One reception for ten yards on four targets is not a stat line that will stand out in the box score, and with Greg Olsen failing to return to the game after halftime it would seem as if the star tight end’s first game back from injury was somewhat of a disappointment; throw in the fact that sources are reporting Olsen is seeing a foot specialists after x-rays this morning, and there may be some doom and gloom around the tight end’s return. While it is hard to claim that Olsen’s game was one to remember, there was certainly enough on tape for Panthers fans to be encouraged by, as well as some things to be worried about.
The Injury
Before any discussion of what Olsen did on the field, it is hard to ignore his absence from it during the second half. Given the statements made after the game, it does seem as though Olsen’s absence was largely precautionary rather than being a true re-aggravation. If Olsen fails to practice this week, then concern over the seriousness of his injury should increase but even if Olsen practices on schedule, there were some signs of the injury on Sunday.
A particular area where Olsen seemed to play below his usual level was in the run game. Olsen can’t be considered an elite blocker, but he is certainly above average at the NFL level. On Sunday he seemed hesitant in his blocks and while this could be for all kinds of reasons, it is hard to ignore the injury possibility. On the following play, Olsen is asked to block the safety and while he doesn’t do a hugely impressive job with regards to hand placement and play height, he also seems unwilling to plant and drive against a smaller and lighter defender.
This might not be due to injury, but when a player performs anomalously coming off an injury it is probably likely that the injury had something to do with it. While this certainly shouldn’t be seen as a panic button moment, it was probably the most concerning thing about Olsen’s play on Sunday.
The Catch
Greg Olsen is one of the most sneakily athletic players in the NFL, but his lone reception on Sunday was more due to his intelligence than his speed. Having crossed over the formation and seen the linebackers look to switch receivers in the zone, Olsen sits down between the zones allowing for the easy reception. Plays like this aren’t difficult, but it is by doing the simple things like this well that Olsen has been able to produce at the consistently high level that we’ve seen over the past few seasons.
If the Panthers can use Olsen to work the middle of the field in this way then it will help them to move the chains on a more consistent basis.
Missed Opportunities
It is no secret that Cam Newton didn’t have a good game on Sunday; whether it was due to a thumb injury, rust, or just one of those days, it certainly didn’t help Olsen’s production. There were at least four plays where Cam’s error led to a lack of completion for Olsen, either through a slow read or a poor throw.
This play once again show’s Olsen’s intelligence; recognizing the pressure and dropping off to provide a safety valve. Cam does an excellent job of rolling out and identifies the throw but is unable to get the ball there. While this isn’t an easy throw, it is one that a healthy Newton should be expected to make. When Olsen is referred to as a safety blanket, it refers to plays like this one; this was almost certainly not the designed route but rather an adjustment made on the fly to help Newton out. Ed Dickson doesn’t make these plays.
The following two plays like squarely on Newton. On the first, Olsen runs a nice route on what is effectively a ‘smash’ concept, with Newton reading the outside corner once the safety takes Kaelin Clay on the deep route. Newton is slow on the read, the ball is late, and the defender is able to knock the pass away. While what Olsen does here is fairly unspectacular, this should have been a decent completion. That extra jab-step cost them the first down.
On the second play, Newton simply misses on the throw. Olsen does a decent job of holding the safety inside before breaking the route off to the outside; Newton simply overthrows him. Again, these plays do not feature any exceptional piece of athleticism, technique or coordination from Olsen; but are positive plays none the less.
This final play is another mistake by Newton, though from the tape currently available it is hard to identify the exact nature of the error. With the underneath zone, both Clay and Olsen get behind the defense with only the one high defender between them. Olsen appears to break off his route nicely, with Clay continuing to run down the field. Newton should be able to see which one the defender opts for and then hit the uncovered man with ease. Here, either he misreads the defender or his throw is simply too slow for the pass to be completed.
In combination, these four plays could have easily put Olsen over the hundred yard mark as well as adding a touchdown, in just a half of football. While the blocking and potential aggravation should be of some concern, Olsen showed a consistent ability to do his job on Sunday, all that remains is for him to stay healthy and for Newton to get back to make the plays that are presented to him.
