5 X-factors for Chicago Bears in Week 1

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 03: Cordarrelle Patterson #84 of the New England Patriots carries the ball against Mark Barron #26 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 03: Cordarrelle Patterson #84 of the New England Patriots carries the ball against Mark Barron #26 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 10: Adam Shaheen #87 of the Chicago Bears catches a touchdown pass in the end zone against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 10: Adam Shaheen /
  1. Adam Shaheen

The injury to Trey Burton puts a lot of weight on Cohen, but even more on Adam Shaheen. Shaheen missed most of last season with an injury and even got off to a slow start to the preseason this year.

However, he has been healthy in the past few weeks and has big weight on his shoulders in year three to finally show himself.

Shaheen had the best game of his season in 2018 against the Packers. He hauled in two catches for 39 yards.

If he is the starting tight end in Chicago week 1 he will have to put up a little more than that. Shaheen cannot necessarily replace Burton, though.

They play different roles in the offense, and it will be Ben Braunecker who has to slide into the move tight end role. However, going to back to Tarik Cohen, someone will have to expose Green Bay with their limited dime linebacker options.

Next. Could Trey Burton be out Week 1?. dark

Adam Shaheen being able to go deep over the middle of the field will clear out the safeties to open the short middle for Cohen to use his speed. If no one respects Shaheen, Cohen will be bracketed.

Look for the Bears to target Shaheen early to open Cohen.