New staff sees hope for Da'Quan Bowers January, 30, 2014 By Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com 
TAMPA, Fla. -- The previous Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching staff basically gave up on defensive end Da'Quan Bowers last season. But the new coaching staff sees some hope for Bowers. Defensive line coach Joe Cullen said Wednesday that he sees potential in Bowers. “Some guys blossom early and some blossom late, and I studied Da'Quan really hard when he was coming out of college, and so I’m really excited to work with him and see what we can do there," Cullen said. Through three seasons, Bowers’ career has been disappointing. A second-round pick in 2011, Bowers has been held back by injuries and inconsistency. The previous regime made a huge mistake by letting Michael Bennett leave as a free agent last year, because the belief was that Bowers was ready to be a full-time player. That never came close to happening. “I can’t comment on what he’s done prior to me getting here, but I think he has the qualities to be a dominant defensive lineman," Cullen said. “He’s big, he’s powerful, he’s strong, and those are all great qualities. “He really does have all the qualities you look for, but he’s been injured, missed some time, and like I said, some guys come in right away and have a major impact. Other guys, it takes time." Here’s the reality: Maybe there is some hope for Bowers. Maybe this coaching staff can get something out of him. But the Bucs can’t afford to assume that Bowers is going to have a breakout season. If he does, it’s icing on the cake. But Bowers has disappointed before, and it’s possible he’ll do it again. The Bucs need to look for an alternative in free agency or the draft.
Bowers is a power guy with his hands....I think he needs to learn to become excellent at being a bull rusher and work on the extra's later. Because being an average bull rusher has zero value as Gholston can bring that to the table.
After training camp I don't wanna still be hearing about Bower's potential. I would rather look for some other guy's potential at that point.It's shlt or get off the pot.
Bowers wasn't a sack master in college for no reason. the change of staff may have re-charged his battery and he'll come out with his ass on fire this year.i believe he can be a key part of that DL
Some guys develop slower than others. Drew Brees was a bust going into his 4th year. And then the light came on and he hasnt turned back since. If they see something with him then why not give it a shot. We aren't exactly stacked at the DE position anyway. And we aren't guaranteed to land anyone just because the rumors and rumblings are out there. He is still young, still on a cheap rookie deal. And has talent. If they can find something in him great. There's nothing to lose by trying to improve him.
A bit of a victim of circumstance. Lack of offseasons, injuries, bad coaching. Not making excuses, but it's not like the guy spent 4 healthy years under Maranelli and we were having this conversation.
Injuries will slow down ANYONE. Now Bowers' coming into camp last season out of shape, that is a MAJOR mental breakdown that needs to get fixed QUICK by our new staff.
Should teams still be talking "potential"..in a player going into his 4th year ?
most of the guys still see "potential" in 31 year-old Davin Joseph... Da'Quan Bowers have DPOY potential! LOL
Your making excuses. He had competent nfl level coaching and the other guys on the line were able to perform adequately, except Teo, who he couldn't even beat out. He was healthy last year, was the front runner to being the starter, and yet wasnt in shape. The guy is a bust.
Your making excuses. He had competent nfl level coaching and the other guys on the line were able to perform adequately, except Teo, who he couldn't even beat out. He was healthy last year, was the front runner to being the starter, and yet wasnt in shape. The guy is a bust.
Exactly.Give me a late round boom or bust guy and let's find his potential.
Your making excuses. He had competent nfl level coaching and the other guys on the line were able to perform adequately, except Teo, who he couldn't even beat out. He was healthy last year, was the front runner to being the starter, and yet wasnt in shape. The guy is a bust.
Yeah he couldn't beat out DTN, and I had high hopes for DTN who was abysmal this past season. But DTN I think will do better in an upfield one gap scheme that Lovie brings to be honest but has no business being a starter.
DTN shouldn't be on the team next season... period.
The "he couldn't beat out DTN" narrative is crap. At no point has DTN ever been more productive than Bowers. Bowers got in the Schiano dog house, simple as that. Besides, it's not like Greg knew what to do with DLineman. We all know that and **CENSORED**ed about it for two years straight, but when it comes to Bowers, he was supposed to be able to bypass the stupidity of the line games? I'll wait to see what he can do with a competent staff.
The "he couldn't beat out DTN" narrative is crap. At no point has DTN ever been more productive than Bowers. Bowers got in the Schiano dog house, simple as that. Besides, it's not like Greg knew what to do with DLineman. We all know that and **CENSORED**es about it for two years straight, but when it comes to Bowers, he was supposed to be able to bypass the stupidity of the line games? I'll wait to see what he can do with a competent staff.
I am not so sure about that.DTN (2012-2013):55 tackles, 5 sacks, 0 FFs.Bowers (2012-2013):20 tackles, 4 sacks, 0 FFsYou might be right as DTN did see more playing time over Bowers. But I think what has to be pointed out is that Bowers struggled with his endurance and conditioning, which means he can't be a three down player until he resolves that. DTN's dropoff is a bigger mystery but I think it has to do with the fact he is a one gap upfield guy that was asked to do too much power game which he is not suited for.
Another Dom bust. I hope he's nowhere near our roster in August. He needs a new team.
