Chicago Bears: What To Expect from Greg Olsen in His Chicago Homecoming
Published by Brett Lyons on September 28, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
When the Chicago Bears host the Carolina Panthers this Sunday at Soldier Field, former Bears tight end Greg Olsen will be playing in the city that drafted him for the first time since being traded this offseason.
Olsen, a 2007 first-round draft pick, was sent from Chicago to the Panthers in return for a third-round draft pick. Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz had a tough time getting Olsen involved in the Chicago offense last season.
The Bears showed dedication towards Martz and what he wants for his offensive unit by shipping Olsen, a pass-catching tight end, to make room for free-agent Matt Spaeth, a run-blocking tight end.
“I don’t blame them for using (Matt Spaeth and Kellen Davis) that way,” Olsen said to Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune. “Use them for what their strengths are, getting their big bodies on guys and getting some protection for Jay (Cutler) to throw the ball. That’s why they brought them in.”
Since becoming a member of the Panthers, Olsen has become a favorite of rookie quarterback Cam Newton in the passing attack. Olsen has 12 receptions in three games for 169 yards and a touchdown.
Olsen sounds happy where he is now and can’t wait to show up his former club.
“To say this game doesn’t light your fire a little more with everything that happened would be a lie,” said Olsen. “I’m excited. It’s a game we’ve been looking forward to.
“I’m excited to come back to play in Soldier Field again. I have a lot of respect for Chicago with the players they have there with (Brian Urlacher) and (Julius Peppers) and (Lance) Briggs. They are one of the best in the league every year. (Head Coach Lovie Smith) and them do a great job with the defense.”
There’s no doubt former Bears defensive coordinator and now first-year head coach Ron Rivera will try to get Olsen involved with the offense.
If last week was any indication, Chicago’s defense might have another matchup problem with a tight end.
The Green Bay Packers abused the middle of the Bears’ Cover 2 defense in Week 3. Packers tight end Jermichael Finley had seven catches for 85 yards and three touchdowns. Chicago could not find a defender to contain Finley in the seams.
Olsen and his 6’5” 225-pound frame may have an encore for his former team.
“Sometimes that comes down to maybe they are more willing to give up stuff to the tight end,” Olsen continued. “The Cover-2 shell makes life a lot harder on the outside receivers with the corners rolled up and the safeties playing so deep. With (Urlacher) getting out of there, sometimes there are some soft spots in the middle.”
Kickoff is at 12 p.m. CT on Sunday between the Bears and Panthers.
Brett Lyons is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained firsthand or from official interview materials.
Follow Brett Lyons on Twitter @BrettLyons670.
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