Olsen's Exit Opens Door for Davis............

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07-30-2011, 05:34 PM
soulman

Olsen's Exit Opens Door for Davis............
I already like him. He's a Sox fan, LOL.

Olsen's exit opens door for Bears' Davis

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http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/...7/63630738.jpg Tight end Kellen Davis talks about Greg Olsen being traded. (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune / July 29, 2011)

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By Vaughn McClure Tribune Reporter 10:31 a.m. CDT, July 30, 2011

BOURBONNAIS -- Bears tight end Kellen Davis has shown flashes of his upside in three seasons. Maybe now he’ll get to show a little more.

With Greg Olsen shipped to Carolina in exchange for a third-round pick (2012) and Brandon Manumaleuna released, Davis should see more playing time in offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s scheme.

"I feel like it’s a good opportunity to move up the depth chart,’’ Davis said. "I’ve got to try to take the next step.’’

The Bears did add free-agent tight end Matt Spaeth to the mix. The former Steeler can't join the team for practice until Thursday, meaning plenty of first-team reps for Davis.

Sure, the tight end has never been a staple of Martz’s offense, but Davis has the size (6-7, 262) and strength to be an effective blocker and pass-catcher.

Davis started three games last season yet managed just one catch for 19 yards -- a touchdown. He has four-career receiving touchdowns.

With the additions of big receivers Roy Williams and Sam Hurd, it seems less likely that the tight ends will be called upon as much in the passing game. They combined for 48 receptions last season, led by Olsen’s 41.

Davis is confident in his blocking and comfortable with any role the coaches ask him to fill, although he’s still shocked by Olsen’s sudden departure.

"I was headed down to camp and I was getting calls about it,’’ Davis said. "It was crazy. I was like, 'What is going on?’ It was just so unexpected.

"But Greg got a great deal in Carolina. He got broke off. Hopefully, he can do well there. And hopefully, I can take the next step here.’’

vxmcclure@tribune.com

twitter:@vxmcclure23
07-30-2011, 05:37 PM
lklrlolnlilklsox

I've always been a Davis fan and now's his time to prove me right for believing in him. He's not much less athletic than Greg and a whole lot stronger.
07-30-2011, 05:40 PM
soulman

Trouble is that except for the height Davis is nothing like Olsen. He's slow, lumbering and not all that athletic but what the hell now that he doesn't have to mollify Cutler and Olsen, Martz won't be throwing to TE's anyway.
07-30-2011, 05:48 PM
lklrlolnlilklsox

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulman

Trouble is that except for the height Davis is nothing like Olsen. He's slow, lumbering and not all that athletic but what the hell now that he doesn't have to mollify Cutler and Olsen, Martz won't be throwing to TE's anyway.

Slow and lumbering are not two words I would use to describe him at all. He moves just fine, but every time I've seen him on the field he has zero route running skills. Really sloppy and mechanical (maybe where you get slow from) in and out of his breaks, but the few times he's gone up the seam or to the corner he looks well above average athletically.
07-30-2011, 05:50 PM
motownbear

Got to like him now he has a sox hat on lol
07-30-2011, 05:59 PM
soulman

Quote:

Originally Posted by lklrlolnlilklsox

I've always been a Davis fan and now's his time to prove me right for believing in him. He's not much less athletic than Greg and a whole lot stronger.

That I can see in him immediately but then Olsen had to be one of the worst "momma's boy" TE's I've ever seen when it came to fighting for YAC. As far as his athleticism as a receiver (I was thinking more that than in general) I don't think that will make much difference. He and Spaeth will be in there to help provide pass protection more than they'll be on the end of those passes anyway. Although I will say that at 6'7" with those long arms he'll be an inviting target in the red zone and on the goaline.
07-31-2011, 03:13 PM
Dagan81

One could probably assume that the Bears will have a jumbo package of Kellen Davis, Hurd, and Williams in goal line situations. That could be exciting.