New England Patriots: 5 players blazing the way into 2021 NFL season

New England Patriots Damien Harris is ready to bust out

Running back Damien Harris basically red shirted his first season after having been a third-round draft pick in the 2019 draft.

Yet, Harris made his presence felt in the terrible 2020 season playing in 10 games (injuries are an issue) but logging 591 yards and scoring two touchdowns with 5.0 yards per carry.

More from New England Patriots

• Former Patriot Stevan Ridley Put Kevin Hart in a Wheelchair
• 3 Patriots Who Can Clinch a Roster Spot in Final Preseason Game
• Patriots Get Win Over Division Rivals Before Season Even Begins
• New Massachusetts Sportsbook Promos: $450 Bonus to Bet on Your Patriots at Caesars + DraftKings
• Ezekiel Elliott Reveals 3 Reasons Why He Signed With Patriots

Obviously, the yards per carry was key for Harris past season. If he can stay healthy and maintain that excellence the Patriots will again have a 1000-yard rusher on their hands.

Harris started every game in which he played. That shows Bill Belichick’s and Josh McDaniels’ confidence in the young ball carrier.

All that seems to be standing in his way might be that injury bug. If Harris can overcome that and play in 14 or more games, then he will be a solid asset to Cam Newton and the offense.

The word around Foxborough is that the Patriots will be a ground-and-pound offense relying on a tough grind-it-out running game to wear down opponents and win games.

We’ll see if that eventuates. Nevertheless, Harris’s full participation at the level he has shown last season will be a tremendous boost no matter what form the offense ultimately takes.

So that’s a quick look at 5 (oops six!) players whose performance will help blaze the way for the 2021 version of the New England Patriots’ success.

There are numerous others who could be included, for sure. Who do you think will blaze the trail for the Patriots next season? We’d be interested in hearing.