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Panthers: Greg Olsen is focused and ready for 2018

By Danny Jaillet

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers has a pass broken up by Ken Crawley #20 of the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers has a pass broken up by Ken Crawley #20 of the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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This is great news for the Carolina Panthers and their fans…

For those who were worried about where Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen’s head might have been during the offseason and OTAs, I have some very good news for you. It appears he is focused on football and ready to continue being a dependable target in the 2018 campaign.

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Stephen Igoe of 247Sports wrote a piece Thursday, detailing who he thought were the most impressive performers during OTAs, which concluded yesterday after a three-week slate. Along with some new names on the list, the veteran was recognized as well.

"Olsen has admitted the transition to new offensive coordinator Norv Turner has been a bit of a different challenge, but the veteran Pro Bowl tight end is making Panthers fans everywhere smile just by being on the field again. Olsen, who missed the majority of last season with a broken foot, has looked healthy and invigorated through the early part of OTAs. With Olsen fresh off a contract extension through the 2020 season, the Panthers need their tight end to return to his normal productive self going forward. He’s taken a good first step in that regard."

There are a couple things to note here. For one, I would not worry about the fact that Olsen has admitted that Norv Turner’s offense is a bit of a challenge. Any new offense is going to have a certain level of difficulty, especially when it’s a different play style than you are accustomed to. However, if there is one thing the veteran has done well over the course of his career, it is make adjustments and produce. Olsen is currently the No. 3 wideout in Carolina Panthers history with 5,575 receiving yards.

Secondly, the fact that he has looked invigorated is crucial too. Back in April there were rumblings that he may not even play this season. Now, it appears those rumors have been put to bed.  Now, he can just focus on football and being part of a team that has a ton of talent and potential. Olsen is one of the most important parts of the Carolina Panthers offense and has become one of Cam Newton’s favorite targets over the years.

Next: D.J. Moore generating national attention

This is great news if you are a Panther fan. One of the most reliable tight ends in the National Football League appears to be locked in and ready to go as the team prepares to make another run at the Super Bowl.

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