Both my sons play NESCAC football and were admitted via ED. Agree with most of the points above. No need to submit supplemental essays, but do take the application process seriously. Unless an injury was career-ending, I think both coaches would stand by the offer.
You may have read that Coach Ritter is retiring at the end of this season, so perhaps that may be a factor for you. Bowdoin is improving under Coach Hammer, but is not known for commitment to investment in athletics.
Has your some received any other NESCAC offers? FWIW, my sons accepted their offers in Sept/Oct.