The Facts: The Bears desperately need more from Howard and they may be getting it. With Mitchell Trubisky checking down regularly early in camp, the third-year tailback has responded with both efficient pass-catching and occasionally light acrobatic work, turning off-target throws into positive plays.

Diehards Line:As NBCSports.com's John Mullin notes, Howard is getting a clean-slate start from new HC Matt Nagy and RBs coach Charles London, and the hope is for a three-down back, which Howard can only be if he is an effective third-down option. His head coach thinks he is. "Jordan can play all three downs," Nagy said. Mullin added: "The impact of a multi-dimensional Howard cannot be overstated, and it could be overlooked in the buzz of all the other 'weapons' the Bears brought in this offseason. It shouldn’t be." Indeed, it's something we'll be following up on as training camp progresses.