When the weather gets cold and power football is needed, the Chicago Bears can rely on Jordan Howard.
Let’s be honest, the Chicago Bears blowout win against the Cincinnati Bengals did not mean much. It did not save John Fox’s job. It did not make this season any less of a failure. Heck, it took the Bengals missing six defensive starters to even come to fruition. Still, there has to be something to take away from this game. It was the best game of the career for Mitchell Trubisky. It also was a sign that this team can be built to beat better teams in more meaningful games in December.
This comes down to Jordan Howard. Healthy defense or not, Howard set the tone in this game. He remained patient behind the line of scrimmage, chose the right spots to seek contact, and when he did, defenders were falling off of him. Howard started hot, leading a touchdown drive on the first drive of the game. From there, he pounded his way to 23 carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
Howard was as good as it gets when it came to winning with pure willpower. That is how games are won in December. Running the ball, and controlling the clock.
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Do not get it mistaken, the Bears are still many pieces away from being contenders, and it starts with a new coaching staff. However, it is clear that there is a foundation here. There is a toughness here and an ability to win the games that matter. Now, the trick is to get to the point where these games to do matter.