Brock Bowers took a bit longer to kick off his season, but he didn’t take long to make an impression.
The star tight end for the Raiders was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after his impressive season debut, showcasing just how impactful he is for the team and how much attention he demands from rival defenses.
It was one game, but it also came with an award.
Not a bad way to jump back into action.
In the Raiders’ 35-27 comeback win against the Saints on Sunday, Bowers racked up 10 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. This performance helped Las Vegas move to 3-0 as they gear up for a big match against the unbeaten Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
After undergoing a procedure on his knee that kept him out for the first two games, Bowers quickly found chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins. He snagged an 8-yard reception on the Raiders’ opening play and ended the first drive with three catches.
No need for a slow return here.
His presence not only provided Cousins with a reliable target but also gave coach Klint Kubiak more options in an offense that had fared well against the Dolphins and Chargers without its star receiver.
The Raiders had already shown they could win without Bowers.
But against New Orleans, they began to tap into the added potential he brings.
Bowers delivered tough catches, created opportunities for yards after the catch, and drew enough attention to create better matchups for his teammates. His versatility allows Kubiak to move him around, constantly forcing defenses to adjust to his positioning.
He also played a key role in securing the comeback.
Having rallied from an 11-point deficit in the second half, Bowers caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Cousins in the fourth quarter. This touchdown and the successful extra point pushed their lead to eight, which became the final margin in a win bolstered by four late-game defensive takeaways.
Next up is another significant matchup.
As Travis Kelce and the Chiefs come to town on Sunday, Bowers will be essential to the Raiders’ goals of staying unbeaten and possibly leading the AFC West.
His season may have begun two weeks later than expected.
Yet, it only took a single afternoon for him to command attention once more.
