A TURF WAR: Another strong game from RB Damien Harris will go a long way to easing Cam Newton’s return

When the 2019 NFL Draft was happening, the Patriots didn’t need a running back. They spent a first-round pick the year before on Sony Michel. They also had veterans James White, Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden in the fold.

When the third round unfolded, however, one name on their draft board stuck out and the value was too good to pass up. The team used its 87th pick on Damien Harris.

He didn’t play much last year as a rookie, a talented depth chart one reason [...]

When the 2019 NFL Draft was happening, the Patriots didn’t need a running back. They spent a first-round pick the year before on Sony Michel. They also had veterans James White, Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden in the fold.

When the third round unfolded, however, one name on their draft board stuck out and the value was too good to pass up. The team used its 87th pick on Damien Harris.

He didn’t play much last year as a rookie, a talented depth chart one reason for that. Fast forward to this summer’s training camp and Harris looked like the best running back on the team.

The media saw it, but fans had to wait.

Everyone saw what Harris had to offer when the Patriots took on the Kansas City Chiefs. In the Patriots’ 26-10 loss to Kansas City, there weren’t many positives on the offensive end. Without Cam Newton, who tested positive for coronavirus, both Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham looked sloppy. Harris was the lone bright spot.

After rushing for 12 yards all last season, Harris made his 2020 debut and rushed for a career-high 100 yards on 17 carries. The Patriots could use a performance like that on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Another strong showing would only reinforce why the Patriots drafted him in the first place.

Harris said that performance didn’t give him confidence. Instead, he’s gaining it from practice.

"I think, personally, most of my confidence comes from being on the practice field, going out and preparing every single day to put my best foot forward on Sundays or whatever day we ultimately are playing the game," Harris said. "But I think that's where my confidence comes from, going out there and working on what's going to happen in the game, preparing myself to go out there and play a tough, physical and competitive football game."

The Broncos have been solid when it comes to stopping the run in 2020. Denver ranks 13th in the NFL in rush defense, allowing 109 rushing yards per game. They’ve also allowed just two rushing touchdowns this season, which ranks fifth in the NFL. Nose tackle Mike Purcell anchors the Broncos defensive line.

Heading into this game, the Broncos have an advantage since they’ve had two full weeks’ worth of practices. The Patriots have had just two full practices. This week, the team returned to Gillette Stadium after four players were placed on the COVID-19/Reserve list. Cam Newton is expected to start, but he missed almost two weeks due to coronavirus. A big performance from Harris would be a big help.

The Patriots also have Michel on the injured reserve. The running back depth, however, looked great thanks to Harris and his ability to break off large runs. When Hoyer was pulled from the game in the third quarter in Kansas City, Harris broke off for a 41-yard run. That helped set up Jarrett Stidham’s first NFL touchdown pass and the only touchdown scored by the Patriots that night.

Another game like that from Harris would go a long way for the Patriots offense on Sunday.

"It really is a team effort," said guard Joe Thuney of the run game. "We’ve got running backs and wide receivers running the ball. It obviously starts with the offensive line and trying to get good combinations, good doubles or good technique in the run game. Then tight end, receivers, running backs, quarterbacks everyone is doing a good job blocking downfield reading the right things. It’s a team effort it takes all 11 guys on offense."

Harris started his season on the injured reserve after he suffered a hand injury in training camp. In Kansas City, it didn’t seem like the delayed start hurt the young running back at all. Now, the Patriots running back position is his if he can take advantage of another opportunity.

"Any opportunity I can take the field with this team, I'm always going to be excited," Harris said. "Like I said, this is a new challenge, this is a new week for us. The Kansas City game is behind us. I'm just looking forward to that next opportunity to go out there and play football with this team."

DAMIEN HARRIS

RUNNING BACK

HT: 5-11 WT: 213

YR: 2 AGE: 23

CAREER VS. BRONCOS: This will be Harris’ first game against the Denver Broncos.

THE SKINNY: The Patriots offense needs a shot of life. There was a moment last week where it looked like the Patriots might be able to upset Kansas City, but their quarterback play made sure that wouldn’t happen. Harris was a lone bright spot. He looked great in training camp and might be on his way to locking up the Patriots starting running back position. Another strong effort would certainly help on Monday.

MIKE PURCELL

NOSE TACKLE

HT: 6-3 WT: 328

YR: 5 AGE: 29

CAREER VS. PATRIOTS: Purcell played one game against the Patriots, in 2016, but registered no stats.

THE SKINNY: In four games this season, the 1-3 Broncos have had their fair share of struggles. They’ve also struggled to contain top running backs. In Week 1, they allowed 116 rushing yards to Tennessee's Derrick Henry. In Week 2, they allowed 106 rushing yards and a touchdown to Pittsburgh back James Conner. The Broncos lost both games. This weekend, if Purcell and his defensive line can stop the Patriots run game, it could create for a difficult evening for the Patriots offense.