One catch in opener doesn't tell real Olsen story

Jay Cutler got all the headlines after failing to meet expectations last week in his disastrous debut at Green Bay, allowing Greg Olsen to go largely undetected.

The tight end’s first game as the starter ahead of veteran Desmond Clark looked like one to forget. He caught one pass for eight yards, dropped another and was targeted six times by Cutler, more than anyone but Earl Bennett. So much for a breakout start to what many predicted would be a breakout season for the first-round pick from 2007. A review of the game film showed something different, though.

The Packers went to their nickel defense for 47 of 71 snaps (66 percent), and at least some of their motivation was to match up cornerback Charles Woodson on Olsen. It’s something Green Bay did last season because the Bears’ tight ends have given the Packers trouble. When Woodson wasn’t covering him, Packers defenders bracketed Olsen. The combined strategies meant 13 of Cutler’s 17 completions went to wide receivers, and Devin Hester and rookie Johnny Knox had big games.

‘‘It was just one of those games,’’ tight ends coach Rob Boras said. ‘‘That’s part of team offense. We were confident with what they have on the outside. If you take something away, something else will be there.

‘‘It was one of Greg’s best overall games that he has had here. I know everybody wants to get caught up on the catches, but it was one of his best games he’s had all-around. Just based on his route running, his blocking. The catches will come with patience, and I know that’s where everyone judges success is whether or not you catch the ball.’’

The overriding issue then is how the Bears failed to be more productive running the football against a nickel defense. Matt Forte was held to 55 yards on 25 rushes (2.2 per carry).

But Boras said Olsen has made strides in that area, even if scouts from other organizations remain skeptical. With Clark sidelined by a cracked rib, Olsen will have to take on a greater role as a blocker in the coming weeks.

‘‘That’s been the knock from the outside,’’ Boras said. ‘‘He went in there and battled. He had a very, very solid game.’’

Olsen has been Cutler’s tour guide to the city since he arrived in April. He greeted him at the introductory news conference, and they’ve been tight since. Cutler went over to Olsen’s on Thursday night to watch the Miami-Georgia Tech game. Based on how Cutler used Tony Scheffler in Denver, the assumption has been Mike Ditka’s team record of 75 catches by a tight end in 1964 would fall in December.

The Bears have moved Olsen out wide more. Obviously, the goal is to get him matched up on linebackers so he can use his speed as an advantage instead of his size against players such as Woodson. Pittsburgh usually does a nice job covering the tight end, allowing only four touchdown receptions by opposing players at that position last season. Without All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu, the Steelers’ defense will be different with Tyrone Carter filling in.

The Bears have $15 million in salary-cap room left, and if the past is a good indication, they’ll consider a short list of players — Cutler, Olsen, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye and free safety Danieal Manning — for extensions in season. Olsen is in the third season of his five-year rookie contract, and the Bears always look to be proactive to save a dollar now and keep the cap situation healthy moving forward.

‘‘You’re always receptive to that,’’ Olsen said. ‘‘That’s the nature of the game. But the way I think about it is the better I play on the field, it kind of takes care of itself. As long as I go out and play well and handle what I have to do, my responsibilities for this team, I’ll be fine. My main concern is going out and having a good season and kind of getting the season off to a good start.’’

Even with only one catch, he might have done that.



(suntimes.com)