New England Patriots: Why you shouldn’t give up on N’Keal Harry
By Sam Minton
New England Patriots fans have been disappointed with N’Keal Harry, but it’s not time to give up on the wide receiver just yet.
Every organization has that player who will get a reaction from fans. For the New England Patriots, that guy is N’Keal Harry. Most fans will have their blood begin to boil as soon as his name is mentioned.
After being drafted in the first round, Harry has been a disappointment. He has failed to live up to expectations and hasn’t shown any of that potential or ability that New England must have seen when they decided to select him.
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Coming out of the draft, Harry seemed like he could be a great red zone target. He has made some athletic diving plays that have impressed many.
The problem seems to be that Harry struggles at times to gain separation. It’s hard to get targets when you can’t get open.
In 2019, Harry was basically nonexistent. Tom Brady pretty much ignored him for the entire season and Patriots fans saw nothing out of the 32nd overall pick.
That put the pressure on the wide receiver in 2020. Patriots fans wanted to see something out of Harry.
Seeing that Harry has played in more games, his stats have improved. This season he has 29 catches for 277 yards and two touchdowns. That isn’t too terrible but you expect a lot more from your first round pick.
Harry has shown some flashes of talent. He has made some impressive skills and has shown that he has the capability to be a part of the passing game.
Harry has received support from teammates like Cam Newton and his latest endorsement should hopefully have the fans laying off the wide receiver. Bill Belichick said he has been impressed with the wideout as of late.
In assessing the overall WRs corps and its growth over the course of the year, Bill Belichick mentions that N’Keal Harry “is starting to come on here in the last few weeks.” pic.twitter.com/gXe6N4ZvkA
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 15, 2020
These last few games will be crucial for Harry. He needs to show that he is worth the investment in 2021.
The expectations will be based on who is at QB. While Newton looks like he will be the starter, fans shouldn’t be surprised if Stidham sees an increase in snaps. If Stidham and Harry are able to succeed, that would do wonders for the former Arizona State wideout.
But if they had to make a decision right now, I bet we see Harry have a decent role next season. He appears to have the support of all the right people. Having Belichick come out and say he has been impressed with you as of late holds a lot of weight in New England.
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So Patriots fans need to hold out hope for Harry. It’s not time to give up on him just yet. If Belichick still has hope, so should you.