Chicago Bears: Jordan Howard named team’s best player by NFL.com
Second-year running back Jordan Howard is considered to be the best player on the Chicago Bears.
We all know how important the quarterback position is. After putting all of their eggs in the MItch Trubisky basket, the Chicago Bears hope that their quarterback is the best player on their team soon. However, that is not yet the case.
Connor Orr of NFL.com recently highlighted the best players on each NFL team who do have a quarterback at the top. He came away with 19 teams who do not have a quarterback as their best player, meaning there are 13 NFL teams who have a signal caller as their single best player. The choice for the Chicago Bears was second-year running back Jordan Howard. Here is what Orr had to say about Howard:
"I was tempted to list Pernell McPhee here, given how fun he was to watch in John Fox’s defense. However, Chicago is building a very good offensive line, and Howard, who finished second behind Ezekiel Elliott in rushing yards last year, will undoubtedly be the linchpin of this offense. While the Bears break in rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, Howard will be the player opposing defenses circle at the beginning of their game prep."
Other options
As Orr mentions, Pernell McPhee wouldn’t have been a terrible pick. I think Kyle Long and Akiem Hicks could have been considered as well. However, after his incredible rookie season, Howard is undoubtedly the best selection.
More from Chicago Bears
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Next Chicago Bears starting quarterback makes Bowl Game decision
- Chicago Bears appear in the hunt while on track for the first pick
- Chicago Bears: They are who we thought they were
- Chicago Bears Rumors: Kevin Warren to oversee football operations
The Bears landed Howard all the way back in the fifth-round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He did not start right away, but it did not take the Indiana University product long to make an impact in the NFL.
Despite only starting 13 games, Howard was the second-leading rusher in the NFL last season. He put up 1,313 yards and six touchdowns on 252 carries. An incredibly impressive rookie performance out of a fifth round pick.
Howard is the total package at the running back position. He shows fantastic power for the position, has quick feet and also incredible ball carrier vision. If there is a hole to be found, Howard will find it and he has the combination of skills to create yardage on his own.
2017 expectations
With Mike Glennon expected to be under center for the Bears in 2017 and a shaky receiving corps surrounding him, Howard is expected to be the obvious focal point for the Bears offense next season. Expect opposing defenses to key on Howard, making life difficult for the young running back.
That being said, as long as the Bears can have any semblance of a passing attack, Howard is talented enough to make an impact. Add in their strong run blocking offensive line and Howard could easily be in for another huge year.
Next: Why Jordan Howard will be a top NFL player going forward
The Chicago Bears undoubtedly hope that Trubisky becomes their best player soon. However, Howard is an extremely talented player who is completely deserving of this honor.