By Jordan Long
The Carolina Panthers defeated the Buffalo Bills 9-3 on Sunday, improving their record to 2-0. During the victory, tight end Greg Olsen left the game during the second quarter. He broke his foot on a non-contact play. According to bleacherreport.com, Olsen said, “Broke my foot. Pretty straightforward. X-ray was pretty conclusive.”
Greg Olsen has been one of the top tight ends in the game. Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton looks for him in the open field. His size at 6 foot 5 inches allows him to be a tall target for Newton, especially in the end zone. Olsen is key in the running game because he blocks for the running backs. Those blocks help them gain first downs or touchdowns.
This season Olsen wasn’t off to a great start with only 3 catches for 28 yards. His average yards per catch was still impressive at 9.3. Even though Olsen wasn’t touching the football, his presence was felt because opposing teams still needed to cover him on the open field. The Panthers will miss his production.
With him out Ed Dickson becomes the number one tight end on the team. Dickson is a veteran, at 6 foot 4 inches he gives Cam Newton another tall target. He is able to catch the football with 2 receptions for 26 yards this season. Dickson must be able to block in the running game. If he doesn’t the Panthers won’t be able to create the big holes for the running backs to run through.
The Panthers are lucky to have depth at the tight end position. They have to hope Dickson steps his game up. If he doesn’t, it could be a long year for the Panthers at that position.
How do you think the injury of Greg Olsen will impact the Carolina Panthers the rest of the year?
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