Chicago Bears: 3 Big takeaways from loss vs. Miami Dolphins in Week 6
Is it time to accept Jordan Howard isn’t a fit in this system?
Yes, I know, this is a controversial subject at the moment. There are rumors abound that the Chicago Bears are looking to part ways with running back Jordan Howard. The rumors started this past offseason, died down, then rose again. Since Jay Cutler is gone now, someone has to take his place as the lightning rod of controversy. It seems this season Howard is the guy.
Howard finished the game with 69 yards on 14 carries. However, 34 of those yards came on two carries on the Bears’ final drive in overtime. He also had a crucial fumble at the goal line that ultimately helped cost a victory.
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Howard is the type of runner who needs to get the ball as the game goes on. He’s a bruiser who wears defenders down. In order to do that, he needs the touches. In head coach Matt Nagy’s system, however, the ball gets spread around. He’ll get a few touches, but not enough so he could pound the defense.
Additionally, Howard had his second straight game in which he had no catches. Not only that, he was targeted just once in each game. He was on his way to having a career-year in receiving yards, but suddenly he isn’t involved in the passing game anymore.
There were rumors that Howard was upset after the Tampa game. He left without talking to the press. In Miami, he seemed a little off. It appeared to me that he didn’t run with the same fervor he usually has.
I like Howard, but it is obvious he isn’t a fit in this system. Nagy needs a running back who can break some yards and utilize his speed and make catches out of the backfield. The one doing that for the Bears this season is Tarik Cohen. After a big game in Week 4, he followed it up with 121 yards from scrimmage (90 yards receiving, 31 yards rushing) and a rushing touchdown.
I don’t see Howard in this system another season. They won’t trade him in-season though. He’ll finish the season, but I see a trade on his horizon. The fact that the Bears traded away some draft picks to acquire Khalil Mack, the Bears will look to add some picks and trading Howard is a good way to pick up a few.