5 New England Patriots players who must roar in Week 5 vs Detroit Lions
2. New England Patriots running back Damien Harris must dominate
There are three reasons in picking Damien Harris as a player who will need to step up against the Detroit Lions.
First, the New England Patriots are starting a rookie quarterback and the team will need to lean on the running attack of both Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson to help take the pressure off Bailey Zappe. Even if Mac Jones is somehow able to go, the Patriots would want to protect that high ankle sprain and lean on the running game.
Second, the Detroit Lions are awful against the run. In this game both Harris and Stevenson should be able to eat up yards behind an offensive line that has been physical and getting better as a unit week-to-week…. well, everyone except Isaiah Wynn.
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Third, Harris is one of the team’s best offensive weapons, so why not get the ball in his hand as much as possible.
Although Harris has yet to hit the 100-yard mark in any game this season, his 86-yard performance against the Green Bay Packers showed just how valuable a player he is. Averaging 4.7 yards per carry this season, his tough downhill running style combined with his explosiveness once he breaks through a hole should mark for a dominate game on Sunday.
While Stevenson is also a choice here, Harris is typically the running back who sets the tone. In this Week 5 matchup he will need to set the tone early and often to help take the pressure off Zappe and to send an early message to the Lions’ defense.