When it comes to quarterbacks and receivers working together, the word chemistry gets used a lot. And it's often very true. They need to be on the same page and the quarterback often times has to get a feel for how their receivers run their routes, so he can time up his throws perfectly. The relationship is symbiotic. In other words; chemistry.
Then how does one explain what Brock Bowers did on Sunday?
Bowers hadn't practiced or played with the team over the first two weeks of the season. And he and Cousins connected on just one pass in the preseason for six yards. Sure, they had training camp practices, but game speed is different. And that's supposed to take time to develop that relationship.
But you'd never have known any of this based on what
happened in the game. First play was a completion to Bowers. Then he went out and caught nine more one for the final TD of the game. I'll let Kirk Cousins explain it.
"Yeah, I mean, certainly we're still building that (chemistry)," Cousins said of Bowers. "I don't think that it's something that I feel like I did with Justin Jefferson or Adam Thielen after playing with them for three or four years, you really knew what their game was. I think we're still developing, but I remember throwing a back shoulder to Justin in Houston in his maybe second career game, second career start, and late in the game, threw him a back shoulder and he adjusted. And I thought, 'Well, I don't know that we have chemistry, but sometimes when you play with really good players it looks like you have chemistry.' Because they're just that much better at adjusting to a throw and making the play. So, some of that's probably true too. But every play you're in there together, you learn more, and I think it helps you then be more efficient moving forward."
It's crazy to think that the two of them can connect so well in their first game together, and Cousins doesn't think they're anywhere close to having chemistry. That would suggest that every single game they play together, the chemistry will improve and the results with it.
It seems hard to believe the results could get better than double digit catches for over 100 yards and a score and being named AFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Only once in his career did he have more than the 14 targets he saw in the game on Sunday. Three times before did he see more than 10 catches or the 116 yards receiving. And twice before he had multiple touchdowns. None of those coming in his first game with a new QB.
"Brock's just a very capable tight end," Cousins understated. "I think he is tremendous after the catch with the football. I think he's got a great ability to adjust to the football. Strong hands, good play strength. There's a lot of intangibles too, with his intelligence and his work ethic, the standard he holds himself to. He's a great teammate. So, there's so many traits you look for in a player, specifically at the at the skill positions, the receiver positions, like tight end and wide receiver, and he's checking so many of those boxes."
What it comes down to, really, is simply -- he's special.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders QB Kirk Cousins says Brock Bowers connection more than chemistry
