Bumpus: TE Greg Olsen could be key player for Seahawks against Arizona
Oct 25, 2020, 2:42 AM
Seahawks TE Greg Olsen could benefit from Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf's presence. (Getty)
(Getty)
The Seahawks are about ready to face off with the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday Night Football in a critical NFC West showdown and the stakes are high for the two division rivals.
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For the Seahawks, the game is a chance to extend their undefeated streak to six games, which would extend a franchise record for wins to start a single season. It would also keep Seattle atop the NFC West and the entire NFC. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are 4-2 and could get within a game of first place in the division with a win over Seattle.
A lot of eyes will naturally be on Seattle’s struggling defense, which has to contend with dynamic quarterback Kyler Murray and his weapons like wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and running back Kenyan Drake, but the Seahawks’ offense has been red-hot to start the year, led by Russell Wilson.
Which of Wilson’s big targets will step up against Arizona? Will it be second-year receiver DK Metcalf, who is off to an All-Pro start in 2020? Will Tyler Lockett pave the way after two subpar games for his standards? Former Seahawks wide receiver Michael Bumpus told 710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny and Gallant that he thinks one of the older playmakers could be “the guy” in Arizona.
“I’m saying Greg Olsen because no one expects him to have a big game,” Bumpus said. ?They’re game planning for DK Metcalf, they’re game planning for Tyler Lockett. They’re not ignoring Greg Olsen – not at all. But that’s a guy they’re not too worried about because he hasn’t done much.”
Olsen has 14 catches for 120 yards and a touchdown this season, with the score coming in Week 1. Olsen has been outpaced in yards and targets by Metcalf, Lockett and even third receiver David Moore and running back Chris Carson. That could change in Week 7.
“He’s done enough to be serviceable, to help this football team out, but I’m going to say Greg Olsen,” Bumpus said. “I might be wrong. DK might go out and be a beast and do his thing, but I like what Greg Olsen brings to the table.”
What exactly does Olsen provide Wilson and the Seahawks on offense?
“He’s going to sit down in the zone, he’s going to be reliable, he’s going to continue to be good in the red zone where the Hawks are the best team when it comes to scoring touchdowns in the red zone,” Bumpus said. “And everyone expects DK to do his thing, everyone expects Lockett to go across the middle and be available, so let’s go with the curveball and get the old man the rock.”
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