Give Jordan Howard the Dang Ball! And Other Bullets

I’m still not over the end of Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Nope. Not when J.R. Smith made a bone-headed blunder so big, it gave me (and others) flashbacks of Marion Barber running out of bounds, which gave birth to the Tim Tebow thing that had no business getting started in the first place.

  • Relevant and topical:
  • There is a sensible part of me that wants to pump the brakes on playoff talk in May, but that guy can take a backseat to excitement and optimism for now. Sure, backup quarterback Chase Daniel told the Chicago Tribune that Matt Nagy is slow-playing some things, saying: “We’re not going to try to run before we walk. We need the details of every little thing we do, and then we can add from there.” Baby steps. Got it. Don’t like it, but I understand it. I still think the Bears’ offense is going to be significantly improved from what we’ve seen in recent years.
  • Further, I fully expect Jordan Howard to do a ton of the heavy lifting if the Bears are going to do what seems to be unthinkable and somehow squeeze into the playoffs. Over at 670 The Score, Chris Emma writes the Bears’ top rusher is starting to get comfortable in Nagy’s offense. That’s a good sign, especially after hearing Nagy’s explanation of how difficult it can be to give an honest assessment of the running back position because of how drills in OTAs skew toward pass-heavy at times.
  • Howard wants the ball, as well he should. Since the start of the 2016 season two running backs have gained more rushing yards, five have gained more yards per game, and four have posted a higher rushing average (min. 300 attempts) than Howard. Unfortunately, Howard doesn’t have the touchdowns to show for it (just 15 in 31 games) but part of that is a product of the Bears offense’s inability to get into scoring position in the first place. If the Bears’ passing game can pick up the slack, there is no doubt in my mind that Howard will be the beneficiary and will score some touchdowns as a result.
  • Good things happen when you get a talented running back the ball in Nagy’s offense. Just take Kareem Hunt for example. The Chiefs were 6-0 when Hunt touched the ball at least 25 times in a game and the offense averaged 30.8 points per game. Now, Kansas City’s offense was good enough to win four games when Hunt was a relative non-factor. HOWEVER, the points per game average dipped to 23 points per game. A touchdown here and a touchdown there can add up if you’re not careful. And since we all know how things fell apart in the playoff game where Hunt touched the ball just 14 times, it feels important that the Bears get the ball to Howard early and often.
  • Much like Howard, Hunt was a tough dude to bring down. So seeing Hunt on this list makes me feel good about Nagy finding a way to get Howard the ball so he can do some damage:
  • To be clear, Howard isn’t Hunt … and as JJ Stankevitz of NBC Sports Chicago points out, he doesn’t have to be. The Bears are working on getting Howard to improve on his weaknesses as Nagy plots to create an offense that plays to the strengths of his players. It’s a novel concept, and one that will go over well with fans if they start putting up numbers. Howard might lose some snaps to Tarik Cohen so the Bears can better utilize his pass-catching and open-field skills, but it doesn’t mean Howard is going to be on the sidelines as a spectator a majority of the time. There is a unique balance Nagy has to strike with this offense, and it’s one of the challenges he’ll face as a head coach as opposed to when he was just a coordinator. Here’s hoping he’s up to the challenge.
  • Speaking of challenges, The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain checks in with Harry Hiestand as he takes on an offensive line that is working with its fourth offensive line coach in five years. Hiestand might be the best under-the-radar hire of the offseason. The Bears have experience on the line, but Kyle Long is the oldest member and he isn’t even 30. This group also has depth and some youth that has upside. All of this makes Hiestand the perfect coach for this particular position group at this time. You couldn’t have created a better hire in a lab. Hiestand will be able to draw on his experience working with young players from his time at Notre Dame and Tennessee, while also reaching back to his first go-around with the Bears. I’m a bit of a dork when it comes to offensive line play, so that’s definitely one of those things I want to watch play out at training camp this summer.
  • Speaking of which, you can start picking up tickets for the 11 open practices this summer. And they’re all free, which is always something I love to see.
  • I’m not mad about these poll results. I’m just disappointed:
  • An awesome read on ex-Bears running back Matt Forte over at The MMQB. Forte looked back fondly on a productive Bears career, but had one thing he wishes could’ve happened differently. “If I could rewind time and go back and make something happen, I wish we would have kept Coach Lovie (Smith) and added in the draft and free agency and maybe hired a new offensive coordinator,” Forte said in the story. Forte was right in describing this situation as a missed opportunity, especially since the Phil Emery-Marc Trestman era crashed and burned as quickly as it started.
  • Anybody hungry? Because it’s never too late for donuts:
  • https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1002567596187807744

  • Soon enough, we’ll be waiting all day for Sunday Night:
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    The NFL is Playing a Christmas Day Doubleheader in 2024

    Christmastime is generally full of cheer. And in 2024, it will be full of cheering. In fact, we're talking double the cheer. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the league will play not one, but *TWO* Christmas Day games. It's...

    2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Can J.J. McCarthy’s Stock Rise?

    Hard to believe we're less than a month away from the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft! With just weeks remaining until the NFL's most noteworthy offseason event, there are plenty of rumors floating. As we work through all...

    Latest News

    Top 25 College Basketball Picks and Best Bets: March 28

    The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa State Cyclones hit the court in one of four games on the college basketball slate on Thursday that include a ranked team.How to Bet on Top 25 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Top 25 Games for...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Arizona Diamondbacks are moneyline favorites (-230) to begin their season with a home win over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET, live on ARID.Zac Gallen gets the starting nod for Arizona while Kyle Freeland is Colorado's...

    Mariners vs. Red Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Seattle Mariners are moneyline favorites (-162) to begin their season with a home win over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET, live on NESN.Luis Castillo starts for Seattle while Brayan Bello is Boston's starter for...

    Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Cleveland Guardians start their season as road favorites (-156) in a matchup with the Oakland Athletics on Thursday at 10:07 PM ET, live on NBCS-CA from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.Cleveland's Shane Bieber and Oakland's Alex Wood have been named the...

    Damian Lillard Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    To beat his 3-point prop, Damian Lillard must make four from downtown on Thursday, when his Milwaukee Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans, tipping off at 8:00 PM ET.Damian Lillard's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansDamian Lillard's over/under for three-pointers...

    Brook Lopez Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    To beat his 3-point prop, Brook Lopez needs to make two from downtown on Thursday, when his Milwaukee Bucks meet the New Orleans Pelicans, starting at 8:00 PM ET.Brook Lopez's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansBrook Lopez's over/under for three-pointers...

    Giannis Antetokounmpo Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    Will Giannis Antetokounmpo make just a single 3-pointer when the Milwaukee Bucks play the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his over/under for the game.Giannis Antetokounmpo's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansGiannis Antetokounmpo's...

    CJ McCollum Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Bucks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    To beat his 3-point over/under, CJ McCollum must make four from downtown on Thursday, when his New Orleans Pelicans play the Milwaukee Bucks, beginning at 8:00 PM ET.CJ McCollum's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the BucksCJ McCollum's over/under for three-pointers in...

    Devils vs. Sabres Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The New Jersey Devils are -115 on the moneyline and the Buffalo Sabres are at -105 for their game on Friday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.Devils vs. Sabres Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Devils (-115)Underdog: Sabres (-105)Total: 6.5Best Devils vs. Sabres Promo...

    more bears news