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Tight Ends Focus of  Offense

We have been talking two tight end formations since Greg Olsen was drafted last year.  By the looks of it the Bears are working hard to make sure they can get Olsen and Desmond Clark on the field together often.

While the identity of the starting wide receivers remains a mystery a week into training camp, the Bears are using more double-tight formations than ever. One of the dominant ones in the passing game has been the Ace package, in which Greg Olsen replaces fullback Jason McKie. It's an interesting formation because Olsen has been lining up all over the place -- at fullback, in the slot and split wide. He and Desmond Clark are paired with two receivers in a one-back formation, and the possibilities are numerous.

The idea is to get a favorable matchup with Clark and Olsen on smaller or slower defenders, but to make it work, the offense must prove it is not only willing, but also effective in runningl out of the formation.

In practice, the defense initially defended the Ace with a nickel package, taking strong-side linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer out in favor of defensive back Danieal Manning. The offense ran the defense out of the look, and now it's a matter of down and distance. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner expects that what will happen during the season, but Olsen is a wild card for opponents.

''We've got two real good tight ends,'' Turner said. ''We've got to get them on the field. We're working those guys in a lot of different places and trying to do some different things with them.''

Assuming the Bears defense returns to form which I think most of think it can, a solid run game and productive tight ends will go a long way to getting us back to the  playoffs.

 

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Olsen

Tight end is the only position that seems to be locked down for the Bears offense, which should come as no surprise to anyone. In order for the beloved to be at all successful on the offensive side of the ball they are going to have to take full advantage of the versatility and athleticism of Greg Olsen. I’ve been waiting to hear how they plan to use him in other ways then just lining him up next to the tackle. If I were Ron Turner he wouldn’t ever leave the field, he is athletic enough to be split out in the right situations and he is big enough to pull down the tough catch in traffic. I have to believe given the lack of depth at the WR position that if Olsen were to play exclusively at WR he would still be a starter. Using him effectively this season should go along way in masking some of the Bears offensive deficiencies.

by PVL on Jul 29, 2008 8:08 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

there is a reason he

hasnt taken over dez clarks spot….. run blocking ability. In order for a te in this o to play every down, he needs to be able to run block. As you said he shines in recieving duties, but the verdict is still out on him becoming a complete TE.

this team has depth at wr…. plenty of it. the only thing that has not been determined is the depth chart. But that should become clear to everyone by the end of the preseason.

by rahulsriram on Jul 29, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lets not forget

The article also stated that all this was contingent upon the Bears getting some consistent play out of their QBs.

This seems like the same stuff that was spouted last year about all the “speed” on offense.

I’m just more concerned about the QB position right now.

by ChicagoMarine on Jul 29, 2008 9:24 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Way to go Turdner

We wasted a whole friggin season without implementing your two best offensive weapons. Well… better late than never.

You know how much these 2 TE sets would have helped offset our crappy O-line last year?

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Jul 29, 2008 10:20 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Maybe Olson wasn't ready as a rookie

But better late than never. Hopefully Olson will be a better blocker this year and we can run effectively out of the two-TE sets which takes pressure off the line and should open more holes for whoever the RB is.

Bold Prediction: Orton will be the starter in week 1.

by GallopingGhost on Jul 29, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Blocking

I don’t remember anything bad about Olsen’s blocking, it certainly isn’t his best attribute but I don’t think it is a downfall in anyway. Dez Clark is no sensation in the running game, that is why we have always had a bigger third tight end ie Kellen Davis and John Gilmore.

by PVL on Jul 29, 2008 4:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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