Bears rookie running back Jordan Howard stuffed by Jaguars

Jordan Howard’s star turn in his first two career starts didn’t carry over into his third.

The Bears’ rookie running back ran 15 times for 34 yards Sunday against the Jaguars, an average of 2.3 yards per carry that was less than half that of his first two starts. Howard ran for more than 100 yards against both the Lions and Colts, totaling 39 carries for 229 yards — a 5.9 average.

Ka’Deem Carey had more rushes in the second half and finished with nine for 50 yards.

“It was just kinda how it went,” coach John Fox said of rotating Carey for Howard, who had a 1-yard touchdown. “We’ve done it before with a lot of different backs. It’s no indictment on anybody.”

Guard Kyle Long credited the Jaguars, who entered the game 17^th in rushing defense.

“Very good sideline-to-sideline linebackers. So they’re stout up the middle and then sideline-to-sideline. If you want to work outside, they’re good enough guys. They can run there. Just very fast. Very talented group.”