Bears expecting better performance from rookie Shaheen
BOURBONNAIS - After an impressive start to training camp, rookie tight end Adam Shaheen had just 1 catch for 3 yards in the preseason opener. He also had an unexpected drop after demonstrating soft hands in camp practices.
The second-round pick's blocking, especially in pass protection, will be an ongoing project, since he rarely had to do that at Ashland University.
"For a first game he'll learn from that," coach John Fox said of Shaheen's blocking. "That's big lights for anybody who's a rookie. He had a drop, but he'll respond well. We look for bigger things moving forward."
Shaheen admitted that he was affected by the magnitude of his first game as a pro.
"I felt like I was really anxious," he said. "It's to be expected (the) first real time being on that stage. But I settled in a little bit in the second half and started just not overthinking things and just playing a little bit."
His drop came on a third-and-2 play midway through the second quarter.
"Just a drop," Shaheen said. "It just kind of jumped on me. I should have got it."
Making an impression:
Tenth-year veteran safety Quintin Demps has been impressed by the play of Alabama rookie safety Eddie Jackson, who is challenging incumbent Adrian Amos to earn a starting spot across from Demps.
"Eddie's picking up the defense really well," Demps said. "You could tell he's been coached real well, you have to credit (Alabama coach Nick) Saban and his staff. He doesn't look like an average rookie, he looks special, and I look forward to working with him, competing with him and bringing him along."
Out of nowhere:
Tanner Gentry, an undrafted rookie from Wyoming, made one of the bigger impressions in training camp, frequently getting open and catching everything thrown his way.
"He keeps seeming to make plays, so he's been impressive. He's had a good camp," coach John Fox said. "I remind people all the time, whether it was Jordan Howard a year ago, or I go back to Denver with Chris Harris - he was a college free agent out of Kansas (in 2011)."
The undrafted cornerback has been voted to three Pro Bowls.
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