Olshansky could break through in San Diego

By Robert Rousseau  |   Sunday, July 30, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

San Diego Chargers
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Third-year San Diego Chargers defensive end Igor Olshansky didn't even start playing football until his junior year at St. Ignatius High in San Francisco, and at times his inexperience has shown. That is particularly true in regard to his pass-rushing skills, which were near non-existent in his rookie year (only one sack), though improved in year number two (three sacks despite two less games played). Of course, this is not to say that Olshansky has been a disappointment by any means in the NFL - he is a stout run defender, which is sometimes overlooked in the present sack-happy world we live in - it's just that it seems as if there may be something more for him on the horizon.

The potential and drive to become more than just a well-respected player seems to be there. Linebacker and teammate Steve Foley told the NC Times back in 2005 that Olshansky, "wants to be the best defensive lineman in the league, and he has the ability and potential." Then he added, "as long as he stays on the path he is on right now."

Since that piece, Olshansky has not shown enough versatility - in other words, he hasn't downed or hurried enough quarterbacks to elevate to star level - even though he continues to show promise. For example, his two shared sacks with superstar teammate Shawne Merriman last year went a long way toward ending the Indianapolis Colts' undefeated hopes. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football last October, he accumulated seven tackles (and one for a loss), seeming to punctuate his ability against the run.

Despite that, his '05 numbers (18 tackles, 11 assists and three sacks in 14 games) don't necessarily stand out over his rookie numbers (24 tackles, 15 assists, and one sack in 16 games), in any category other than sacks. So is this his max? Despite his relative inexperience in football, has Olshansky basically shown his hand as the man you can count on to clog things up, but no more than that? Is he just going to be a darn good defensive end, but not a standout?

Olshansky is an absolute powerhouse. His 43 repetitions of 225 pounds on Pro Scouting Day broke the record coming out of college, and his 505-pound bench press while at the University of Oregon is simply scary. This power coupled with some extreme competitiveness and desire - Olshansky was only able to put up 225 pounds 41 times at the NFL Combine until someone else pumped it out 42 times, motivating him to push it up 43 times on Pro Scouting Day - are the reasons for his stoutness against the run.

However, word has it that Olshansky means business this year in terms of the pass rush. He's slimmed down and reportedly steamrolled offensive tackles at the Chargers' recent mini-camp. Still, there's more to pass rushing than strength and speed. Though those factors are huge, strategy is equally important. But when one considers the fact that Olshansky is a relatively inexperienced football player that has likely been able to rely on strength over the years without much regard for technique, there seems to be the possibility for improvement in the strategy department, especially considering he's coachable.

If he is able to avoid the injury bug - something that nibbled at a knee and ankle last year- expect this first time Russian native to continue his run-stuffing dominance. In addition, expect an improved pass rushing dimension to appear in Olshansky's game.

In short, offenses are going to need to start thinking about Olshansky when passing, which is a scary proposition considering Merriman and Foley are lurking as well. And if things continue as expected, future Pro Bowl consideration is not out of the question.

- Get more original San Diego Chargers insight at Realfootball365.com
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About Robert Rousseau

Robert Rousseau is a sports writer that has been published in a variety of print and online venues. He’s been writing for RealFootball365.com for almost three years now. When Rousseau isn’t writing about college football he tends to be penning mixed martial arts pieces for MMAFighting.com or ...
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