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Brock Bowers needed a little extra time to begin his season.
Collecting the hardware took considerably less.
The Raiders’ star tight end was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after turning his season debut into a reminder of everything he brings to an offense, and everything opposing defenses must account for when he is on the field.
One game. One award.
Not a bad way to get reacquainted.
Bowers caught 10 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders’ 35-27 comeback victory over the Saints on Sunday, helping Las Vegas improve to 3-0 heading into this week’s showdown with the unbeaten Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
After missing the first two games following a procedure on his knee, Bowers wasted little time establishing a connection with quarterback Kirk Cousins. He caught an 8-yard pass on the Raiders’ first offensive play and finished the opening possession with three receptions.
So much for easing his way back.
His presence gave Cousins a dependable target and coach Klint Kubiak another dimension to an offense that had helped produce victories over the Dolphins and Chargers without its most accomplished pass catcher.
The Raiders had demonstrated they could win without Bowers.
Against New Orleans, they began exploring how much more becomes possible with him.
Bowers supplied difficult catches, opportunities after the reception and the kind of attention that can create favorable matchups for teammates. His ability to line up in different spots gives Kubiak flexibility while forcing defenses to continually account for his whereabouts.
He also helped finish the comeback.
With the Raiders having erased an 11-point second-half deficit, Bowers caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Cousins in the fourth quarter. The ensuing extra point extended their lead to eight, providing the final margin in a victory fueled by four late defensive takeaways.
Now comes another prominent stage.
With Travis Kelce and the Chiefs visiting Sunday, Bowers will be central to the Raiders’ efforts to remain unbeaten and take sole possession of first place in the AFC West.
His season started two weeks later than planned.
It took one afternoon to get everyone’s attention again.
