Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe would like to return to the Pro Bowl this year. He reached the big game back in 2010 when he caught 15 touchdown passes, but the Kansas City Chiefs have never had a consistent quarterback presence to allow the receiver to continue to return. This year is different as the Chiefs now have a new coach and quarterback heading the offense. Bowe is pushing everyone to get better in this crucial year.
Bowe was targeted just once in the Chiefs' first two preseason games. He remained patient with Smith, allowing chemistry to build throughout training camp. With Smith's arm, Bowe could be back to Pro Bowl status and he knows it.
"Every day is a grind. Guys make mistakes sometimes. You just have to keep moving forward," Bowe said, via Fox News. "We're all trying to make plays and right now everybody is just trying to grind. Every day is a grind. The only way you'll see a difference is when it really, really counts."
The grind is paying off. In the team's third preseason game, Bowe racked up six receptions for 73 yards in the Chiefs win. Bowe notes that head coach Andy Reid told him to be patient and it worked. Smith and Bowe appeared to be on the same page throughout their time on the field. Smith connected with Bowe on four passes during a two-minute drill as the receiver picked up crucial first downs.
"It was nice to get them engaged a little bit," Smith said. "Dwayne was drawing a lot of attention in the first two preseason games. We weren't game-planning for those defenses. But we put a little plan together this week, and it was good to get them the ball."
Reid has been nothing short of impressed of the veteran wide receiver throughout the preseason. He is fairly confident with the re-tweaked offense, Bowe could be back to wear he wants to be. Bowe predicted earlier in the spring that he would lead the NFL in catches and receiving touchdowns. As the team continues to try and find a No. 2 receiver, Bowe's consistency could make that goal come true.
"We're progressing,'' Bowe said. "Coach says we've got to crawl before you walk. As long as you're moving the chains, the offense will be productive. It's preseason. We're working on the mechanics of getting the ball thrown deep. It's all a process. We've got one game down, three more to go and then the real season starts. And that's when you'll see Bombs Over Baghdad.''
