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Rookie Tarik 'Wee Rik' Cohen conjures up Bears' latest trick play

BALTIMORE -- The accolades keep piling up for Chicago Bears 5-foot-6 rookie Tarik Cohen, who on Sunday became the shortest player to throw a touchdown pass since 5-foot-6 Willis "Wee Willie" Smith did it for the Giants in 1934.

“Shout-out to Wee Willie,” Cohen said. “I’m Wee Rik.”

Cohen’s 21-yard halfback pass to tight end Zach Miller was Chicago’s second touchdown throw from a non-quarterback in the past two games. Punter Pat O’Donnell threw a touchdown on a fake punt in Week 5.

In fact, the Bears now have a touchdown pass by a non-quarterback in three of their past seven games dating back to last season. Wide reeceiver Cameron Meredith threw a TD pass in the 2016 season finale.

The Bears had zero such touchdowns in their previous 143 games, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

“We had that play in for a while,” Miller said. “We worked on it. Tarik put it up there ... and I went and got it. It’s one of those things where you have to track the ball in the air. It was a good play. I was aware of where the sideline was and I was able to drag my body and drag my feet to stay in bounds to make the play.”

Cohen previously lined up at quarterback to run the Wildcat in Week 1, but can now officially add dual-threat quarterback to his ever-growing NFL résumé; a list that already included rusher, receiver and return man.

“I think I had four throwing touchdowns in college, so I’ve been throwing it,” Cohen said. “The play was called, and I got a fake outside zone, like a sweep, and then I checked for the safety -- if he comes down, then I can throw it to Zach. If not, then I’ll throw the ball away, or just run and get what I can.

“I felt it hung up there for a while, I was backpedaling just looking at it. It was like a movie scene. I didn’t mean to get it that high. It might have been a little too high, but it dropped in the perfect spot, and only he could catch it. I was looking at [Ravens S Eric Weddle] and I was waiting for him to make any type of move downhill, and as soon as he came downhill, I threw it to a spot, and I knew Zach would be there.”