Can Bears fans expect a Jordan Howard rushing title in the near future? It's an interesting question. Despite having a rich legacy of running the football, no Chicago back has led the NFL in rushing yards for 40 years. Not since Walter Payton had his MVP season in 1977. Howard came close as a rookie in 2016 but not starting the first three game made the gap too wide for him to make up in time.
Now with the offense in transition to a more power-based scheme with multiple tight ends and big offensive lineman, it seems like the ideal scenario for a runner to shine. No doubt the team wants to get him involved more. In the four games that Chicago ran the ball with Howard 20 or more times, they were 3-1. They didn't win a single game when he fell below that mark.
Translation? Howard is going to get fed. A lot. Provided he stays healthy this could turn into a big year. How big? Some experts believe "best in the league" big.
Jordan Howard rushing title is expected in 2017
NFL.com recently conducted a survey of its top experts with that simple question. Who will lead the league in rushing for this coming season? There were some obvious answers. Some think Ezekiel Elliott will repeat. Others see David Johnson in Arizona breaking through. There were a few though who think it will be Howard's time to time. One of them being longtime columnist Adam Rank."First, he's got great opportunity, in that he's not in a backfield committee. A non-backfield committee is a rare commodity in 2017, like finding somebody who actually enjoyed "Suicide Squad" (and I should let you know, that I did). Second, he's got a coach who is committed to the run... ...And the Bears will be in close games. They aren't going to get blown out a lot. Third, you know who finished second in the league in rushing last season? Yes, this man. But his work was completely overshadowed by his fellow rook in Dallas. Finally, I love the offensive line. The top interior three is the best group in the NFL."
He's not alone
Rank though is a bit biased. Most regular readers know him to be a dedicated Bears fan. Something he catches a lot of heat for but doesn't regret in the slightest. So it's a good thing he wasn't the only one with high expectations for Howard. Former Dallas Cowboys scout and executive Gil Brandt is on the bandwagon too. He feels the advantage of a full schedule of games will end up putting him over the top this year."I like Jordan Howard, simply because his ability perfectly matches the situation he's in. The Chicago Bears are going to be a power-running team under John Fox, who has historically had an affinity for the ground game. Howard is a very talented player who finished 318 yards behind No. 1 rusher Ezekiel Elliott in 2016, despite starting just 13 games. This year, Howard will take full advantage of the opportunity in front of him and seize the top spot."There is no question that Howard is the focal point of the Bears offense. As they try to break in entirely new casts at quarterback and wide receiver, it will be on him and the offensive line to drive the ship. If the defense takes that next step towards top 10 status then there's plenty of reason to think this team can make some noise. It may be old school but running the ball and playing good defense is a proven formula. If Howard does indeed take it to the next level this year, then there's every reason to think this team will at least make things interesting.
