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, Bowe was suspended four games for violating the league’s steroid policy.
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 before the suspension hit. But his stats don’t reflect improvement (he’s gaining slightly fewer yards-per-game) and his attention to detail remains a work in progress according to Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star.
So does 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 more production from Matt Cassel and Bowe. The passing game is supposed to be Haley’s specialty.
“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.