The era of Ian Thomas

[Jeremy Igo]

I honestly think Ian Thomas is as good as any rookie tight end over the past two seasons.

 

Could there be a silver lining to Greg's injury? Will Thomas step in in convincing fashion?

[The Huddler]

yes and yes

[TheCasillas]

The routes we have him running are not Olsen routes. If you notice he does a lot of across the face of the LB/S's. We have him running routes across the field utilizing his athleticism. 

I am curious to see if IT is able to identify and settle in zones, and how he operates up the seam with awareness of the gap between safety and LB.

 

Also, Greg has the ability to play in slot and out wide. So much to see if the rook can do it.

[Pup McBarky]

If he can handle the mental aspect, sure. He's got all the physical tools, but his football knowledge is limited due to his late start. If he can pick it up quickly, he's got a shot at stardom this year. 

[electro's horse]

We all got so excited when he caught that crossing route.

My friend and I started yelling, this being the first time in god knows how long a rookie tight end was doing anything.

There was so much green ahead of him.

Then he went to turn it up field and everyone, defenders, large bugs, a glacier, caught up with him. 

[chknwing]

[Mr. Scot]

I think Thomas will be really good. He won't have as much veteran savvy as Olsen does, but he'll still be a weapon.

The sad part is we could have had a really good two tight end threat with both on the field.

[LinvilleGorge]

I hope he plays really well, but even if he plays really well for a rookie TE, that's going to still be a significant downgrade from Olsen.

[Mr. Scot]

1 minute ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I hope he plays really well, but even if he plays really well for a rookie TE, that's going to still be a significant downgrade from Olsen.

Agreed.

Much as I hate to say it though, the reality is that Greg Olsen probably wasn't going to be "Greg Olsen" this year either.

[Khyber53]

Those are mighty big shoes to fill...

... but it took Olsen a couple of years and a change of address to reach his potential.

IT has a lot of growing to do, but he sure shows promise. 

[ChibCU]

Now would be a good time to offer Olsen an additional extension and let's wrap in more guaranteed money. On second thought, let's wait a few days until he begins to question his football future by threatening to get a job in the media box.

[DaveThePanther2008]

The true professional that Olsen is will help I. Thomas out greatly.   If GO is out for very long expect him to be in Thomas's ear after every series teaching him and explaining more and more to him.  

OJT on the fly.   He will be good and a have good weapon.

I honestly don't believe that he believed he would be in the #1 TE role in week one.   

[Cary Kollins]

12 minutes ago, electro's horse said:

We all got so excited when he caught that crossing route.

My friend and I started yelling, this being the first time in god knows how long a rookie tight end was doing anything.

There was so much green ahead of him.

Then he went to turn it up field and everyone, defenders, large bugs, a glacier, caught up with him. 

 

tbf when is the last time Olsen outran anyone or made anyone miss with the ball

[electro's horse]

also zod how was the field yesterday

everyone looked slow out there