“Humbling” May Motivate Bowers
August 4th, 2015
Last chance.
Bucs fans don’t want to hear it, but Joe thinks the re-signing of former second-round pick Da’Quan Bowers last week was a smart move.
Look, the guy is coming in as camp meat. He’s being paid as camp meat. No promises were offered. Prove it or lose it.
For a guy who already knows the defense, and with a hole in the once-deep stable of defensive tackles with Akeem Spence out for “months,” Joe doesn’t see the harm whatsoever.
Yesterday, Bucs coach Lovie Smith spoke at length about re-signing Bowers, which caused many Bucs fans to run to the drug store for a bottle of TUMS.
“I don’t know about you all, but most of us have been fired at least one time and it’s a humbling experience,” Lovie said. “That’s definitely the case. To know and to see how blessed you are to have a chance be an NFL football player, you would get a different player at most positions if a player was cut first and then had to come back. He would appreciate it a lot more and know that you only have so many opportunities.
“Da’Quan did some good things for us last year and I know right now, he came in, in-shape ready to go and I noticed him in a couple plays out there today. He can be a good football player.”
Conditioning has always been a major issue with Bowers. When Bowers was gifted a starting gig with the Bucs when the team let Michael Bennett walk away for no good reason, Bowers rewarded then-Bucs commander Greg Schiano by showing up to training camp out of shape.
And that was after his gun hassle in New York.
Apparently, Bowers had taken the hint.
“Good shape? Yes. And again, last year, we weren’t displeased,” Lovie said. “He did some things to knock himself out of playing time and things like that, but go back to the Pittsburgh game – he showed up. We’re just basing it on the type of shape he’s in right now, which is good shape. He has an opportunity to really show us what he can do. We’re playing him a lot more inside right now, so he’s having to really get used to that.”
Again, Joe doesn’t see the issue with the signing. If Bowers doesn’t make it, he doesn’t make it. You wash your hands and move on. If the light bulb does finally flicker after seeing his career nearly come to an end, then it is a win-win situation for both the Bucs and Bowers.
To hear more from Lovie yesterday, click on the arrow below. Audio from Joe’s good friends at WDAE-AM 620.
August 4th, 2015 at 8:30 am
Good luck Bowers! Based off his resume he probably wont do much for the team but I hope I’m wrong. We’ll see if this new humbled attitude will result in well…results.
August 4th, 2015 at 8:39 am
I just wish that the Bucs could find a coach that knows how to use this D-line. All these coaches are just holding back the talent! LOL!!!!
August 4th, 2015 at 8:56 am
Bowers was damaged goods when he was drafted. Bad knee(s) don’t get better as players age…..best days way behind him.
August 4th, 2015 at 8:58 am
Problem with your premise is his knee(s) not his problem.
August 4th, 2015 at 9:08 am
@thebucrealist… HA, exactly! Glad Bowers is motivated, but he’s not very good. I wish him the best. A lot of times when people “get it”, its too late.
August 4th, 2015 at 9:24 am
“He can be a good football player”. That’s what the fans are waiting for and want to see more of. I’ve liked Bowers since he got here, he showing a few highlights and something always interrupting his progress. Good luck this attempt, he looks real young in that pic.
August 4th, 2015 at 9:55 am
I have been one of Bowers biggest critics over the past couple of years. But I completely agree with Joe’s take here. The Bucs have nothing to loose. If the light has come on, great! And it’s about time. It will either make for a great “comeback” story, or he will only be remembered as on of Dom’s draft busts. I’m hoping for the comeback story.
August 4th, 2015 at 9:56 am
His chances just improved, with the injury to Spence.
August 4th, 2015 at 10:31 am
It won’t. Bowers is trash. Move along.
August 4th, 2015 at 10:37 am
We don’t need camp meat, we need players who will actually go in, make a difference for the team, and actually BE relevant on the defensive line.
August 4th, 2015 at 11:17 am
The light probably did come on. Too bad he’s not a very good player to begin with.
The light came on for me 3 weeks ago too. Sign me up I’m ready to play on the D-line. I’m not worth a crap, but my lights on.
August 4th, 2015 at 11:28 pm
If he can b more aggressive at the point of attack he could the player he was in college. I seen him time and time again get close and just stick his hand out.