The Overlooked Reason Jordan Howard Thinks He'll Dominate 2017

People have offered plenty of reasons for why they believe Jordan Howard will eclipse what he did in 2016 as a rookie. It's a tall order. Howard ran for 1,313 yards in just 13 starts to finish second in the NFL in rushing. Defenses are aware of him now. Smart money says with the QB situation in flux for Chicago, defenses are going to focus on stopping him. Yet through the debating people had bothers to ask the man himself how he thinks the 2017 Jordan Howard season will go. Though soft-spoken, Howard comes across as a confident and determined young man. It comes from overcoming all the obstacles he has in such a short life. Surviving the death of his father and taking care of his mother. Getting through the demise of his first college football program at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Then surpassing the expectations of being a lowly fifth round pick. So when he was asked his thoughts on this coming season, he didn't hide from the high hopes. If anything he embraced them. Why? Some people might've missed his explanation at minicamps. It was quick, but undeniably clear.

2017 Jordan Howard season rests on experience and conditioning

Howard already reported upon arrival that he was in much better shape than last season. He's lighter and therefore quicker with more speed. A terrifying thought given he was already dangerous thanks to his power and vision. However that wasn't his reason. Instead it comes via the mental side of the game.

"Things are a lot different this year because I know what to expect," Howard said during the team's minicamp two weeks ago. "I know all the plays and things like that. I’m not out there thinking, so I can just play free and fast. "I definitely feel like a veteran 'cause I know what to expect and can help the young guys on the plays that they're not understanding. I’m just more comfortable and want to be a leader."

Experts have said for weeks that experience is critical for Mitch Trubisky if he's going to have NFL success. What they always seem to gloss over is it's the same for every other position too. Running backs are no different. The more they know and understand, the faster and better they play. It's why the best seasons players tend to have are during third to seventh range. That's often when knowledge and physical capability meet at the peak. Both those needles are headed in that direction for Howard, and he knows it.