Patriots: 2 players who justified team’s faith and 1 who hasn’t
By Mike Luciano
Patriots Win: RB Damien Harris
Harris basically redshirted his rookie season because there were just too many experienced bodies on the depth chart ahead of him. Harris was finally given an increased role last year amid some of the offensive struggles and injuries, and the production he was able to amass makes him the favorite to take the bulk of the carries this season.
Harris‘ yards per game pace would’ve put him over 1,200 with ease if he started every game. Belichick might’ve been attached to Brady at the hip for years, but he was able to build the early parts of the dynasty on a strong ground game, and Harris could help bring that concept back.
Damien Harris has been a solid draft pick.
Harris doesn’t have any singular standout trait, as he lacks 4.3 speed, the 240-pound frame needed to be a true bulldozer, or the slipperiness of a scat back. However, he consistently churns out tough yards, and that consistency has been one reason Belichick is so fond of him.
He’ll continue to get better, and it could give Cam Newton and what promises to be a totally new offense some stability. It’s been a while since the Patriots had a Pro Bowl-level back, but Harris could buck that trend.