Jordan Howard has heard the critics all offseason. The main reason his name was even brought up in the trade rumors that came during the spring was that he had a flaw in his game. One that many perceived would make him appear not as valuable to an offensive coach like Matt Nagy. That being his somewhat inconsistency when catching the football.
Howard had 12 dropped passes during his first two years as starter for the Bears. Not exactly ideal but is that really due to poor hands or is there another explanation? The man himself thinks so. He believes there are two explanations. The first is he was never coached on proper hand placement when he started playing the position. The other was the simple fact he wasn’t used in the passing game much in either high school or college.
This is not something he’s used to. So why are people surprised he’s been inconsistent to this point? Either way, Howard seems intent on proving people wrong. He’s worked extensively on improving his mechanics during the offseason. When training camp opened, the Bears wasted no time testing him to see his progress.
Jordan Howard showing more consistency catching passes
It’s been two practices and there’s a long way to go. Still, the signs so far indicate that Howard seems more comfortable catching passes this year than before. Multiple times during their latest practice on Saturday he was involved in screens and check-downs and the ball never hit the ground. There were certain instances where it most definitely would’ve the year before.
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Screen to Jordan Howard. Yea, that’s a touchdown in a real game. #BearsCamp pic.twitter.com/xmk91v4N65
— The Loop Sports (@TheLoop_Sports) July 21, 2018
Howard working on his hands. It’s the little things. #BearsCamp pic.twitter.com/HQetUE70Yl
— The Loop Sports (@TheLoop_Sports) July 21, 2018
It’s important not to get carried away. The Bears have yet to have padded practices. It will be interesting to see if Howard can continue this trend when defenders are able to get more physical with him. At the same time, if this is the start of a totally evolved Howard, the NFL has no idea what it’s in for.
Howard is already one of the best pure runners in the game. Defenses haven’t been able to stop him despite stacking the box almost constantly. So try to imagine what will happen when and if he’s able to incorporate pass catching into that arsenal. He could be in store for a breakout season similar to the one Todd Gurley enjoyed last year.
Either way, it’s just another piece of good news for this Bears offense.
