Chicago Bears Rookie Watch: Jordan Howard Drops Hammer

It may have been the fourth preseason game, but it’s always a welcome sign when rookies play well. That was the case for the Chicago Bears against Cleveland.

After three lackluster showings in the first three weeks, the Bears were just hoping to play with a little more energy and poise against the Browns. Their head coach Hue Jackson planned to play the starters for the first portion of the game, which meant Chicago needed to come out with effort. They did so thanks to a strong first half by Kevin White who set up their first touchdown.

However the unquestioned player of the game was running back Jordan Howard. He ran over the Browns defense throughout the second half, wearing them out by the 4th quarter. His mix of size, power, aggression and deceptive speed were all on display. He did this despite being the third running back to get on the field after Ka’Deem Carey and Jacquizz Rodgers.

The Bears selected Howard in the 5th round of the draft this past April. Even then people felt the team had gotten a potential steal. He was a relative unknown who had to transfer from UAB after the football program folded and landed with Indiana. There he spent just one year as starter but was still good enough to get noticed by GM Ryan Pace and his staff. That’s a clear indication the team might have something with him. Signs were popping up even before this.

There is still plenty of work for him to do. Finer details like blocking, footwork and securing the football remain things to iron out. That being said this performance virtually guaranteed his roster spot and offered the latest indication that he’s going to see significant snaps on offense this season. It’s just a matter of when and where.

Expect to see him in short yardage and goal line situations the most. That’s where his big body and strong running style will do the most good and it’s where the Chicago Bears offense needs the most help. Head coach John Fox may wait until later in the season to give him some work given the presence of three experienced backs in Langford, Carey and Rodgers but it’s only a matter of time before he sees action.