Chicago Bears: 5 Bold predictions for Week 3 vs. Cardinals
Jordan Howard will have a big night
With all the improvements made on the offense, the prevailing thought was that Jordan Howard would have more room to run. That, in turn, would make him more dangerous. So far, however, he hasn’t been too involved. He has 29 carries for 117 yards in two games this season. That production is usually good for one game.
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In key parts of both games, the Bears forgot about Howard. On the drive late in the fourth quarter against the Packers, Howard was getting big yards. For some strange reason, however, on third-and-one deep in Packers territory, Head coach Matt Nagy went away from Howard in favor of a pass that ended up incomplete. The Bears settled for a field goal and the Packers went on to get a game-winning touchdown.
In the fourth quarter against the Seahawks, with the Bears up 17-10, they had a three-and-out that gave the ball right back to Seattle. None of the plays went to Howard. The Seahawks got a chance to tie the game. The defense bailed the offense out, though, by getting a pick-six.
With the Cardinals struggling defensively, I expect Howard to run wild. Additionally, he’s shown a big improvement in catching the ball. He’s caught eight of the nine passes targeted to him and he’s averaging almost as many passing yards (58) as rushing yards (58.5) per game.
The Cardinals defense has trouble picking up receivers, let alone running backs, so he’ll have plenty of catching opportunities. Also, with the injuries to Arizona’s defensive line and linebackers, Howard will have plenty of space to run.
Prediction: 22 carries, 141 yards; 5 receptions, 38 yards; 2 total touchdowns