Chicago Bears: 5 Reasons they’ll make the playoffs in 2018

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images /
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Jordan Howard shows the NFL world who he is

Jordan Howard was an incredible find. The Bears drafted him in the fifth round (150th overall) and he’s been a steal. He broke the Bears’ rookie rushing record then backed that up by having a second 1,000-yard season, becoming the first Chicago Bears running back to start his career with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. That’s an incredible accomplishment considering the great running backs who donned a Bears jersey.

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Even with what he’s done in his two seasons in Chicago, not many outside of the city know about him. He has been one of the most productive running backs in the game, yet when they talk about the top running backs his name isn’t mentioned.

All that changes in 2018.

Howard did what he did in a pedestrian offense. The ball was going to him and everyone on the field knew it. Teams loaded the box to keep him from getting his yards, yet he kept getting them. Now, with an offense with multiple weapons going deep, short, or intermediate, the field opens up for him. Teams can’t load the box anymore.

One of the criticisms of Howard was his catching ability. I don’t think he’ll ever be as good as Matt Forte, but he’s improved. He’ll show that improvement when he gets out on the flat coming out of the backfield.

Howard will have a breakout season in 2018 and people will finally recognize him as an elite running back. He will also be a great help in getting the Bears into the playoffs.