Kyle Adams Hopes to Show He Belongs....
September 1, 2011
Adams hopes to pass final test
By: Larry Mayer | Last Updated: 9/1/2011 12:49 PM
CHICAGO – Bears starters will see little if any action and the game doesn’t count in the standings. But tonight’s preseason finale at Soldier Field is anything but meaningless for Kyle Adams. The undrafted rookie tight end-turned-fullback has impressed coaches and likely can secure a spot on the 53-man roster with another solid performance against the Cleveland Browns.
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Kyle Adams has turned heads on offense and special teams in the preseason.
“I think it’s incredibly important,” Adams said. “The fourth game, obviously a lot of the younger guys get to play a lot. So for all of us, I don’t know whether it’s a final evaluation or just another step, but it’s huge for us on special teams and on offense. It’s really important.”
Bears coach Lovie Smith wants to see Adams continue to improve. "He's got a longs ways to go, but we have seen a lot of good things he’s done,” Smith said. “He can be an inline tight end, you can spread him out. He’s got that type of ability, and we spread our tight ends out from time to time. He can also play fullback and he’s a special teams player, so he’s doing a few things to get our attention."
Adams has put himself in position to make the team despite not having an opportunity to participate in the offseason program, which was wiped out by the lockout.
“It was definitely a challenge,” he said. “The learning curve’s a little steeper anytime you don’t have the offseason workouts and you’re learning a new offense. There were some stressful study sessions, but overall it worked out.”
Other rookies preparing for a final audition might be nervous, but Adams intends to have a good time when he steps on the field tonight. “It’s a lot of fun,” said the Purdue product. “It could be nerve-wracking, but you’ve just got to enjoy it. It’s an opportunity. Each of us rookies are living our dream, so it’s awesome.”
Adams just chuckled when asked whether he wished that offensive coordinator Mike Martz utilized tight ends more as pass receivers than blockers.
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“I’ll do whatever they ask me,” Adams said. “I’ll kick if they want me to. I can’t kick, but if they want me to I will because this is just awesome, playing out here. I don’t mind at all.”
