Why Has Greg Olsen Underachieved?
There’s been plenty else to talk about this season — Jay Cutler, Matt Forte’s regression, the offensive line, Johnny Knox’s ascension, Earl Bennett’s promise — so it’s a question that’s sort of been lost in the shuffle: What’s up with Greg Olsen?
After all, Cutler apparently likes to throw to his tight ends, and these two formed a bond both on and off the field in the preseason. Olsen has talent. Why hasn’t it translated to more success on the field?
Dan Pompei tackles this in today’s Chicago Tribune:
In some ways, Olsen has been a victim of hype.
As a buzz built around Olsen in the offseason and in training camp, defenses took notice. [ ... ]
It started in the opener in Green Bay. The Packers treated Olsen like a third wide receiver and played nickel personnel against the Bears’ standard personnel with cornerback Charles Woodson lined up over Olsen. [ ... ]
Last year, Olsen wasn’t dealing with these issues as often. When the Bears faced man coverage in 2008, they often would shift or motion Olsen so he was matched up against a slower linebacker. This year, they haven’t been able to get those matchups because defenses have played more zone, and when they have played man, they have made allowances for Olsen. [ ... ]
You know sometimes when you read something and you’re like: “this makes a lot of sense, and I really don’t have anything else to add”?
This is one of those times.
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