With Olsen out, Funchess has opportunity to emerge

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The significance of Greg Olsen’s absence following foot surgery can’t be overstated.

But offensive coordinator Mike Shula is now tasked with moving the offense forward without arguably the best do-it-all tight end in the NFL.

“Missing Greg is tough. He just brings so much to the table,womens Tyrell Williams Jersey,” Shula said.

as disappointing as it might be,Authentic Drew Kaser Jersey,But when something like this happens,Authentic Kyle Emanuel Jersey, it creates opportunities for others.

attention immediately shifts to veteran Ed Dickson,Authentic Joe Barksdale Jersey,In this case, who has been the No. 2 tight end next to Olsen since 2014. And Dickson couldn’t have picked a better time to raise his level of play.

“Ed Dickson is playing as good as he’s ever played for us – not just as a blocker but as a receiver,” Shula said. “His routes are smoother. It just seems like he’s playing with more awareness.”womens Joe Barksdale Jersey,

But replacing Olsen goes beyond the tight end position,Authentic Corey Liuget Jersey, because he has essentially been Carolina’s top receiver for the last three seasons – both in terms of production and trust.

we’ll still have one or two tight ends in there at times. But as far as the production,womens Corey Liuget Jersey,” Shula said of replacing Olsen. “We’ll mix personnel groups,“I think it’s going to be a combination, each guy has got to do their job. We feel like we’ve got guys – and while they haven’t shown it as much as we’d like to – but guys that can put points on the board.”

Wide receiver Devin Funchess is one of those guys, and this could be his chance to produce with increased targets.

“That probably will present itself,” Shula said.womens Jatavis Brown Jersey,'

It’s not a perfect comparison, but this feels a little like the 2015 season when wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin was ruled out for the year with a torn ACL.

Olsen produced career highs in yards (1,That year,104) and touchdowns (seven) while Funchess posted 31 receptions for 472 yards and five scores.

The following yearwomens Brandon Mebane Jersey, Funchess’ numbers decreased when he had to share the field with Benjamin and Olsen. That led head coach Ron Rivera to state his desire to find ways to get the former second-round pick more involved this offseason.

of course,This isn’t the ideal way to do it,womens Matt Slauson Jersey, but those are the cards that have been dealt.

Funchess doesn’t have the experience or the savvy of someone like Olsen,womens Drew Kaser Jersey, who knows the playbook as well as anyone and can operate somewhat like a wide receiver out of the slot. But the Carolina coaching staff always raved about how quickly Funchess gained comfort with all the receiver positions. He’s capable of taking on more and operating out of a variety of spots.

because you can move him around as well,<womens Kyle Emanuel Jersey,“Funch does a good job,” Shula said. “He’s going to continue to get better.”

Funchess finished Sunday’s game with four catches for 68 yards – the most he’s had since the final regular season game in 2015.

With Olsen unavailable, more days like that could well be in store.'Authentic Tyrell Williams Jersey

we’ll still have one or two tight ends in there at times. But as far as the production,” Shula said of replacing Olsen. “We’ll mix personnel groups,“I think it’s going to be a combination, each guy has got to do their job. We feel like we’ve got guys – and while they haven’t shown it as much as we’d like to – but guys that can put points on the board.”

Wide receiver Devin Funchess is one of those guys, and this could be his chance to produce with increased targets.Authentic Brandon Mebane Jersey,'

“That probably will present itself,” Shula said.Authentic Jatavis Brown Jersey,

It’s not a perfect comparison, but this feels a little like the 2015 season when wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin was ruled out for the year with a torn ACL.

Olsen produced career highs in yards (1,That year,, Authentic Matt Slauson Jersey,104) and touchdowns (seven) while Funchess posted 31 receptions for 472 yards and five scores.