dress seven defensive linemen so we need at least one player that can play both inside and outside. Body type-wise, he’s right in that area. I think he could possibly rush third down situations inside and also be able to play more of a six technique on running downs outside.’’
Bowers can play inside, Lovie noted, which is not really a shock because he played inside periodically with Greg Schiano running the sinking ship last season.
Lovie knows pass rush, and if he thinks that Bowers has a prayer of playing inside, maybe that is actually Bowers’ best spot and maybe this just may save his NFL days, if not his Bucs tenure.
July 30th, 2014 at 3:39 pm
Man, it would be such a nice story if this guy could turn it around. Good luck Bowers!
July 30th, 2014 at 4:11 pm
We have all seen Bowers’ look liike a monster……but it was very few times….so we know he has it in him….lets hope.
I am very encouraged that Lovie kept almost the entire defense (Revis)and the only one kicked off so far is one he brought in (Moore)….
July 30th, 2014 at 4:27 pm
It would finally be nice to get something intangible from him in return for the 2nd round money he has been earning up to this point. Right now he is merely depth that has been performing below his pay grade.
July 30th, 2014 at 4:38 pm
Like Joe has said, if Bowers can’t turn it around playing for Lovie, then he’s not going to do it period. It’s not like he’s going to be taking on any double teams in the foreseeable future.
July 30th, 2014 at 6:05 pm
Gholston and McDonald can both play outside too.
Gholston was sliding inside on third down late last season.
July 30th, 2014 at 6:27 pm
I like Gholston inside on passing downs if just for his size. Put up those mitts and close up the passing lanes.
July 30th, 2014 at 6:39 pm
This would be quite the pleasant surprise if Bowers could (finally) find a way to make the kinds of plays he was drafted for
July 30th, 2014 at 7:44 pm
Yea yea yea!!! Daniel Te’o-Nesheim played inside and outside last year but doesn’t mean he was good at it. Square peg round whole if like the last 3 years he can’t get to the quarterback. This is his last season, the bust tag will be firmly attached if he stays and after 4 seasons does nothing