5 X-factors for Chicago Bears in Week 1
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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.
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.