Hello, Chiefs fans, this is my first FanPost. I'm Korean and living in Korea. I always appreciate AP! It's a greatest fan page ever.
At the point after preseason game one, most chiefs fans seem to have some confidence this season. I also pleased and have a little optimism for this year. I believe Chiefs deserve to win AFC west enough.
However, my little concern is all about Wide Receivers. I admit it's too early to have an anxiety. It maybe a half-baked idea, but my gut feeling is we need Dwayne Bowe definitely at least this year! I'd like to explain the reason why I think that.
More after the jump
1. Preseason game1 (vs. Cardinals) receiving performance
Receiving | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
S. Maneri | 3 | 69 | 0 | 28 |
D. McCluster | 3 | 45 | 0 | 29 |
T. Copper | 2 | 16 | 0 | 10 |
J. Newsome | 2 | 16 | 0 | 9 |
J. O'Connell | 1 | 15 | 0 | 15 |
J. Charles | 1 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
P. Hillis | 1 | 11 | 1 | 11T |
D. Wylie | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
During the first two drives, Matt Cassel tried only one pass to his wideouts (Jon Baldwin), and resulted in incomplete pass (break up by Cardinals two DBs). Yes, on those drives Chiefs gained 2TDs. Cassel used RBs and slot receiver (McCluster) and it's enough to have TDs.
But in my point of view, entire Wideouts' performance weren't efficient at that. Josh Bellamy dropped the pass from Brady Quinn and blew away the first down chance. Jamar Newsome and Terrance Copper made catches but not much gain yards. I felt lack of WO's performance was the only fault for the perfect game.
If Dwayne Bowe could show up as a normal form, Chiefs offense would be benefit from him.
2. Why do we need Bowe?
I think OC Brain Daboll is creative. He can make many options through current weapons and Chiefs could win many games.
But, what about versus powerhouse teams like Ravens and Steelers? Recently, I've seen last year's Chiefs game by NFL game pass (it's only work in outside of North America). After watching games, in spite of his diminished stat, I was inspired that he was still evolving toward NFL top receiver.
Some pointed out Bowe's frequent drop issue. Yes, it's his weakness. However, I believe his yard after catch ability and first down catch ability are the top level.
RK | PLAYER | TEAM | YAC | 1DN | Type |
1 | Wes Welker, WR | NE | 732 | 77 | Slot |
2 | Darren Sproles, RB | NO | 690 | 35 | RB |
3 | Ray Rice, RB | BAL | 677 | 30 | RB |
4 | Rob Gronkowski, TE | NE | 656 | 69 | TE |
5 | Arian Foster, RB | HOU | 635 | 19 | RB |
6 | Victor Cruz, WR | NYG | 595 | 59 | Slot |
7 | Percy Harvin, WR | MIN | 537 | 45 | Slot |
8 | Calvin Johnson, WR | DET | 524 | 77 | WO |
9 | Aaron Hernandez, TE | NE | 519 | 46 | TE |
10 | Jonathan Stewart, RB | CAR | 508 | 18 | RB |
RK | PLAYER | TEAM | YAC | 1DN | Type |
11 | Fred Jackson, RB | BUF | 500 | 13 | RB |
12 | Larry Fitzgerald, WR | ARI | 493 | 61 | WO |
Mike Wallace, WR | PIT | 493 | 54 | WO | |
14 | Brent Celek, TE | PHI | 487 | 35 | TE |
15 | Pierre Thomas, RB | NO | 482 | 18 | RB |
16 | Steve Smith, WR | CAR | 474 | 53 | WO |
17 | Jimmy Graham, TE | NO | 469 | 74 | TE |
18 | Ryan Mathews, RB | SD | 451 | 18 | RB |
19 | Matt Forte, RB | CHI | 449 | 19 | RB |
20 | Mike Tolbert, RB | SD | 448 | 23 | RB |
RK | PLAYER | TEAM | YAC | 1DN | Type |
21 | Roy Helu, RB | WSH | 432 | 12 | RB |
22 | Jordy Nelson, WR | GB | 418 | 47 | WO |
23 | Julio Jones, WR | ATL | 415 | 34 | WO |
24 | LeSean McCoy, RB | PHI | 409 | 18 | RB |
25 | Nate Burleson, WR | DET | 406 | 36 | WO |
26 | Maurice Jones-Drew, RB | JAC | 394 | 18 | RB |
27 | LaDainian Tomlinson, RB | NYJ | 391 | 12 | RB |
28 | Chris Johnson, RB | TEN | 383 | 13 | RB |
29 | Roddy White, WR | ATL | 364 | 77 | WO |
30 | Michael Crabtree, WR | SF | 363 | 40 | Slot |
RK | PLAYER | TEAM | YAC | 1DN | Type |
31 | Pierre Garcon, WR | IND | 360 | 42 | WO |
32 | Dwayne Bowe, WR | KC | 359 | 57 | WO |
Hakeem Nicks, WR | NYG | 359 | 54 | WO | |
34 | Jason Witten, TE | DAL | 358 | 47 | TE |
35 | Fred Davis, TE | WSH | 353 | 39 | TE |
36 | Early Doucet, WR | ARI | 346 | 35 | WO |
37 | Antonio Brown, WR | PIT | 342 | 57 | WO |
38 | Deion Branch, WR | NE | 332 | 37 | WO |
39 | Nate Washington, WR | TEN | 331 | 47 | WO |
40 | Michael Bush, RB | OAK | 330 | 14 | RB |
Above table is 2011 regular season receiving stats. Bowe recorded just 32nd overall in yard after catch area. However, if we narrow the scope only to the wideouts, Bowe would be top 10 player. Someone would say 10 may not elite. But in my opinion, Bowe is not a speedster like Mike Wallace. So I think simple comparison with those athletes' like Wallace is unfair for Bowe. Sometimes, he dragged DBs. His numbers implicate more than stats. Furthermore, I found he always made an effort to gain more yards. His 8th place in first down numbers (57 times) was a result of his hard work.
I'm not sure Jon Baldwin can be prolific if he match up with opponent's No.1 CBs. He isn't proved yet. But Bowe is proved. If Bowe is responsible for No.1 receiver, Baldwin, Breaston and McCluster should have big chance to increase their catch numbers. Because opponents acknowledge they should defend Bowe by their top CB and even more DBs.
My small conclusion is that Dwayne Bowe is the most reliable option among all Chiefs' receivers. And if we want to win a playoffs and defeat powerhouse, we need his presence absolutely.
I wish he signs his tender and participate ASAP.
After wrote myself, I read my post and I feel English is still hard to me. Please understand my broken English. Go Chiefs!