‘Old man’ Bowens still makes plays

Associated Press

BEREA

Before Browns linebacker David Bowens returned two interceptions for touchdowns on Sunday in New Orleans, the last time a Cleveland player had two picks for TDs was way back in 1960.

“When David was a teenager,” cracked Browns coach Eric Mangini.

With patches of gray streaking through his hair and beard, Bowens is an easy target for his teammates. They pick on his age and his speed. On his second TD against the Saints, a 64-yard jaunt he capped with a clumsy somersault into the end zone, Bowens covered the final 50 yards so slowly he could have been timed with a calendar.

“We told him thanks for wasting the clock out for us,” Pro Bowl return specialist Joshua Cribbs said.

The Browns may tease Bowens, but they do it with love and respect for the 33-year-old, who aspires to coach in the NFL once his playing days are over.

And although there was talk that he might get cut after training camp, Bowens isn’t ready to trade in his orange helmet for a whistle just yet.

On Wednesday, Bowens was selected as the AFC’s defensive player of the week for his two interception returns in the Browns’ shocking 30-17 upset of the Super Bowl champion Saints. It was the first award for Bowens, who signed with the Browns as a free agent before last season.

“It’s probably overdue and well deserved,” said Mangini, who coached Bowens in New York and brought him to Cleveland. “We’re all really happy for him.”

Bowens twice picked off Saints QB Drew Brees, who matched a career high with four interceptions against a Browns defense that confused him with a variety of looks. Bowens joined Ken Norton (1995) and Derrick Johnson (2010) as the only linebackers since the 1970 merger to record two interception-return touchdowns in a game.

Even a few days later, Bowens is still stunned by what happened inside the Superdome.

To a man, the Browns have a reverence for Bowens. Ask any of them what he means to the team, and you hear the same words: Leader. Selfless. Smart. Enthusiastic.

“He’s like another coach,” fellow linebacker Matt Roth said. “He’s been doing it for a long time. Smart dude. His cerebral part of the game is second to none. He’s the old, wise guy. You go to him for information. He’s good with everybody, young and old.”

As training camp dwindled to its final days this summer, there was speculation the Browns would waive Bowens. During the offseason, the team had signed free agents Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong, and with youngsters such as Kaluka Maiava and David Veikune still on the roster, it appeared Bowens might be the odd, old man out.

But a strong performance in the final exhibition game against Chicago helped Bowens secure a spot that was never guaranteed.