The Chicago Bears were in an all too familiar position by the end of Week 3 of the 2019 season. They were down in the standings and looking up at their rival Green Bay Packers, sitting pretty at 3-0. Many expected them to cruise to 4-0 on Thursday Night Football, playing a struggling and badly banged up 1-2 Philadelphia Eagles team. For a time it looked like that would be the case as the Packers jumped out to a 10-0 lead. Then a familiar face returned to haunt Lambeau Field in the form of Jordan Howard.
The Bears traded the former Pro Bowl running back to Philadelphia during the offseason. Through the first three weeks, he couldn’t really find a footing with just 99 yards rushing and three catches for 19 yards. Then, aided by a dominant effort by the Eagles offensive line, Howard brought back his vintage Bears form to stampede the Packers. On just 15 carries he ran for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 28 yards and another score.
Philadelphia finished with 176 yards rushing total and scored 34 points on a Packers defense many had been ready to proclaim elite. Instead, they watched their undefeated record slip away thanks to an end zone interception of Aaron Rodgers in the final seconds. Suddenly a win this Sunday over Minnesota could put the Bears in position to tie their arch rivals for the NFC North lead.
Jordan Howard also might do the Bears an added service
Helping to beat the Packers was a wonderful give from Howard. However, that might not be the extent of it. His outstanding game also may feed into an added bonus. Remember that the Bears traded the running back for a conditional draft pick. By itself, it’s worth a 6th rounder. However, if certain conditions are met, it could turn into a 5th round pick. One would assume this means Howard meeting a certain level of production in 2019. This performance undoubtedly took a major step in that direction.
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If this holds true, the Bears would end up with three picks in the 5th round during the 2020 draft. Considering the good players GM Ryan Pace has found there (Howard, Adrian Amos, Bilal Nichols) this can only be seen as good news. Especially since the Bears don’t have 1st, 3rd, or 4th round selections at present. So rather than lament over Howard no longer being in Chicago, fans should send their heartfelt thanks for this final service to the cause.
