PFT article about Bowe's struggles

[nosebleed34]

Bowe's first season with Haley ending with a whimper


Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on December 30, 2009 1:50 PM ET


Wherever Todd Haley has gone, receivers have enjoyed career seasons.

That's why there was much excitement coming into 2009 about Dwayne Bowe "taking the next step." Instead, he's appeared to go backwards.

First he had to climb out of Haley's doghouse in camp. Then, he needed the threat of a trade to pick up his performance. Just as he was starting to improve on "the little things," Bowe was suspended four games.

In the two games since returning, Bowe continues to drop passes and make mental mistakes. As mentioned in Josh Alper's one-liners today, Haley questioned his effort on a pass that was intercepted Sunday.

"Our rule is: If you're in the vicinity of the ball and we can't catch it, we can't allow the other team to do so," Haley said.

Haley also pointed out the strides Bowe has made, at least before the suspension hit. But his stats don't reflect any improvement (he's gaining slightly fewer yards-per-game) and his attention to detail remains a work in progress according to Kent Babby of the Kansas City Star. Like the rest of the Kansas City passing game.

The Chiefs weren't expected to be very good this year, but even Haley would have to admit he expected a more productive passing game led by Matt Cassel and Bowe. That's Haley's specialty, after all.

"He's had a difficult month and a half," Haley said of Bowe. "I think this is all part of the process for Dwayne and growing and becoming the player that we think he's capable of being."

He didn't become that player this season.

Bowe's first season with Haley ending with a whimper | ProFootballTalk.com

[pbatrucker]

Before his suspension, I had read that Bowe had a long conversation with Fitzgereld and was told that Haley had rode Fitz hard everyday until he became the reciever he is today. It seemed after that Bowe was playing more and better. hen the got suspended.
I look for better things from Bowe next year. He now understands Haley is not just being a hardass, but is trying to make him the best player he can possible be.

[drstandley31]

Well if there's any military vets out here, I'm sure you'll agree; we didn't get better by sargents providing positive reinforcement and pats on the back. You got better by someone breaking you down, putting a boot in your ***, and making you push yourself until you achieved it. And when you did, you knew why he was so tough, and that guy usually then gave you that pat on the back.