Nightlink: Olsen on SN All-Breakout Team 2009

by wiltfongjr on Sep 8, 2009 10:47 PM CDT Comment 17 comments

by Nam Y. Huh - AP

The Sporting News just released their 2009 All-Breakout Team, as done by Vinny Iyer with special input from Brian Baldinger. Some of the selections are just no-brainers, it makes you say DUH! Bears Tight End Greg Olsen is getting picked by just about every publication as a guy that will breakout this year, and he makes their list as well. After the jump see what they said about Olsen and a few other picks.

Here is the criteria they used for selecting their team:

Include no rookies, and go with players with at least one year of experience who either haven't quite reached their potential or haven't received the recognition they deserve.

And here is what they said about Olsen:

TIGHT END
Greg Olsen, Bears. This athletic freak figures to be Jay Cutler's favorite target.
Baldy's take: "You or me could be a pretty productive receiver with Cutler throwing to us often."

Great insight by NFL Network analyst Baldinger. No other Bears made the list, but do you think any should have?

Other notables on the list;

QUARTERBACK
Matt Ryan, Falcons. Ryan is the reigning Rookie of the Year, was a Pro Bowl alternate and led Atlanta to an 11-5 record during his first NFL season. But his statistics were modest: 16 touchdown passes, 11 interceptions. With a year's experience and an elite tight end, Tony Gonzalez, look for Ryan to become an elite QB.
Baldy's take: "Expect him to throw for about 25 TDs this season."

I agree with Baldy on this one, and Gonzalez may have his best season in a while. Ryan is one of 3 Falcons on the list.

WIDE RECEIVERS
DeSean Jackson, Eagles. For the first time since Terrell Owens, Donovan McNabb has an elite receiver.
Baldy's take: "An easy pick."

One of 3 Eagles on the list, Jackson should eclipse the 1,000 mark with ease this year.

Ray Edwards, Vikings. He's just another fine Minnesota defensive lineman, following Kevin Williams, Pat Williams and Jared Allen.
Baldy's take: "He is ready to take full advantage of playing next to those guys."

The only other NFC North representative on the list. On a side note, could Jarred Allen just go away?

Here's a link to the article, 2009 NFL Preview: Selecting All-Breakout Team a challenge

Poll

Will another Chicago Bear "break out" this year?

Yes, RT - Chris Williams

48 votes

Yes, S - Kevin Payne

28 votes

Yes, WR - Earl Bennett

269 votes

Yes, All of the Above!

144 votes

Yes, Other

39 votes

No

34 votes

562 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Unless youre talking about breaking out into the Pro Bowl............

I would have to take Al Afalava as our breakout guy, I thought Payne was the surprise guy of last year. The Bears have been notorious for taking rookie safeties lately and turning them into solid starters. Afalava, from what it sounds like will be playing Strong Safety and from what Ive seen from him in Camp (and I went almost everyday) and in the preseason as well, he is the guy that is going to breakout for this Defense.

Which is sorely needed by the way, hes a hard hitter whos not afraid to stick his head in there and fill up those gaps. A lot of people saw Jacobs just demolishing some of our tacklers in that 2nd preseason game. But on a couple of plays I saw Afalava taking him head on. And yea Jacobs clearly was hitting us hard but Afalava came in and took him on. So if he isnt afraid to take a shot at him, there wont be a back this year that he faces that will put the fear into him, as Jacobs might be one of the toughest backs I have seen since maybe Earl Cambell or someone like that.

Phil: " Whose baby is that?
Alan: "Check his collar or something." - The Hangover

by ANYTIME09 on Sep 8, 2009 10:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

look at their criteria...

no rookies…

by wiltfongjr on Sep 9, 2009 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My Bad.............

Not one to pay attention to detail.

Phil: " Whose baby is that?
Alan: "Check his collar or something." - The Hangover

by ANYTIME09 on Sep 9, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i would

still consider Afalava getting a couple INTs, maybe a sack or 2, a break out season for a rookie 6th rounder, that was slated to be practice squad material at best, when drafted… sure, i think that could be considered break out year… rookie criteria or not

"I'm sorry Josh, I'm with Chicago now, you need to stop calling me" -JerBear50 as Jay Cutler

by BearNecessities on Sep 9, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to go with Bennett here.

I like his moves after the catch. From the little I saw from the preseason. I have seen the college film on him and if he can show some of that he’ll be pretty special. He seems like a pretty smart guy as well. I can’t wait for Sunday.

I have seen a QB and it was good.

by SoulEater7 on Sep 8, 2009 10:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I chose Chris Williams

I love what Afalava has done and I, as much as everyone else, want Earl to step up and be huge this season but I really like Chris to be our breakout guy. Coming right out of the gate he has his back surgery, misses his rookie year and sat back to hear the criticism surrounding his 1st round choice. He’s got something to prove and prove he shall. He’s a real big guy and has recovered from surgery along with a hellfire attitude that I’ve seen during camp and in the pre-season. I saw getting dirty with the vets in camp and loved it. With all the high flying ends in the league we need a guy like this who is just as big and fit to keep them in their place. Look for Chris to reclaim his place as LT as the season progresses. You can quote me on it.

by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on Sep 8, 2009 11:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wasn’t Payne,already considered a break out player?I have to go with Earl on this one.He has so much upside,and with Cutler throwing the pigskin he should thrive.Chris will be a close second though,we need him to be a breakout player.I would like to see one of the rookies step up.If you think about it,there has been a rookie to step up every year.05;Mark Bradly 06;Devin Hester07;Greg Olsen08;Forte09;?

by bears rock on Sep 8, 2009 11:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

After Olsen, I think Bennett has the best chance for a break-out year

And there just may be something to that “Vandy connection” thing. lol

by JimmyMack on Sep 9, 2009 12:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What about Hester...

Nobody really considers him to be a big play WR but this is his 3rd year (the usual breakout year) and he has a guy who can get him the ball deep. You have to think he is poised for a breakout at WR (although he admittedly already has a huge reputation as a return man.)

by The Kaiser on Sep 9, 2009 12:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs