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Chicago Bears: 5 Reasons they can make a long playoff run

By Carlos Nazario

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears downs Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings as he holds the ball in the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears downs Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings as he holds the ball in the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images
Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images /

5. Howard is on the upswing

Jordan Howard has had a rough season. After two consecutive seasons running for over 1,000+ yards, he struggled this season. His struggles led to many discussions about his future with the Chicago Bears. All that can be discussed at a (hopefully much) later time.

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No, Howard didn’t reach 1,000 yards. He did finish pretty close, however. His final regular season total was 935 yards. Considering how much of an afterthought he was in the offense earlier in the season, to end up close to 1,000 yards is pretty good.

Howard really struggled during the first 11 games of the season. In that time, here are his totals:

  • 536 yards rushing
  • 3.3 yards per carry
  • 5 rushing touchdowns

However, during the last 5 games, he’s been stellar. Here are those totals:

  • 399 yards rushing
  • 4.5 yards per carry
  • 4 rushing touchdowns

For the Bears to make a long run, they need a great running game. If they can get out to a lead early, they’ll need Howard to make some tough runs and bleed out the clock. There aren’t too many teams in the playoffs who can depend on a passing shootout to win games. A team like the Bears, who have an elite defense, needs to shorten the game for the opposition.

Here is an example of what I am saying. In the regular season finale against the Vikings, the Bears had a drive that started with 1:54 left in the third quarter. They went on a 17-play, 75-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown. The drive took 9:05 off the clock. Of the 17 plays, 10 of them were runs. This is what they need in the playoffs.

It will be to the Bears’ advantage with Howard hitting his peak this late into the season.

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