New England Patriots: Damien Harris and the field of redemption

With the New England Patriots down 17-16 late in the fourth quarter and driving, Damien Harris did what he does best.  He fought for every possible yard in inching his team closer to the end zone and a possible go-ahead victory.  The only problem is a Miami Dolphins defender punched the ball loose and a go-ahead score and opportunity was fumbled away.

As Harris knelt on the ground after a key turnover, it was clear the Patriots blew a game that was in their pocket.  Not only did it spoil the strong debut from rookie quarterback Mac Jones, but it also took away from a strong performance by Harris who rushed for 100 yards on 23 carries.

If he is going to carry the load as a lead back, these moments will happen.  But it is how he will bounce back that will really set the path for the third-down back primed to make a name for himself in 2021.

New England Patriots running back Damien Harris rushing for redemption

So, will Sunday be a day of redemption for the Alabama product?  It almost must be as ball security was the main reason why the Patriots loss their season-opener to the Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.  If it wasn’t for rookie Rhamondre Stevenson fumbling the ball away earlier in the game, Harris perhaps would be worrying about decreased snaps in Week 2.  As much as the Patriots’ running back is looking ahead, it is tough to leave what could have been behind.

"“It’s a tough play,” Harris said following Sunday’s loss.  “Obviously I have to do a better job of holding onto the ball, especially in a critical situation like that, but it’s a long season.  Not going to let this mistake define me, so I’m just ready to move forward.”"

Moving forward to MetLife Stadium on Sunday against a New York Jets team also looking for their first victory of the season, Harris will have the perfect opportunity to redeem himself.  He will be running behind an offensive line that will be without Trent Brown, but the line is still a talented one and Harris must find the holes and continue to run the way he does.

Most importantly, Damien Harris must hold onto the ball as turnovers would be the one way the Patriots let the game slip away.  So, in looking forward, it is all about learning from mistakes and growing as a key contributor on the football field.

"“It’s in the past,” Harris said during an appearance on “Greah and Keefe”. “That was last Sunday, and we have a new challenge this week.  We’re playing a great New York Jets team, so we’re just trying to look forward and see what we can learn from last week and just improve.”"

In an important early season game for the Patriots, expect Harris to bounce back nicely with a couple rushing touchdowns.  He will also seal the game late with some strong running that will milk the crock to lead his team to victory.

As we know, in the NFL players seem to always have an opportunity to redeem themselves.  Sunday will be that day for Damien Harris.