The Jordan Howard 2017 expectations are considerably higher than they were in 2016. Of course it should be that way. Howard was a rookie fifth round draft pick at this time last year. Expectations would be almost as low as they could get. Fast forward to now and everything is different. The young man from Alabama is the unquestioned starter at running back and viewed as the focal point of the offense.
Those are the perks that come with making the Pro Bowl. That and finishing with the most rushing yards in a season of any rookie back in Bears history. An accomplishment that is quite impressive considering Howard got past Walter Payton, Gale Sayers and Matt Forte among others to do it. Of course the man himself didn’t come away all that impressed.
Howard was quick to point out the failures of the team to win despite his individual success. That and the fact he wasn’t the leading rusher in the league, something he stated was his goal this year. He has one man to thank for that, somebody he could be tied to for the rest of his career.
Jordan Howard 2017 expectations hinge on Ezekiel Elliott rivalry
The 2016 NFL season was a unique one. Not only did it feature the first ever Super Bowl overtime, it also saw another bit of history. It was the first time two rookies led the league in rushing. That included Howard and Dallas Cowboys standout Ezekiel Elliott. This accomplishment has created a sort of unspoken rivalry between the two.
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Ezekiel Elliott is the favorite for the 2017 rushing title, but Jordan Howard won’t let him have it that easily https://t.co/rcAbLEnJnh pic.twitter.com/DV3PWj04ag
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 4, 2017
Elliott claimed the first round with 1,631 yards to Howard’s 1,313. This success was aided by the fact Howard only got 12 carries through his first three games. Certainly a sticking point that has people anxious to see what he can do with a full season. Eliot Harrison of NFL.com personally believes he’s going to get a measure of payback.
“Chicago Bears: Jordan Howard rushes for more yards than Ezekiel Elliott
Howard had himself a year in 2016 — though it didn’t look like he was going to, not early on. The fifth-round pick out of Indiana had recorded just 12 carries heading into October. Who could’ve guessed he’d finish the season with 1,313 yards? Howard produced those numbers despite moderate shuffling on the offensive line and major rejiggering at quarterback.
What can he do with a full training camp as the starter and continuity on offense? John Fox wants to Run. The. Football. Losing receiver Alshon Jeffery in free agency practically demands the Bears coach embrace that strategy. Couple that with Elliott missing two starting offensive linemen in Dallas from a year ago, and Howard might be running away with a rushing title.”
Expect this Bears to be fed
Howard is determined to win the rushing title this year. He stated it quite clearly as one of his goals. After his first one which was to make the Chicago Bears winners again. Proof positive his focus is on doing whatever he has to for the team, not himself. Just one of the reasons why he is fast becoming a favorite among the fans.
With two new quarterbacks in place it’s likely the Bears will want to keep the offense balanced. That means consistent, heavy doses of Howard each week. If the offensive line stays healthy with that star-studded interior, he has a chance to do something much bigger in Year Two. Presuming he doesn’t get hurt as well.
