One of the biggest storylines of the offseason for the Chicago Bears is what they’re going to do at running back.
Chicago was hoping for a “thunder and lightning” combination between Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen, and while Howard was able to improve as a receiver, his performance was very inconsistent throughout the season.
Howard seemed to be more involved during the back end of the season, but he only had two games where he rushed for over 100 yards. He was primarily used in short-yardage situations and near the goal line, as he was able to amass a respectable nine rushing touchdowns throughout the season.
While Cohen has incredible big play potential, he only had 444 rushing yards on 99 carries. He was much more of a receiver than a running back, and while that is a valuable asset, he will never be a true three-down back in the NFL.
Bears Fans want a solution and now that Kareem Hunt has been signed by the Cleveland Browns, the answer appears to be through the draft. While the Bears may be able to find a replacement for Howard in the late rounds of the draft, it isn’t necessary next year.
Even though Howard isn’t nearly as productive as the Bears would have liked, he showed flashes of what he could be in this offense. In the 12 games Howard carried the ball at least 13 times, he scored eight touchdowns and averaged 70 yards per game, which is identical to his average in 2017 where he rushed for 1,122 total yards.
The problem doesn’t appear to be that he can’t be used in head coach Matt Nagy’s offense, it’s that he is inconsistently being used in the system. When he gets the ball more, he’s statistically better and becomes the compliment needed for Cohen.
He’s under contract for one more season and his trade value wouldn’t be much, and while they may be able to find another player in the draft that can be a suitable replacement in the draft, they should wait to address that after his contract is up.
With the likely impending exit of Bryce Callahan or Adrian Amos, the Bears will possibly need to find two defensive starters in the offseason. Adding Howard to the list of needed replacements doesn’t seem necessary for a team that isn’t currently swimming in cap space.
This isn’t even mentioning how minuscule the value of a running back has become in the NFL.
Below is the leading rusher of recent Super Bowl winners.
The best season from the most five recent Super Bowl winners would be LeGarrette Blount in 2016, where he ran for 1161 yards for the Patriots.
If Howard averaged 70 yards per game over the course of the season, he would end up with 1,120 yards, which we all know he’s capable of doing. Obviously, these Super Bowl winners had other weapons that made each team dangerous, but it’s not like every team that won a Super Bowl had a top-tier running back.
While having an elite running back wouldn’t hurt the Bears, to classify it as a “need” this offseason isn’t accurate.
The Bears can choose to take a risk and take a running back in the late rounds of the draft or they could see what Howard can do in Nagy’s offense in his contract year. The latter would be the safest and likely the best option financially.
He has already proven he is an every down back that gets stronger as the game goes on. He can’t be that guy in this offense so they should trade him and get an extra pick in the upcoming draft. I don’t understand how anyone thought he would be a great reciever since he was never asked to do that before he got to the NFL. Aren’t there enogh guys on this team that can fill that role with him just being the dump off guy? Does not make since to take away the strength of his game to try and make him something he is not. Barring injury he will again be a 1,000 yard runner for a team that uses him in the role he fits best in.
Great article! I agree with letting him prove himself this upcoming year. A lot of talk with Trub is that we’re looking for him to “take a jump” in his second year under Nagy. Well, its Howard’s second year under Nagy too. Shouldn’t we give him the opportunity to take his jump in his second year under Nagy? We all know how effective Howard can be, and was for us in his first 2 years. And last year he finished very strong. Let the genius (Nagy) work with Howard for another full offseason, and I have no doubt he can grow. On top of that.. FEED THAT MAN. Bang the Defense with Howard more often (not on first down every time) and watch Cohen be even more effective.
Glad to of found an article that shared my Howard opinions. I’m a big #24 fan.
Thanks
I agree with you on that how is it in Fox’s last year with us he didn’t want the QB to throw the ball every team knew that , we got over 1,000 yards from Howard when every team stacked the box on us and you telling me he couldn’t do that in this offense when there not stacking the box every game they need to use him more and stop trying to throw every DOWN.
J. Howard was just short of a 1000 yards in a new system a new coach with new players. He either did or almost rush for 1000 yards each year he has been with the Bears. He has never been a problem on or off the field for the Bears. NOW people want him to prove HIMSELF. WOW
The bears need a RB like Howard!!! He fits the mold of Chicago Bear’s RB. Him and Cohen compliment each other well. He will have a monster year next!!!!
Every play called this year for 24 was on 1st down and ran right up the middle. Every body in the stadium and at home watching the game knew what was coming. Even the drunks in the bars could have called it. I blame the coaching staff, period. They did everything else great but they sure blew this one. Coach Nagy should familiarize himself with the sweep, get the man out in space and be surprised at what he can do.