Greg Olsen didn't handle his blocking duties well in 2009, according to "multiple scouts who watched the Bears regularly."
The news isn't surprising since Olsen has always been lauded much more for his receiving ability. It's a significant concern for 2010, though, since Mike Martz won't be using nearly as many two-tight end sets as Ron Turner did. It's yet another reason to dock Olsen's fantasy outlook under Martz.
According to beat writer Jeff Dickerson, the Bears want to add a running back with "a little juice" to pair with Matt Forte this year.
Forte can be somewhat forgiven for his disastrous 2009 season due to the hamstring and knee injuries in addition to an abysmal offensive line. He is lacking in big-play ability, however, so the Bears will explore upgrades on Kevin Jones and Kahlil Bell as a complement to their starter.
Beat writer Brad Biggs says that the Bears may let impending restricted free agent LB Jamar Williams move on.
Williams, a fourth-round pick in 2006, set a career-high in tackles this season with 35. He was only forced into action after a host of injuries ravaged the Bears' linebacking corps and he's expendable when everyone is healthy.
New Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz said that he envisions Devin Hester moving to the slot and playing reduced snaps on offense.
Martz sees Hester going back to his role as a full-time returner. "It would be very difficult for him to play every snap on offense and still play effectively on special teams," Martz said. Hester would play the slot role that Az Hakim did for Martz's Rams and it's worth noting that Hakim never caught more than 53 passes in a season. Downgrade Hester's outlook for 2010.
Bears MLB Brian Urlacher (wrist) is expected to be ready to participate when the offseason program begins.
Urlacher is a workout maven and should return to action in tip-top shape. He'll be 32 next season but we're still expecting him to be the focal point of a defense that struggled badly without him. However, beat writer Brad Biggs points out that Urlacher is on the books for $8.625 million in 2010 and the Bears may ask for a little of that back.
Beat writer Brad Biggs says that the Bears could negotiate with impending unrestricted free agent Adewale Ogunleye at some point.
The passing of Gaines Adams will likely force to the Bears to rethink their plans at defensive end. Ogunleye had 6 1/2 sacks in 14 games last season before fracturing his fibula. He'll test the market but may not find it too kind as he enters his age-33 season.
New Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz said that Greg Olsen's first responsibility will be blocking.
"To just skip by [blocking] and say, 'He's a terrific receiver,' well...you might as well just put another wide receiver in there," Martz said. This highlights Martz's attitude toward tight ends. No matter how good a receiver Olsen is, Martz sees him as primarily a blocker. No Martz TE has ever caught more than 38 passes and Olsen's outlook has taken a gigantic hit heading into 2010.
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