https://embed.sendtonews.com/oembed/?SC=3Uc8yHNXZG-1046381-7498&format=json&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right&float=on
Damien Harris proved he’s the New England Patriots’ most reliable running back.
The 2019 third-round pick found his footing after missing a chunk of the start of the season due to injury. Heading into the Patriots’ Week 11 matchup against the Houston Texans, Harris recorded 85 carries for 471 yards and a touchdown in six games. In the 27-20 loss to Houston, Harris only had 11 carries for 43 yards and a touchdown.
His snaps nearly vanished after the first two drives, where he carried the ball for seven times for 36 yards and a touchdown. Harris only had the ball four times for seven yards the rest of the way — which didn’t make any sense.
After the game, Bill Belichick was asked about his limited snaps and reporters questioned if it was due to the chest and ankle injuries he recently obtained.
“No, I don’t think so,” Belichick said.
If it wasn’t for the injuries, then why would the Patriots halt the snaps of their most efficient runner? It doesn’t make sense. Rex Burkhead left the game in the third quarter with a potentially season-ending injury and that left just Harris and James White on the field.
New England defered to the passing game and it worked out decently, leaving Damiere Byrd with six catches for 132 yards and a touchdown. But, the offense wasn’t as explosive as it was on the first drive and the ability to run opened up those avenues.
The Patriots have made questionable decisions offensively this season and this head-scratcher was one of them.
[vertical-gallery id=98499]