Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2016 5:17:05 GMT -6
What we've learned about the Bears running backs at the bye
By: Lorin Cox | 17 hours ago
The Chicago Bears are on their bye week at the halfway point of the 2016 season, providing a perfect time to look back at what we’ve learned about each position group on the team through eight games.
The running back position hasn’t played out the way that many expected this year, but the Bears certainly can’t complain as their future looks clear and bright in the backfield with three young runners all worthy of playing time.
Here’s what we’ve learned about the running backs.
Jeremy Langford is not the answer
Jeremy Langford (33) has struggled to extend runs after contact, going down too easily in his second season (GIF via NFL Game Pass).
Everyone expected Jeremy Langford to take over the number one running back job this season with Matt Forte gone to New York, but in his two full games before his injury, the second-year runner barely averaged over three yards-per-carry and went down on first contact too easily.
That’s not to say Langford isn’t still a talented running back, but at this point, his best role may be in a rotation where he can come in on passing situations and use his receiving ability to help the offense is more ways than just the run.
Jordan Howard is a number one running back
Rookie running back Jordan Howard's 69-yard run was the longest by a Chicago Bears running back since Kahlil Bell went for 72 yards back in 2009 (GIF via NFL Game Pass).
Rookie running back Jordan Howard’s 69-yard run was the longest by a Chicago Bears running back since Kahlil Bell went for 72 yards back in 2009 (GIF via NFL Game Pass).
A lot of people expected big things from the rookie fifth-round pick, but Jordan Howard may have exceeded even the loftiest expectations. After remaining unused after the first two games, he quickly burst onto the scene and established himself as one of the league’s best young runners.
His 5.1 yards-per-carry this season is the third-highest among all running backs, and he has already proven he is more than just a hard runner, putting up 200 all-purpose yards last week against the Minnesota Vikings. Howard can do it all, and he may prove to be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Ka’Deem Carey deserves a spot in the rotation too
Carey registered the longest run of his career on this outside-zone handoff in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers (GIF via NFL Game Pass).
Carey registered the longest run of his career on this outside-zone handoff in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers (GIF via NFL Game Pass).
Ka’Deem Carey hasn’t gotten a ton of opportunities, but he made the most of the carries he did receive. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers, when he started to temporarily take over the number one spot, he averaged 5.2 yards-per-carry on 19 rushes.
He brought some much-needed energy and explosiveness to the backfield, running hard when Brian Hoyer needed it the most. With Howard entrenched as the number one and Langford deserving time too, there isn’t a lot of playing time to go around for Carey, but he has shown he is ready when they call upon him.
Link to GIFs; bearswire.usatoday.com/2016/11/04/what-weve-learned-about-the-bears-running-backs-at-the-bye/