Kyle Long returned on Sunday and we finally saw Jordan Howard and the rushing attack explode against a strong run defense in the Minnesota Vikings
A huge question for the Chicago Bears heading into the playoffs was how good their rushing attack was going to be. Tarik Cohen was used more as a receiver than a running backs and Jordan Howard had just one 100-yard game.
With a question as to whether or not the Chicago Bears were even going to play their starters for a full game, and against a top ten run defense fighting for a playoff spot it was tough to say that things would turnaround in Week 17.
However, that ideology seemed to be discounting Kyle Long. The addition of Kyle Long being a big one is something we have noted on here for a while. That was shown almost immediately. On the first drive Howard took three carries for 55 yards and a touchdown, setting a tone for the game in which he has never really set.
They rode Howard for 109 yards on 21 carries. Getting over 100 yards for the second time against a defense of that caliber in a game that meant everything to them is quite the feat.
If this is what is to be expected from the offense now that Long is back, the Bears are a true problem for the rest of the league. We all knew about their offense. We knew Mitch Trubisky could dominate with his legs, and that Matt Nagy could help him scheme receivers open. However, if they can now run the football, they are a team that can win in every facet of the game.
They can get leads, and they can put teams away on the ground.
This was not just a meaningless win for the Chicago Bears. This was a statement that this team can do anything and beat anyone in anyway they have to.
Watch out for what this team can do now that they have added a big piece in the middle of their offense.