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Chicago Bears: Why Jordan Howard will be voted a top-100 player in 2017

By Khari Thompson

Nov 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bears
Oct 16, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears center Cody Whitehair (left) and offensive tackle Nick Becton (center) and tackle Charles Leno (right) in action during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Soldier Field. Jaguars won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bears’ interior offensive line is really good

The formidable trio of Kyle Long, Cody Whitehair and Josh Sitton will pave the way for Howard’s big sophomore year.

As much as people like to speak ill of the Chicago Bears’ offensive line, the fact is that, as a unit, they’re fairly well-respected. Pro Football Focus ranked them 15th-overall after last year (even despite their struggles at tackle) and have them ranked fifth coming into this season.

The reason why people are so high on the Bears’ line? Their interior trio of Long, Whitehair and Sitton dominated last season. Despite battling injury, Long still registered a respectable 78.1 grade from PFF. Meanwhile, Whitehair and Sitton earned the second and third-highest grades on the entire Bears team behind Jerrell Freeman. Their solid play helps make up for Charles Leno and Bobby Massie, who generally struggled last year.

They will also arguably be the biggest factor in Howard’s success. Last season, Howard averaged more yards between the tackles than any running back in the league, including Elliott. Furthermore, his 966 yards up the middle made up 73.6% of all his rushing yardage in 2016. His one-cut, downhill style is perfectly suited for the Bears’ personnel up front.

As long as the big three in the interior keep playing at a high level, Howard will keep raking in the yards.

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