Blue wait for Age of Adarius to arrive

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/07/2010 (5905 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THERE are questions and criticisms, maybe even quiet concern in some circles.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Adarius Bowman has likely heard all the whispers through the first three weeks of the season as he struggles with making an impact in the offence.

Three games, eight catches for 116 yards and zero touchdowns for the man who led the team in receiving a year ago. And, unofficially, three or four drops since the 2010 season began.

But here are three things you should know about Bowman, facts that have everyone on the coaching staff convinced he’s about to bust out of his early-season slump:

— He’s still got that lanky power-forward basketball build at 6-foot-3, 223 pounds, which gets every NFL scout that crosses the border drooling;

— He still has that critical skill of being able to separate from a defender and get open;

— And despite the drops, his hands are so big they can swallow a man’s arm with a simple handshake.

So what gives? Eight catches in three games? Zippo trips to the end zone?

"Everybody knows that as a receiver, you’ve got to be able to catch the ball, and I wouldn’t be here if I couldn’t catch the ball," Bowman said after practice Wednesday. "What I’m working on are other things like better route running, blocking for other players so that those 15-yard plays turn into touchdowns. I’m trying to be a professional and a leader.

"It’s right there. It’s really just right there for me and for this whole offence. Even this week I see our comfort level getting better. Every week we watch the film and it’s like ‘Ahhhhh, if I was here instead of there it would have been big.’ It’s like a 90-degree cut vs. a 45-degree cut that can change everything. That’s the thing I’m working on. This is a game of inches, an inch from being open to not open; an inch from catching something to dropping it."

They’re singing from the same songbook in Edmonton — this weekend’s opponent, coincidentally — as Eskimo stars Fred Stamps and Kelly Campbell have had their own issues with the dreaded dropsies.

Difference is, Stamps still leads the CFL with 24 receptions for 399 yards. Campbell is fourth at 21 for 301. Bowman’s totals rank him 24th.

But there is greatness in the man, insists head coach Paul LaPolice, who is expecting — not hoping — Bowman can still develop into one of the CFL’s most prolific game-breaking threats.

"Absolutely. We think he can be a tremendous talent," LaPolice said. "He’s got ability. We’ve got to make sure he gets his opportunities to make plays, and when he gets his opportunities he’s got to make plays.

"Every player goes through things that they struggle with, either missed a block or dropped a pass…

"I know Adarius had one last week where if he defines his route better, then the (defensive back) isn’t in front of him and doesn’t have his hand in a position close to the ball. Part of that is he’s got to get better separation on his defender. And then the other thing is just looking the ball into his hands.

"Every receiver goes through that at times. You’ve just got to fight through it and just have confidence in yourself and pull yourself through it."

Bowman, in his own defence, reminds us he just turned 25 and has played 27 CFL games. And he’s also working through the maturation of his game that keeps him focused when the ball isn’t coming his way and working to be more consistent. For some, that comes overnight; for others it can take longer. And, for the record, he had just eight catches after three games last year before finishing with 55 for 925 and six scores.

"Again, that’s part of being a professional," Bowman said. "I try to stay focused because some days it may be one (pass), other days it may be 10.

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"For me, when I was in college I was always The Man. I got everything. It was always ‘gimme, gimme’ and going into a game, it made you feel great. But everybody’s that guy here.

"I’m not here saying that’s bad; I love that. But dealing with that change is part of learning to be a professional.

"It’s a long season. I’m going to continue to work and it will work itself out."

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca