Chicago Bears: 5 reasons Jordan Howard will breakout
Jordan Howard can still take a big step forward in the Chicago Bears offense. Here is how
It seems as though as the long summer stretches on Jordan Howard becomes a more and more divisive topic. There is one argument that seems to think that the new coaching staff means a changing of the guard, and potentially the last season of Jordan Howard. Others see the new coaching staff as a freeing of Howard as he explodes into a player we have yet to see.
So, which one is it? We will examine each side of the argument. First, with the 5 reasons why he can break out in 2018.
Improved offensive line
A lot of talk this offseason has been about how the Chicago Bears went all-in on building a corps of players around Mitchell Trubisky, allowing him to succeed. However, they did Howard some small favors as well.
First, on the offensive line. The obvious is bringing in offensive line coach Harry Hiestand. Hiestand comes from a long line of success throughout his career. Typically he comes in, and offensive lines immediately get better. The same should be happening in Chicago.
On top of that, the addition of James Daniels could matter. One thing noted about Daniels and why he may struggle as a rookie is his lack of power and holding down his base as a pass blocker. However, one reason in which the team has interest in Daniels, and interest in starting him right away is run blocking prowess. He is a star athlete who is great moving vertically and laterally and getting to the second level.
The change from Sitton to Daniels could hurt in terms of pass protection, but overall, the athletic advantages that Daniels has over Sitton could equal an immediate boost in the running game.
Last season the Chicago Bears ranked 23rd in adjusted line yards. This means that more than most teams, Jordan Howard was fighting and clawing for every yard he gained. So, a better overall unit should mean at the very least an easier time for Howard.
Wider lanes to run through and bigger bodies at the second level should only increase Howard’s yards per game and see him back into the conversation for top rushers in the NFL.