Olsen vs. Gronk: Analysis from the man himself
Greg Olsen weighs in on the production of Rob Gronkowski and the greatest tight end of all-time…
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen became the first player from his position to record three straight seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. He entered 2017 hoping for a fourth but was sidelined with a broken bone in his foot and missed a majority of the season.
Rob Gronkowski, of the New England Patriots, has set his own NFL records by recording the most touchdown catches (17), receiving yards (1,327) and consecutive seasons with 10-plus touchdowns (3) for a tight end.
By comparison, the highest touchdown total for Olsen in a given year is eight during his third season in the league with the Chicago Bears. Since being traded to the Panthers, Olsen had seven in 2015 and six each during the prior two years.
Both have had recent injury issues with Olsen sitting out a lot this year and Gronkowski missing the final half of last season and the playoffs, with a back injury. Despite their recent medical run-ins, each is also considered among the best at their position and have the numbers to back it up.
Olsen was recently faced with determining who was better while sitting with the newly launched Barstool Power 85 radio channel while in Minnesota for the Super Bowl. Told when Gronkowski is healthy that he is arguably the greatest tight end to have ever played the game of football, Olsen had a simple answer.
The Panthers great and Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist then elaborates with undeniable facts and considerations for all players and their particular situations contributing to their production and performance.
Watch the exchange below.
Rob Gronkowski or Greg Olsen? @stoolpresidente and @gregolsen88 himself weigh in pic.twitter.com/Q0BtEBuop5
— Barstool Radio (@BarstoolRadio) January 31, 2018
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Olsen’s comparison of the two offensive philosophies between the Panthers and Patriots is precisely on target. Quarterback Cam Newton in Carolina and Tom Brady for New England are two entirely different players at the same position with unique skill sets.
The Panthers offense employed a run first approach under former coordinator Mike Shula, though new wrinkles may be added now that Norv Turner has been hired. Regardless, Newton’s ability to punch the ball into the end zone from close range is undeniable and something Brady rarely attempts.
In fact, since Gronkowski entered the league in 2010 he’s had over 20 more red zone targets than Olsen from inside the 10-yard line. The contrasting personnel, team styles and philosophies have a definite impact on opportunities for each player.
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The poise of Olsen in addition to his spot on analysis serve to increase his opportunity for entering the broadcast booth after he retires.