Beleaguered Kansas City Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe appeared during the first two practice days to take his responsibilities more seriously than he’s known to do.
After a sharp performance Friday, Bowe picked up where he left off during Saturday’s two sessions, making several tough catches and running terrific routes. He looked focused and fit, and the only time coach Todd Haley reprimanded the fourth-year wideout was when Bowe ran a crisp route to get by Brandon Carr and stopped after the catch to pose for fans. Haley yelled for Bowe to “hustle back” to the huddle.
"It’s carrying over from OTAs and minicamp," cornerback Brandon Flowers said of Bowe. "He came in in OTAs and minicamp and dropped his weight, got in well-conditioned shape. He’s stepping up to a whole other level. He’s definitely like a No. 1 receiver out there."
Bowe was known more this offseason for his off-field judgment than his performance or potential. He was quoted in a magazine as saying that Chiefs veterans were "importing" women on road trips during his rookie season in 2007. That was months after Bowe was suspended four games for failing a test for performance-enhancing drugs.
Haley said Bowe is trying to focus on football and leave his mistakes behind.
"I’m encouraged with where Dwayne is right now," Haley said. "I think he’s clearly ahead of where he was last year. He’s fighting to be considered one of the good receivers in the league. I think that’s his goal and his mind-set."
There's no debating Bowe's talent, but he's been a headcase. Increasing his focus on football is what he desperately needs to do. At 24 in our regular rankings and 21 in our PPR ratings, Bowe still projects as a fantasy starter despite his checkered past, but so far his ADP has been higher than his expected production. Don't reach for Bowe, but if he slides in your draft, don't hesistate to take him. He still offers some intrigue, especially if Matt Cassel improves in his second season in Kansas City.
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