Panthers: Tight end could make or break offense
The Carolina Panthers have a veteran in addition to other relatively inexperienced tight ends…
Carolina Panthers new offensive coordinator, Norv Turner, has enjoyed a wealth of offensive success throughout his historic career. Working with multiple big name quarterbacks – Troy Aikman, Doug Flutie, Drew Brees, Kerry Collins, Alex Smith, Philip Rivers and Teddy Bridgewater – to name a few, the reputation for a proficient offense is understandable.
Now, Turner is paired with arguably the greatest weapon he has had at the position in Cam Newton. However, the offensive success for Turner and his scheme revolve around much more than the quarterback. Turner needs a versatile, dynamic running back, receivers capable of stretching the field in addition to a tight end who can carry a significant workload both down the seam and across the middle.
Panthers general manager Marty Hurney and coach Ron Rivera have worked to add receivers like Torrey Smith who can fill the role and were fortunate to already have second-year running back Christian McCaffrey and veteran tight end Greg Olsen on the roster.
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Olsen is the perfect fit for an Air Coryell type offense and has proven his worth since arriving in Carolina. Olsen was injured last year and missed a majority of the season with a broken bone in his foot but backup Ed Dickson filled in with 30 catches and 437 yards – both the second highest over his current eight-year career.
This season Dickson will be a member of the Seattle Seahawks, leaving Carolina with four tight ends on the roster not named Olsen and those players have just two catches between them – both from Chris Manhertz last year.
The Panthers selected Indiana tight end Ian Thomas in the fourth-round and the rookie would benefit from a quick learning curve in order to contribute on offense. If not, Manhertz would be the likely candidate as a second tight end as Evan Baylis and Jason Vander Laan compete for a position.
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Turner utilizes the tight end position and there should be no issues when Olsen is on the field. Unfortunately, when or more drastically, if, he is not available – the offense will suffer.