Browns: 2015 Preseason Review Part 2: WRs, TEs, OL
May 26, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (80) during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dwayne Bowe
At one time, Dwayne Bowe was one of the elite WRs in the NFL. In 2010 Bowe turned 72 receptions into 1,162 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, and a Pro Bowl appearance. He followed that season with a 1,159 yard season in 2011 and had seemingly became one of the NFL’s elite talents. However, since 2011 Bowe has struggled to find that elite form.
In 2014 Bowe had a mediocre 60 catches for 754 yards and failed to reach the end zone. In fact, the entire Kansas City group of WRs failed to score a TD in 2014; even the Cleveland Browns WRs had more. Yet the Chiefs were a borderline playoff team in 2014 and the Browns were not. So does Bowe have anything left in the tank? What have we seen through two preseason games and training camp?
Unfortunately for Bowe, Browns fans haven’t seen anything yet. Bowe’s been sidelined through most of camp with a hamstring injury. He hasn’t played in either preseason game nor has he been able to practice. So what does this mean for the Cleveland Browns? Well, it just means that expectations should be tempered with Bowe. While he believes that he can fill Josh Gordon’s shoes, it appears that the rigors of eight NFL seasons may be taking their toll on the eight year veteran. He still believes in himself though according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
"“If I get (a TD) in the (home) opener first quarter, the floodgates are open and the Dawg Pound is going crazy,” “It’s going to be awesome. Once I start that, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I might go crazy.”"
For Cleveland Browns fans, simply seeing Bowe on the field at this point might be enough to get us to cheer. To catch touchdowns would be icing on the cake. Bowe has a long way to go this preseason to show he’s ready to be the number one guy in this offense and return to his Pro Bowl form of 2010. However, the Browns offense could be the kind of offense to revive Bowe’s career. There isn’t a clear-cut number one option and he’s among the tallest WRs on the team. Will he be McCown’s go to receiver?
He believes the Cleveland Browns offense could be a high-powered offense. If that’s going to be the case, Bowe will have to have a career renaissance and return to his 2010 form. Is that possible? At 30, it’s not likely, but as Browns fans, we have to hope the 6’2 WR lives up to his own hype. McCown, Head Coach Mike Pettine, and OC John DeFilippo will all need 2010 Pro Bowl Bowe, not the Dwayne Bowe of recent memory if the offense is going to find any success in 2015.
Luckily Bowe doesn’t have to do it all on his own. GM Ray Farmer brought in another free agent WR this off-season who should be able to help his hometown team…
Next: A Buckeye Has Found His Way Back