August 1, 2007
Tight end tandem double trouble for opponents
By Larry Mayer
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Putting tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen on the field together as the Bears have done in training camp figures to pose major problems for opposing defenses this season.
Clark, a converted college wide receiver, is a nine-year veteran who had 45 receptions for a career-high 626 yards and 6 TDs last season. Olsen, a talented first-round pick, provides another dimension at the position with speed and athleticism.
Tight end Desmond Clark tied for the Bears' lead with six touchdown receptions last season.
“It’s going to be tough for defenses to match up against us when you put those two tight ends out there,” Clark said. “If you leave three linebackers in the game, one of us is going to get open. If you bring a DB in the game to try to cover him or me, we’ll pound you [on the ground].”
The tandem has been effective in practice generally with Clark lining up at the traditional tight end position and Olsen splitting out wide, moving into the slot or motioning into the backfield.
“I’m anxious to see exactly how teams will handle it,” said coach Lovie Smith, “whether they say it’s a two tight end set or they treat Olsen as a wide receiver. After you see him running routes outside, you could easily treat him as a receiver. He has those types of skills.”
Clark has started 60 of 62 games played in four seasons with the Bears. But the 6-3, 249-pounder puts team goals ahead of individual accomplishments and isn’t threatened by Olsen’s presence.
“I’m happy if we win,” Clark said. “I’ve been through the tough years. I’ve been a guy who only caught 20-something passes, so it’s not going to take much to make me happy.
“I believe they’re going to find ways to utilize both of us and get both of us on the field for a lot of different situations. As you can see out here in practice, we’re on the field a lot, probably 60 percent of the plays we’re out here together. We just hope that continues throughout the season.”
While Clark is frequently asked about battling to retain his starting job, he views Olsen as an ally rather than a competitor.
“We’re all out here just trying to win,” Clark said. “We’re not looking at it as me against him or him against me. We’re looking at it as both of us trying to go out here and be the best team that we can be.
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Tight end tandem double trouble for opponents - Chicago Bears
Bears Tight end tandem double trouble for opponents
Bears Tight end tandem double trouble for opponents
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