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
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