Jason Licht To Da’Quan Bowers: Prove It!
July 23rd, 2014
Bucs GM Jason Licht issued Da’Quan Bowers a blunt challenge if not a frank warning
When Bucs defensive end Da’Quan Bowers was called out by his position coach Joe Cullen near the end of OTAs, it raised all sorts of red flags.
For a position coach to openly mock a player for being out of shape — in June, no less — coming off a knee surgery of unknown severity, wow! That showed the new regime was no longer going to baby Bowers and that his Tampa Bay days could very well be numbered.
That point was hit home big time this evening. During a townhall meeting with Joe’s good friend, “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig of WDAE-AM 620, broadcast live before a studio audience at the Clear Channel headquarters in Tampa, Licht, in no uncertain terms, let it be known that Bowers has arrived at his career crossroads.
In a manner of speaking, Licht told the live radio audience, fans at hand and assembled members of the Tampa Bay pen and mic club, that it was time for Bowers to fish or cut bait.
“Da’Quan Bowers needs to prove to us he wants to be on this football team,” Licht said.
Moments later, Licht noted he wasn’t trying to be mean or ornery or nasty to Bowers, just matter-of-fact. Licht said he was just being “blunt” and wanted to be “frank,” then adding, “We are rooting for him.”
So let it be known that the line between Bowers staying on the Bucs roster and becoming a full-time guitar player is razor-thin. If Bowers didn’t get the message from his position coach last month, he got the message crystal clear today.
For the life of Joe, he cannot understand why Bowers, who has but 5.5 sacks in 39 games, was all but handed the starting job last year when former Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik let team sack leader Michael Bennett walk away for no good reason.
Bowers thanked Dominik and then-Bucs commander Greg Schiano for the gift by getting involved in a gun hassle in New York and arriving to camp out of shape.
The only gift Licht and Lovie Smith will give Bowers, if he shows up tomorrow out of shape (again), will be of the parting variety.
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:13 pm
Pretty sure how this is going to end. I’m glad Licht sees things as clearly as fans have for the last 2 years. That’s refreshing to say the least.
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:17 pm
I was pretty turnt up when Dom drafted him. Too bad Bowers wasn’t nearly as excited as I.
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:19 pm
Joe works for Joe. Though Joe loves his relationship with WDAE, and tries to help them whenever he can, Joe doesn’t have this site up for charity.
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:25 pm
Wow. There is no misunderstanding those words form Licht. Its crystal clear what he is talking about. Man, its a shame to, if Bowers would just buddy up with McCoy, his flippin teammate who is known for his great work ethic, then he wouldn’t be in this position. Got to get it in Bowers, it really is your last chance.
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:26 pm
@Bob – Joe doesn’t get paid to send his readers offsite. That Joe brings back content from everywhere is awesome. I do less googling for Bucs news than used to coming here.
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:28 pm
Thanks Louis!
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:33 pm
Joes,
Off topic here, but Jerry Jones claims Kyle Ortin has no intentions on retiring and in fact will play in 2014. He is 31, is Lovie married to McCown (doubtful) or maybe an Ortin reunion possible?
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:39 pm
No doubt about it at all. McCown is Lovie’s stepson.
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:43 pm
I know Bowers has been a major bust and disappointment but I never figured him to be a cop caller.
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:43 pm
Jason drew a line in the sand.
It’s put-up or shut-up time!
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:44 pm
“No doubt about it at all. McCown is Lovie’s stepson.”
Why is that so hard for people understand. bucs fans need to start accepting it. Say it with me people, Josh McCown is our 2014 Tampa bay Buccaneers’ starting QB!
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:46 pm
If anything it wouldn’t effect McCown if Ortin was brought it would be the 2nd and 3rd string QBs.
July 23rd, 2014 at 8:57 pm
Brushing up on Kyle Orton’s Bio and it would make camp Qb (Eps back up) pretty interesting. I believe McCown starts the season and only comes out barring injury unless he falls on his face the 1st half of the season and gets pulled during the bye. Being a Bucs fan I sure hope that doesn’t happen.
July 23rd, 2014 at 9:11 pm
Hard to believe this guy was slated to be the number one pick before a knee issue surfaced. Seems like there is a lack of something here. After this, beware of Clemson d linemen buc fans.
July 23rd, 2014 at 9:17 pm
I hope and expect he will be cut within a few days of camp opening.
July 23rd, 2014 at 9:37 pm
I’m definitely rooting for Bowers. Hpe he dosen’t let this (last) chance go to waste.
July 23rd, 2014 at 9:50 pm
Bowers smells of Eric Curry. Sorry for the terrible memory.
July 23rd, 2014 at 10:17 pm
@JT…..Let’s see what kind of shape he is in for the beginning of TC. That is where it will all start.
July 23rd, 2014 at 10:28 pm
It is what it is….:(
July 23rd, 2014 at 10:44 pm
I have been rooting for bowers but now I’m calling timber cause he’s goin down. If he had any motivation at all, he would be chomping at the bit to show the world he is not a bust. Instead he shows up out of shape for another OTA. If he does not show up this week jacked up and ready to go then we don’t need this guy!