Bowers Talks To Joe
December 26th, 2014
Da’Quan Bowers won’t be headed to a Pro Bowl anytime soon. But he might have to come off Joe’s list of the 20 Worst Buccaneers Of The Past 10 Years.
Bowers was switched to defensive tackle this season and has proved to be a capable backup at the position.
If the Bucs had only realized Bowers’ inside potential during his rookie year, the Albert Haynesworth debacle could have been voided and Bucs history might be a lot different.
Props to Lovie Smith and staff for their evaluation and insight.
Again, Joe’s not saying Bowers has lived up to his draft hype, but at least he looks like an NFL player now. And at 24 years old, Bowers might have a career ahead of him.
Joe caught up to Bowers this week to talk about all kinds of subjects. Here’s what Joe can share:
JoeBucsFan.com: How much are you enjoying the move inside from a football perspective?
Da’Quan Bowers: I like to be able to use my, you know, quickness against a little bit slower opponent. So it seems to work in my favor most of the time, especially in the run game. It’s a different type of feeling, but other than that I think I’ve transitioned to it pretty well.
Joe: Have you put on weight to do it? Or has the team tried to remake your body a little bit?
Bowers: Actually, no. I hadn’t put on any weight or change really anything. I was already playing between 280 and 285, and right now I’m 287 or 288. So not much body transition at all.
Joe: Is there one big technical thing inside that’s challenged you, or something you’ve been working hard on?
Bowers: Just understanding the different schemes that you can get from 3-techinique, nose and defensive end. Being able to play all three has really helped me out this year. I truly believe that. I’m really looking forward to this last game.
Joe: Like a lot of guys, your contract is ending. Is being a free agent on your mind, something you’re thinking about and motivating you to put great work on film?
Bowers: I’m not thinking about it. You know, my focus is to try and help this team close out the season in a positive way. We need that. For right now, I’m still a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, so all my efforts are going toward helping this team win.
December 26th, 2014 at 1:05 pm
Bowers, one of the top 20 players seemingly always injured with the Bucs.
December 26th, 2014 at 1:06 pm
You can’t say he doesn’t love the game, especially playing with his hand in the dirt, I play guitar and I couldn’t imagine putting my hands and fingers into a situation where they could end up gnashed and twisted like you see NFL linemen’s look after a few years in the league.
December 26th, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Initially I thought he was one of our best drafts ever due to where we got him.
December 26th, 2014 at 1:20 pm
Everyone — and I mean everyone — thought he was a steal at #51. Just goes to show that you never know.
December 26th, 2014 at 1:27 pm
24 years old wow who knows next year he might blow up or he might just blow out a knee or something but it’s encouraging to see some production from him
December 26th, 2014 at 1:33 pm
I really don’t want to see him.walk and go tear it up somwhere else so let’s give him a 1yr 2m prove it contract.
He was that dude at Clemson. I just watched both highlight clips on youtube and man he was downright unblockable. You can tell those knee injuries stole his quickness. #Sigh#
December 26th, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Let’s trade out of the 2nd round altogether this season.
December 26th, 2014 at 2:14 pm
he was a 2nd round pick who was supposed to provide the edge rush this team is missing. he’s played OK in 3 total games. Are you getting soft on us Joe?
December 26th, 2014 at 2:44 pm
As a DT, he may become a steal at #51, all he needs is coaching and GMC is the best their is.
December 26th, 2014 at 2:57 pm
He’s a better tackle than I figured he would be, but lets not forget the years of wasted production before we take him off the list. I’m sure he’s very nice person though. I wouldn’t mind the Bucs keeping him on a modest 2 year contract as a backup defense tackle.
He’d be worth 3 mil a year for two years. Then the Bucs can see what he’s worth when he’s 26, and In his prime.
December 26th, 2014 at 5:12 pm
bowers is getting some playing time now that his various injuries appear to have healed. it should be interesting to see how he does next year.
December 26th, 2014 at 11:23 pm
He was worth the risk at 51. It didn’t pan out as an end for him, the knee injury stole his burst.
But, he has reinvented himself a bit and deserves to be back next year. The Bucs don’t need to be creating holes where they don’t have them, and defensive tackle is not one of those spots when they still need two good defensive ends.
December 28th, 2014 at 1:10 am
Replace Bowers with Tedford…