Chicago Bears are on pace to make history… the good kind

The Chicago Bears are in the midst of a season to forget. However, Chicago has a chance to make history in Sunday’s season finale against Minnesota.

Amidst all the discussion of potential draft picks and free agents, the Chicago Bears actually have a chance of making history on Sunday. No, I’m not talking about the Bears possibly finishing with the first 3-13 record in team history. I’m talking about the Bears’ brightest star this season, Jordan Howard.

Despite the Bears’ struggles this year, hope and excitement has come in the form of a 5th round pick from Indiana. Jordan Howard has not only taken over the starting spot, but he is on the cusp of having the best rookie season of any Chicago Bears running back. So far, Howard has amassed 1178 yards on the ground which leaves him 61 yards short of breaking Matt Forte’s record of 1238 yards.

Howard’s chances of breaking the record is considerably high considering he’s ran for at least 77 yards since week 7. Better yet, Howard had his best career game against the Vikings. Howard exploded for 153 yards on the ground to go along with a touchdown. Chicago’s leading back has gone over 100 yards in 6 contests this year.

The Bears couldn’t have been luckier with Howard’s emergence as a lead back. Jeremy Langford struggled to start the year, and then got injured. Backup Ka’Deem Carey also sustained an injury early in the year. Regardless, Howard received his first start against Detroit, and he never looked back. His 111 rushing yards off 23 carries helped lead the Bears to their first win of the season.

The Chicago Bears have a history of great running backs. From Red Grange in the 1920’s to Gale Sayers in the 1960’s, to Walter Payton in the 1980’s, the Bears have always pushed for a strong ground game. While one season doesn’t place Howard with the all time greats, it goes along way to providing the Bears with a much needed identity on offense.