The Patriots are preparing for Brock Bowers as if he’s lining up at wideout, not tight end.
That was the clearest message on Wednesday, when New England practice squad receiver Kyle Dixon wore No. 89 while handling the week’s look for the Raiders’ All-Pro weapon. It was a small detail, but an important one: the Patriots are setting up their defense to chase Bowers all over the field ahead of Week 5.
“Really, Brock is a receiver; that’s impressive,” head coach Mike Vrabel said. “What he does at his size, the speed, the route craft, and being able to catch at the catch point.
He’s like a big slot receiver. He has downfield speed, he runs outward breaking routes, he runs routes like a receiver, but then also he’s got the ability to double guys up inside.”
Bowers missed the first two games with a knee injury, then came back and immediately became the engine of the Raiders’ passing game. In just two games, he has a team-high 25 targets. He also ranks third on the team with 16 catches and second with 202 receiving yards.
The numbers tell the same story as the film: most of his work is coming away from the traditional tight end spot. Through two games, Bowers has played only 16 inline snaps this season, compared with 61 out wide and 45 in the slot.
“He’s the number one receiver. I wouldn’t even call him a tight end,” captain Kevin Byard said.
“He’s the number one receiver, one of the best tight ends in this league. So, tough matchup.”
“He’s really like a receiver,” fellow safety Craig Woodson echoed. “I mean, he has speed, good hands, good route craft.
So, we’ll have to be on our technique all week. Just make sure we’re prepared for this guy.”
Bowers has also been a major factor on third down. His eight third-down conversions in two games are tied for third-most in the NFL and tied for the most among tight ends.
New England has already seen what he can do. In last year’s Week 1 meeting, Bowers caught five passes for 103 yards while playing only half of the Raiders’ offensive snaps.
And he isn’t the only tight end the Raiders are willing to feature. Michael Mayer leads the team with 20 receptions.
The Patriots handled another top tight end last week, holding Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid to one catch for seven yards. Kincaid entered the game leading all tight ends in receiving yards, and New England will try to produce a similar result again on Sunday.
“They’re feeding their tight ends,” Vrabel said. “They have a great group.
Certainly different play styles, but Brock is as elite as they come at that position. So, we’ll have a huge challenge.”
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