Adam Shaheen never lived up to the billing with the Chicago Bears. The former 2nd round pick had plenty of talent, but he never stayed healthy and was ineffective whenever he played. So the team traded him to the Miami Dolphins where he seems to have found a decent niche as a primary red zone target. No doubt he was hoping to return to Halas Hall with an air of triumph. Then he ran into Khalil Mack.
The outside linebackers and tight ends from both teams worked in pass rush drills during the second day of joint practices. Apparently, there was a lot of competitive energy as some fights had to be broken up. One of them was between Shaheen and Mack. No doubt the former teammates had a lot to say to each other.
Bears/Dolphins doing 1-on-1 drills. Things got a little chippy between the Bears OLBs and Dolphins TEs.
Khalil Mack and Adam Shaheen got into it a little bit.
— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) August 12, 2021
As it turns out, the tight end had good reasons not to be happy.
According to The Bigs who were in attendance for the practice, the problem began from the first snap. Mack abused the tight end during the sequence. When the linebacker jawed at him, Shaheen didn’t seem to care for that. So he tried to get a little more physical. He was quick to find out that this was a considerable error.
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Individual pass rush drills between the @ChicagoBears OLBs and the @MiamiDolphins TEs got heated after @FiftyDeuce cleanly beat former Bear @adamshaheen3. Shaheen appeared to take exception to being badly beaten, so Mack body slammed him and pinned him to the ground.
— #TheBIGS (@itsthebigs) August 12, 2021
This should serve as yet another education for other players in the NFL. Don’t mess with Khalil Mack. The guy may not say much, but if you cross him he’s liable to inflict bodily harm on you in ways you can’t imagine. Remember this is the same guy who bulldozed Taylor Lewan and hip-tossed Tristan Wirfs. On what planet did Shaheen ever think he could go toe-to-toe with that man. Then again nobody would ever accuse the tight end of making the best life decisions.
Either way, the Miami Dolphins will probably be happy when they don’t have to see anymore of Mack after this Saturday.
Khalil Mack himself is in the midst of his best camp
Or at least it feels that way. Every single time the Pro Bowler has been mentioned it’s usually with him dominating somebody on the field. It doesn’t seem to matter who is trying to block him. He blows by them for sacks or pressures constantly. This is the sort of form Bears fans are hoping to get this season. If he can stay healthy, there is no reason he won’t rack up 10+ sacks in 2021.
What is even more encouraging is the rest of the defensive front is looking good too. Akiem Hicks is in top shape and wreaking havoc up the middle like usual. Even better? Bilal Nichols is flashing more than ever. It’s getting to a point where this could be his breakout season. Right in time for a new contract too.
This isn’t counting Mario Edwards Jr. looking great too.
Suffice to say, the Bears’ pass rush looks healthy and deep so far. Even Robert Quinn is flashing when he’s been on the field. That is somebody else with a lot to prove this season. If that group plays up to their potential, the defense will remain one of the better units in the NFL.