Damien Harris making the most of his opportunities

Patriots running back Damien Harris has shown up ready to earn touches in 2020.

New England Patriots second-year running back Damien Harris appears to be making the most of his opportunities during the early part of the team’s training camp. This is significant for a Patriots team with an offense currently turning the page from Tom Brady and having a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2001.

Many people expect the Patriots to lean on the running game in the upcoming season. This could be done to help cover for deficiencies in the passing game either by the quarterback or receivers, or it could be used until Cam Newton is fully comfortable with the offense.

Harris barely saw the field last season and he came into training camp potentially looking up on the depth chart as the fourth or fifth running back. However, injuries and the coronavirus opt-outs have provided Harris the opportunity to shine during the team’s practices and, so far, he has not disappointed. He has even been called “explosive” by teammate Joe Thuney and most media reports have called him the best running back in training camp to this point.

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Brandon Bolden chose to opt-out for the season and, although he was never going to threaten for the starting running back job, he would always be active on game days over Harris due to his excellent special teams play.

Damien Harris has opportunities abound in New England right now

Harris already moved up the depth chart when Bolden departed but Sony Michel was also placed on the PUP list when players reported to camp. The team did sign Lamar Miller, presumably to add depth and give Michel a run as a starter, but Miller was immediately placed on the PUP list as well.

With three running backs currently out of service, Harris has utilized his opportunity to make an impact during the Patriots team practices. Listed at 5-11 and 213 pounds, Harris has the type of solid body for the quick downhill running style the Patriots prefer.

They do not seek just a bruiser but they do want someone more focused on running north to south rather than sideline-to-sideline. Harris has this ability which he proved with 3,070 career yards and a 6.4 yard per carry average at Alabama.

Harris has been working at running back and splitting time with Rex Burkhead and James White during practices. White is used primarily as a passing-down back and the Patriots would prefer to keep things this way if possible.

According to reports, Harris has looked good in the running game and has even contributed in the passing game during the competitive offensive activities. If Harris can continue to be dependable as a receiver, while continuing to work well running behind the offensive line, he could push Sony Michel for playing time even when Michel is back on the active roster.

His continuous development could also allow the team to take the cautious approach when it comes to activating Michel and Miller from the PUP list. The team could potentially activate two fresh running backs with starting experience at least a few weeks into the regular season.

For all of the improvements and current positive assessments heaped upon him, Harris continues to work hard and not take his chances to play for granted. He does understand things can change quickly, and with the lack of playing time he received during his rookie season, it is clear to understand why.

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He is trying to show the team he can be depended on as he recently said, via Boston.com, “Just want to come in here and improve every single day no matter what is asked of me, no matter what coaches need me to do, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability.”

At worst, he may have worked himself into a solid running back trio for the Patriots, but at best he may push both Michel and Miller out of the way.

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