Jordan Howard isn't Ezekiel Elliott. He wasn't drafted in the first round. He was drafted in the fifth round. He didn't play college ball at Ohio State. He played college ball at Indiana. He didn't start the season with Rookie of the Year hype. He started the year as a complete unknown. He didn't start the first game of the season. He began third on the depth chart and only started once the team's first two running backs went down with injuries.

Yet Howard is worthy of the type of hype that surrounds Elliott.

Howard, perhaps the lone highlight for the Bears, looks like the real deal. He plays for the hapless Bears, though, who dropped to 1-4 on the year, so he's gone relatively unnoticed to this point. But he deserves your attention.

He's tied for the league lead in yards per carry with 5.8. Admittedly, the sample size (51 carries) is significantly smaller than Elliott, the NFL's top back in terms of carries (109) and yards (546). But we shouldn't hold Howard's inexperience against him, because when he's received the chance to carry the load, he's done exactly that.

He's started two games to this point and in those two starts, he's carried the ball 39 times and gained 229 yards. He's added six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

According to Pro Football Focus, he's averaging 2.8 yards after contract. For context, consider Elliott averages 2.6 yards after contact.

Howard might not be as flashy as Zeke, but he's always falling forward. This run won't go down as anything more than a short gain, but he picks up an additional three yards by plowing ahead.

He constantly makes defenders miss. To this point -- again, on just 51 carries -- he's already forced 11 missed tackles on running plays. Zeke, on the other hand, has forced six.

Among running backs with at least 50 carries this season, Howard has generated the second-highest elusive rating -- a statistic Pro Football Focus describes as, "the impact of a runner with the ball independently of the blocking in front of him by looking at how hard he was to bring down."

Runs like these seem to fit the criteria of elusive:

The linebacker had no chance. Howard bounced left, right, and then left again and the linebacker failed to bring him down.

He's also capable of hitting home runs. According to Pro Football Focus, Howard ranks third among all running backs with at least 50 carries in breakaway percentage (42.9), which measures the percentage of a running back's yards that comes on runs of 15-plus yards.

He owns the necessary speed to outrun defenders, stretching medium gains into huge chunks of yards. Below, the linebacker disengages from the Bears' tight end and appears to have a shot at dragging down Howard, but Howard scampers past him.

He's doing it all -- in pretty much every area. Per Pro Football Focus, on eight handoffs to the left outside edge of the tight end, Howard is averaging 4.5 yards per run. On two handoffs between the tight end and left tackle, he's averaging 7.5 yards per attempt. On 17 runs that have taken place on either side of center Cody Whitehair -- between him and right guard Josh Sitton or left guard Kyle Long -- Howard has averaged 8.9 yards per carry. Between the right guard and right tackle, he's averaging 8.3 yards per rush on seven carries.

That's nuts.

It also makes sense. The Bears' interior of the line is dominant.

#Bears interior O-line looking strong through Week 3, with rookie Cody Whitehair the ninth-highest graded NFL center this season. pic.twitter.com/8ilqcRF4CD — Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 27, 2016

It's not just the offensive line, though. Howard is patient.

Below, he stuck with what appeared to be a broken play until a hole eventually opened up. He didn't bounce the run out wide or cut back toward the inside. He waited and slipped through the eventual hole unharmed.

He's powerful.

He's shifty.

The Bears already flushed their season down the toilet, but they at least found their future running back.

Meanwhile, over at quarterback ...

Jay Cutler or Brian Hoyer? USATSI

The answer is still Cutler, by the way.

1. Something is still wrong with Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is still struggling. USATSI

On Sunday night, the Packers -- fresh off a bye week -- continued their successful start to their season by holding off the Giants, 23-16. Though they still trail the Vikings in the NFC North, they improved their record to 3-1. All is well in Green Bay, like it always is.

Except, there's something still wrong with Aaron Rodgers and the offense. It's not just Rodgers' fault and it's not just Mike McCarthy's vanilla scheme's fault. They're both bad -- right now, at least.

Relying on receivers like Davante Adams to win in isolation is bad.

They just don't win enough with the ISO routes. Five times receivers crossed each other in the Giants game for GB. That's absurd. pic.twitter.com/Q1w2KVI5e9 — Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) October 11, 2016

And Rodgers missing open throws like these is also bad:

I'm only posting this because some only post stills that fit their narrative of "no one ever being open" 2 on this play. pic.twitter.com/iCB2eTbKlo — Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) October 12, 2016

Yes, Rodgers has been bad this season. He was bad against the Jaguars, when he completed 58.8 percent of his passes and averaged 5.85 yards per attempt. He was awful against the Vikings, when he completed 55.6 percent of his passes and averaged 5.92 yards per attempt. He was good for a half against the Lions, throwing four touchdowns and finally looking like himself, but he cooled considerably in the second half as the Lions mounted a comeback that fell just short. And finally, he played arguably the worst game of his career against the Giants, completing 51.1 percent of his passes, averaging 5.76 yards per pass, and throwing two interceptions -- and it could've been worse.

After Rodgers struggled against the Vikings in Week 2, I dedicated the first section of this column to his struggles. Here's a quick summary:

Rodgers' career trajectory used to look like Jack Bauer's (from a deadly government agent who worked 24-hour days to the President of the United States without even grinding through an election cycle). Now it looks more like Tywin Lannister's (from the Hand of the King to an untimely death on the toilet).

But at the time, it was easy to blame his decline on Jordy Nelson's absence a year ago and a tough matchup against the Vikings' defense. Not anymore. You can't write off his issues. The Giants' defense isn't good -- its ranked 16th in defensive DVOA.

It's not just this year, too. Since the beginning of last season, Rodgers ranks 33rd in yards per pass (6.61) among passers with at least 200 attempts in that span. He slots in behind quarterbacks like Johnny Manziel, Blaine Gabbert, Brock Osweiler, and Case Keenum. He's ahead of just Matt Hasselbeck, Joe Flacco, Matt Cassel, Nick Foles, and Ryan Mallett. That's it.

In that same span, Rodgers ranks 18th in passer rating (91.7), sandwiched between Eli Manning and Jay Cutler. He ranks 27th in completion percentage (59.8).

So, Rodgers has gone from arguably the greatest quarterback of all time to a quarterback who struggles to complete passes and doesn't even make up for his low completion percentage with big chunks of yards. Rodgers is no longer Rodgers. And that's really damn sad.

Rodgers will try to rediscover the magic against the Cowboys.

2. The Packers' run defense is something else

Dom Capers' defensive unit has been amazing against the run. USATSI

At least the Packers have their defense, which has been unbelievable against the run this year.

Packers have yet to allow a 40-yard rusher this season.



That will change on Sunday (Ezekiel) — Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) October 11, 2016

Scott Kacsmar is right. That will change this weekend, when the Packers host the Cowboys' dominant ground game, which is led by an imposing offensive line and spearheaded by rookie sensation Ezekiel Elliott.

The Cowboys average 155.2 rushing yards per game, the most in the NFL.

3. Only three teams haven't thrown interceptions

Dak Prescott still hasn't thrown an interception. USATSI

The only three teams in the NFL who haven't thrown an interception so far were forced to rely on emergency quarterbacks. Those three teams are the Patriots, Cowboys, and Vikings.

The Patriots went pick-free with Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett, Cowboys rookie Dak Prescott has yet to throw an interception, and Sam Bradford helped guide the Vikings to a 5-0 record by playing safe, efficient football.

The most likely quarterback to break the streak in Week 6? Not Bradford, who's enjoying the safety of a bye week. Also not Brady, who's only just beginning his NFL revenge tour. And that leaves Prescott, who's playing at Green Bay.

According to Pro Football Focus,"Prescott is the only quarterback this season with more than 140 pass attempts and no interceptions thrown."

4. Tom Brady and his quick release are back

Tom Brady continues to get the ball out quickly. USATSI

Tom Brady is back. And so, defenses might want to give up on the idea of sacking the Patriots' quarterback.

According to Pro Football Focus, "76.7 percent of Tom Brady's throws were out of his hand in less than 2.6 seconds, the second-fastest average time per pass attempt in Week 5." He ended up throwing for 406 yards and three touchdowns.

Have fun, Cincinnati.

5. Alshon Jeffery's lack of targets

Alshon Jeffery isn't getting enough passes. USATSI

The Bears lost to the Colts on Sunday because Brian Hoyer failed to spot Alshon Jeffery in the end zone on the most important play of the game. Immediately after, Jeffery threw up his arms and slammed his helmet to the turf.

He had every right to be frustrated, because that wasn't a rare occurrence. Jeffery has been targeted 31 times this season. That's tied for the 49th highest total.

6. Odell Beckham Jr. isn't right

Odell Beckham is experiencing a slump in his third season. USATSI

Eli Manning finally connected with Odell Beckham Jr. for a touchdown last weekend, but that formerly unstoppable duo is no longer unstoppable.

Eli Manning when targeting Odell Beckham Jr:



2016 season: 1 TD, 1 INT, 73.9 passer rtg

2014-15 seasons: 25 TD, 5 INT, 128.2 passer rtg — NFL Research (@NFLResearch) October 11, 2016

And that's probably the main reason why Beckham isn't having fun anymore. They'll try to get back on track against the Ravens, who are allowing 190.8 passing yards per game -- the fifth-lowest averaging in the league.

7. The Dolphins' problem

Adam Gase's offense can't sustain drives. USATSI

The Dolphins can't sustain anything resembling a drive. They're ranked last in time of possession. They're holding the ball for an average of 24:38 per game.

Woah, the Dolphins are averaging 52.8 plays per game. Least in NFL and 4 fewer than second to last Bills. Not quite a ball control offense — Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) October 11, 2016

Of course, that's not the best measure of how good a football team is considering the Bills are 3-2, but that's also not a great sign for the Dolphins, who are scoring 17.6 points per game -- the fifth-lowest total in the NFL.

Not so great news for the Dolphins: They'll be forced to keep pace with the Steelers this weekend.

8. Sammie Coates' great and disappointing breakout

Sammie Coates had a great Sunday, but also struggled. USATSI

So, Steelers receiver Sammie Coates exploded this past weekend for six catches, 139 yards, and two touchdowns. He was faster than Ezekiel Elliott.

Fastest Players of Week 5 per Next Gen Stats:



Sammie Coates: 21.8 MPH

Ezekiel Elliott: 21.5 MPH

Tyrell Williams: 20.5 MPH — Ethan Young (@NFLDrafter) October 11, 2016

And he's keeping pace with Antonio Brown.

2016 receiving yards

Antonio Brown - 447

Sammie Coates - 421



Really does stun me. — Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) October 11, 2016

But his game still has a major flaw: He can't catch the football with any sort of reliability.

Pro Football Focus credited him with four dropped passes last weekend. By their grading scale, he actually had his worst game of the season.

9. The Steelers can run against the Dolphins

Le'Veon Bell looks like, well, himself so far. USATSI

One of the biggest mismatches of the week will be the Steelers-Dolphins game. Expect Big Ben to go off -- because he's Big Ben and is averaging 299 yards per game -- but also expect the Steelers to run the ball against the Dolphins, who are allowing the most rushing yards (150.8) per game.

This could be a monster game for Le'Veon Bell. Since he returned from his suspension, Bell is averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

10. Russell Wilson is on schedule

Russell Wilson continues to evolve as a traditoinal passer. USATSI

Russell Wilson is turning more and more away from his ad-lib game -- which is still unstoppable -- in favor of a more traditional approach. And that's a good thing!

Russell Wilson time to throw (snap to release):

2012: 3.37

2013: 3.18

2014: 3.20

2015: 2.98

2016: 2.54



Getting rid of ball much quicker — Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) October 12, 2016

His passer rating by year:

2012: 100.0

100.0 2013: 101.2

101.2 2014: 95.0

95.0 2015: 110.1

110.1 2016: 99.3

The point being, he improved dramatically a year ago when he got the ball out at a record-low time a year ago. It's still early this year to know how he'll fare with an even lower release time.

But Wilson's athleticism is only going to get worse as he ages, so considering this a positive step in his development as a quarterback.

11. Best team matchup: Seahawks vs. Falcons

Matt Ryan survived his first test against Denver's defense. USATSI

Heading into this past weekend, most critics still weren't taking the Falcons completely seriously, which made sense. A year ago, the Falcons leapt out to a 5-0 record and proceeded to miss the postseason. So after their 3-1 start, we opted for a more cautious approach.

Then the Falcons went into Denver and beat the Broncos. Their big-play offense didn't go off like it did against the Panthers, when Matt Ryan topped 500 yards, but they still took it to the Broncos' high-caliber defense. Ryan threw for 267 yards and a touchdown, and both of the team's running backs continued to contribute with Devonta Freeman rushing for 88 yards and a score, and Tevin Coleman racking up 132 yards and a touchdown through the air.

The Falcons' top-ranked scoring offense will be tested again. This week, they'll travel to Seattle, where a storm is brewing. No, I'm talking about their defense, which ranks first in DVOA, I'm talking about an actual storm.

I'll let The Seattle Times explain:

The storm, forecast to hit the area Saturday, has a one-in-three chance of becoming one of the five worst storms ever recorded in Western Washington, said Danny Mercer, a National Weather Service meteorologist



That doesn't sound like fun, though it's uncertain if the storm will directly hit Seattle.

Either way, the Falcons will be confronted with an unstoppable force. The Seahawks defense is allowing a league-best 264 yards per game and the third fewest points per game (13.5).

Again, the key for the Seahawks won't be to just shut down Julio Jones. They might be able to do just that with Richard Sherman. The key will be to stop the Falcons' running back duo.

According to Pro Football Focus, 16 percent of Ryan's passes are going to running backs on non-screen routes. That's the second-highest percentage of his passes, with 19 percent going toward crossing patterns.

Andrew Luck relies heavily on T.Y. Hilton. USATSI

According to NFL Research, T.Y. Hilton is the only receiver in the league to garner at least 10 targets in every game. To his point, he's averaging roughly seven catches and 101 yards per game.

Last week, he caught the game-winning touchdown from Andrew Luck.

He did the same thing in a Week 3 win over the Chargers.

Fantasy stat of the week

I'm stealing this one from Dave Richard's Cheat Sheet, which you should absolutely be reading every week:

In the past three weeks, the Bills have held quarterbacks on the other team to 17 Fantasy points -- combined!

Colin Kaepernick's debut won't be an easy one.

Leftovers

In 92 straight games, the Seattle Seahawks have been within one score in the fourth quarter. That's the longest streak in NFL history, per Football Outsiders' 2016 Almanac, which you can acquire here.

The Seahawks also haven't lost a game by more than 10 points since Oct. 30, 2011, including the postseason.

Russell Wilson is the middle of the fourth-longest starting streak to begin a career, according to Football Outsiders' Scott Kacsmar.

The last time a Colts player rushed for 100 yards in a game? Dec. 16, 2012. The last time one of their players rushed for 1,000 yards in a season? 2007.

Best quote of the week (the Bennett Bros' space)

Rob Gronkowski transcript gold. "I was like, 'dang.'" pic.twitter.com/RtBcKjZVCV — Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) October 13, 2016

"So it was very neat" might be the least Gronk-quote of all time.

Bad quote of the week (Russell Wilson's space)

Whoa. McCarthy "I don't know why the hell I have to come in here and answer questions about what you think went wrong on offense." — Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) October 12, 2016

Because your offense stinks.