Jordan Howard aims for big game vs. Lions

There was some speculation that Jordan Howard was going to be dropped by the Chicago Bears during training camp for Jacquizz Rodgers, who provided more in special teams. Not only did Howard make the team, but it appears he will now be their feature back three weeks into the season following an injury to starter Jeremy Langford.

Howard received his chance to prove himself in their fourth preseason game when the starters are rested. On 16 carries, he rushed for over 100 yards with one touchdown. Howard is a downhill runner, always fighting for extra yards and breaking tackles, but his weaknesses receiving and outrunning defenders in college were apparent. This season, he seems to have improved in both.

He didn’t record any stats in the Bears opening loss at Houston, but made the most out of his three carries the next Monday night, tallying up 22 yard. During the Bears second loss against the Eagles, Jeremy Langford fumbled, and then was ruled midway through their next game with an ankle injury and will be out for 4-6 weeks.

The next back in who is normally Kadeem Carey, though they have been rotating pretty evenly, was also sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Whether he will be able to go or not next week is up for grabs, but one thing that is for certain, is that Jordan Howard will see an increased workload.

Howard seems up for the task. When he came on for the injured Langford last Sunday night he immediately made an impact with a 36 yard run, rejuvenating the offense and leading a minor comeback. He only added 9 more yards to his rushing total, but also received 4 passes out of the backfield for 47 yards. Perhaps new quarterback Brian Hoyer has taken a liking to the Rookie.

Next week is a favorable matchup for Howard. While the Lions have some talent in their defensive line, they have been scored on at will for the first three weeks. The Green Bay Packers scored on their first four drives against the Lions last week. With backup Hoyer taking the reins, the Bears will likely want to keep a nice balance in passing and rushing going up against a division opponent to limit turnovers.

More from Indiana Football

• Indiana football lands Tennessee transfer QB Tayven Jackson
• Indiana football roster update: Transfer portal & more departures
• Indiana football vs. Purdue: How to watch, betting tips, & more
• Indiana football shocks Hoosier Nation with win over Michigan State
• Indiana football vs. Michigan State: Three bold predictions for Hoosiers

Many analysts who praised the drafting of Jordan Howard imagined that he would be their primary back at some point, but few probably imagined it would be this soon. If Carey can go, he may be listed as their starting running back, but do not be surprised to see Howard shoulder most of the work.

As evident from his time at Indiana, he has no problem taking a heavy workload, and can do magical things with the ball in his hands. Howard rushed for 1213 yards on just 196 carries in his Junior year with Indiana.

Tevin Coleman has big game for Atlanta

In the Atlanta Falcon’s victory against the New Orleans Saints in the reopening of the Superdome, Tevin Coleman scored three touchdowns, as well as rushing for 42 yards and receiving 47. While fantasy owners may not be happy with him stealing touches, and touchdowns, away from top running back Devonte Freeman, he surely is.

Former Indiana star, Coleman, continues to prove to be an important asset for the Atlanta Falcons. He had a problem with ball security last season, but has had no issues with it of late. If he continues to prove his worth, the Falcons will have no choice but to either make him a starter, or trade him once his Rookie contract is up. Expect to see him in a starting lineup soon.