Perhaps more than any other skill player on the Chicago Bears' offense, tight end Greg Olsen is expected to benefit heavily from quarterback Jay Cutler's arrival this offseason.
Olsen caught 54 passes for 574 yards and five touchdowns last season in just seven starts while sharing playing time with veteran Dez Clark. Clark started every game, but he caught just 41 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown.
This year, Olsen is expected to emerge as a go-to downfield target for Cutler.
"Greg has a unique combination of size and speed, but he also has great football intelligence," Chicago tight ends coach Rob Boras told the Bears' official Web site. "It's one thing to have those measurables, but not to be able to exploit them because you're not able to handle the offense.
"He has the size, the speed and the intelligence for us to line him up anywhere in the offense, and hopefully within that we can create some mismatches and get him lined up against a safety or a linebacker and hopefully allow him to make some plays for us."
Based on Cutler's affinity for throwing to Denver Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler in key situations over the past few years, it figures that Olsen's big-play capability will be utilized this fall.
I see Olsen becoming a top 3 TE in the league, starting with a Pro Bowl this year.
I know fantasy-wise, there are only two TEs I would take ahead of him this year.
Let's hope he can hold on to the ball this year....
In other news; the bears will still suck.
Cutler to Olsen will be a familiar Sunday occurrence. Bank on it!
I only wish the Eagles had taken him two years ago and not traded down to take Kolb. I knew he was gonna be good - certainly better than what we had/have.
Neckbeard completed 95 balls to TEs last season. I'd say the Bears already had an affinity for throwing to that position.
Olsen is a beast and as I vikings fan I fear him. Cutler to Olsen, I'm sure I will hear that alot when the vikes meet up with the bears.
Always thought he was overrated. He has yet to prove me wrong.
Did nothing spectacular in college.
How can Olsen go to the Pro Bowl? Hell, John Carlson from the Seahawks had more catches and yards, and the same amount of TD's, and he was a rookie learning the offense. Olsen's over rated like most Bears players...
Cutler does like throwing to the TE, and Olsen's stats will likely reflect that.
Doesn't make up for the lack of talent at wideout and O-line, though.
Anyone else out there think that T.O. regrets signing with the Bills so quickly...
Had he waited a couple of weeks, the Cutler trade go down, playing in a weak division with a good defense...the Bears could easily take the North and get to the Playoffs.
Instead the Pats and Parcells Dolphins will have a little somethin' somethin' waiting for T.O. twice a year...
Sure wish the Pack hadn't had their head up their rear a couple years ago in the draft, and taken him. We still don't have a viable tight end, haven't since Chmura and Jackson left. Bubba caught touchdowns, but was mainly a blocker. Look at how much Jason Witten changes a game for the Cowboys. Hate that guy. Wish we had him.
screaming sheep says: July 9, 2009 6:24 PM
Always thought he was overrated. He has yet to prove me wrong.
Did nothing spectacular in college.
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ahh --- I beg to differ.
At "The U", who can forget his flow in the memorable rap "If That B!tch Only Knew" as part of the 7th Floor Crew!
Will he show his rooster on TV like other NFC central T.E.'s?
Da U: "What yo name?"
Greg Olson: "Gee-Reg"
Da U: "What U do?"
Greg Olson: "Get Head"
7th Floor Crew! Check that track out!
Bear-haters beware. Just keep talking. The more you hate just shows how scared you are.
# Reasonablevikefan says: July 9, 2009 6:17 PM
Olsen is a beast and as I vikings fan I fear him. Cutler to Olsen, I'm sure I will hear that alot when the vikes meet up with the bears.
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yea and they don't got darren sharper anymore to cover olsen...expect some big games from him against them
lipside715 says: July 10, 2009 12:30 AM
# Reasonablevikefan says: July 9, 2009 6:17 PM
Olsen is a beast and as I vikings fan I fear him. Cutler to Olsen, I'm sure I will hear that alot when the vikes meet up with the bears.
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yea and they don't got darren sharper anymore to cover olsen...expect some big games from him against them
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Yeah, it was great last year when the Vikings had Sharper to not cover Olsen...
Olsen's definitely a stud --- he will be a problem.