Patriots Gameday: Damien Harris refreshed and ready to rumble vs Bills

New England Patriots running back Damien Harris is the biggest X-factor vs Buffalo Bills.

If the New England Patriots are to shock the NFL world on Sunday and upset the emotionally charged Buffalo Bills, they will have to do it by doing something they did the last regular-season game in Buffalo.

Run the ball with a heavy dose of Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris and control the clock.

This time around, the Patriots should mix in more of Mac Jones as the run game should open some opportunities in the air.  That is if the Patriots establish the running game and stick with it.

With Stevenson just 14 yards away from a 1,000-yard season, the emphasis will be on the multi-purpose back to not only reach that feat but play a major role in the offensive plan as the Bills have had trouble in the past bringing him down after first contact.  They have also had a problem containing Damien Harris.

Patriots running back Damien Harris has had big moments vs Bills

Although this hasn’t been the type of breakout season many envisioned for Harris, he is still a force when healthy, which he is coming into this game.  He is also refreshed and well-rested which should be a value in the Patriots’ offense.  Not only can he give Stevenson a breather, but he can also provide some thunder of his own.

The Bills have seen that a few times over the last couple of seasons.  He scampered for a 22-yard touchdown run back in 2020.

Then last season, we all remember that Monday Night game in which he ran through the Bills’ defense for a 65-yard touchdown run.

Essentially, the New England Patriots have two featured back ready and available for this AFC East matchup.  Both need to be factors if the Patriots are to even compete in a stadium that will be charged up and against a defense that will be playing inspired football for this teammate, Damar Hamlin.

If the Bills can shut down the running game and put the game solely in the hands of Mac Jones, it could be a long afternoon for the Patriots as a team.  That is why it will be very important to get both Stevenson and Harris going early and often.  A big performance from both could serve as momentum if the Patriots do move on to the playoffs.

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If they don’t, it could be the last game Harris plays in a Patriots’ uniform.  Again, it hasn’t been the season he hoped for in a contract season, mostly due to injury. But if he ends up being one of the reasons the team wins this game, he could set himself up nicely in free agency.

So, the key to this game is to get the running backs involved, let Mac Jones cook when needed and obviously ball security.  If the Patriots’ defense is having a tough time stopping the Bills from scoring, the offense will need to counter that with long drives and not turning the ball over.

After an entire season of offensive ineptitude, the Patriots being able to sustain drives seems almost impossible, but they can do it if the ball is in the hands of both Stevenson and Harris early and often.

So, let’s get ready for the rush.  It’s game day.