Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions: Week 14 keys to the game

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) warms-up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) warms-up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) rushes for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) rushes for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Continue to feed the Beast

It was in last week’s keys and you will probably see it for the rest of the year, give Jordan Howard the football! Ironically, Howard’s first game with over 20 carries was week 4 against the Detroit Lions. You know what else happened on week 4? The Bears achieved victory for the first time in 2016.

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Jordan Howard averages a monstrous 4.9 yards per carry average, a number that ranks him 5th in the NFL. Yards per carry can be a deceiving statistic at times, but it truly defines Howard’s running style. He keeps the offense on schedule with consistent runs of 3-6 yards. The Lions will be the most formidable defense that Matt Barkley has seen, so keeping a manageable down and distance is a must.

Another significant bonus that feeding Howard is the potential for a home run carry. Howard currently has 6 runs of over 20 yards, and dozens more that went for over 10 yards. Feeding Howard not only keeps the offense on schedule, but it also wears the defense down. After being beaten up by Howard for 40 minutes, defenders are more likely to miss tackles. However, the Bears have rarely experienced this advantage. Despite having one of the best rushers in the NFL, the Bears rank 20th in rushing attempts. If the Bears want to play spoiler, they need to feed Howard at least 20 times.