Bucs DE Da'Quan Bowers motivated by demotion

Da'Quan Bowers has faced many challenges from Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano this offseason. The latest was a demotion to second string defensive end behind Daniel Te'o-Nesheim. 

"Of course that will push me," Bowers said Wednesday, via Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune. "My ultimate goal is not to be the second-team defensive end, it’s to be a starter. If that's his way of pushing me, I acknowledge that and I’m trying to do something about it."

Bowers, the Bucs' second-round pick in 2011, missed last season's camp after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon. After struggling with his conditioning coming into this season and failing to impress during preseason, Bowers admits he has some improving to do. 

"Coach has invested a lot in me,’’ Bowers said. "He has believed in me. He's given me shots and I appreciate that. I owe it to this organization to be the guy who can play on any down and play anywhere and be dominant. Me and Coach have had a lot of talks and he's been leading me where I need to go."