RB Damien Harris, BUF (2 Viewers)

[Faust]

Damien Harris (finger) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

It shouldn't be a big deal. Harris has rushed 39 times for 162 yards and one touchdown through two games, settling in as the Patriots' early-down bruiser and a solid RB2. He gets a date with the Saints in Week 3.

Sep 22, 2021, 4:34 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Patriots RB Damien Harris (finger) remained limited in Thursday's practice.

Harris was reportedly wearing gloves at the outset of Thursday's practice, but this remains something that shouldn't keep him from playing barring a shock on Friday. The Patriots have the Saints in Week 3, and New Orleans has allowed only 2.8 yards per carry early on and were one of the best teams in that category in 2020 as well. If you somehow lucked into better options, you might consider fading Harris this week, but the workload should be there for him to be in the low RB2 range. 

Sep 23, 2021, 4:37 PM ET

 

[The Frankman]

Damien Harris rushed six times for 14 yards and caught two passes for -3 yards in Week 3 against the Saints.

Harris was barely used with the Patriots trailing in the second half, losing touches to J.J. Taylor and Brandon Bolden while not factoring into the pass game. James White could potentially miss time with a hip injury, but if Sunday's game was any indication, Harris may not see much of a change to his workload. Taylor and Rhamondre Stevenson, a healthy scratch the last two weeks, are candidates to pick up White's snaps.

 

[themeistersinger]

I was listening a a Yahoo podcast and the guys there said Damien Harris' pass-blocking was awful last week and was the biggest reason he was benched.  Looking at his PFF grades kind of bears that out - Pass Blocking Grade is 24.6 

Other NE backs for pass blocking grades

JJ Taylor - no snaps in pass pro

Damien Harris - 24.6

Brandon Bolden - 70.1

James White - 70.2

Rhamondre Stevenson - 9.0

Anybody NE homers can weigh in on that?  Seems like a huge negative when you're trying to prop up the next Tom Brady.

 

[Anarchy99]

I was listening a a Yahoo podcast and the guys there said Damien Harris' pass-blocking was awful last week and was the biggest reason he was benched.  Looking at his PFF grades kind of bears that out - Pass Blocking Grade is 24.6 

Other NE backs for pass blocking grades

JJ Taylor - no snaps in pass pro

Damien Harris - 24.6

Brandon Bolden - 70.1

James White - 70.2

Rhamondre Stevenson - 9.0

Anybody NE homers can weigh in on that?  Seems like a huge negative when you're trying to prop up the next Tom Brady.

Media folks here have suggested Bolden will see a lot of work this week (and the next few games) based on his pass blocking. He will probably see a few dump off passes, but IMO Meyers will probably see more targets with White out. So far, Hunter has run way more routes than Smith, as Smith has been kept in to block a lot more. 

 

[themeistersinger]

Media folks here have suggested Bolden will see a lot of work this week (and the next few games) based on his pass blocking. He will probably see a few dump off passes, but IMO Meyers will probably see more targets with White out. So far, Hunter has run way more routes than Smith, as Smith has been kept in to block a lot more. 

Thanks for this.  But as a guy that rosters Damien Harris, I'm more concerned with the effect directly on him.  Of course I don't see him doing much against Tampa Bay, but the next few weeks the schedule looks nice.  At Houston, home vs Cowboys, home vs Jets, at Chargers.  Should be able to pound the rock those games.  

Is Harris that bad in pass pro?  I thought he was at least decent at it last year.  I get he's never going to catch a lot of passes, but if he simply has to come off the field any time they call a pass because he can neither block nor catch, that will really hamper his upside.

Or was this more of a one-week blip?

 

[Anarchy99]

Thanks for this.  But as a guy that rosters Damien Harris, I'm more concerned with the effect directly on him.  Of course I don't see him doing much against Tampa Bay, but the next few weeks the schedule looks nice.  At Houston, home vs Cowboys, home vs Jets, at Chargers.  Should be able to pound the rock those games.  

Is Harris that bad in pass pro?  I thought he was at least decent at it last year.  I get he's never going to catch a lot of passes, but if he simply has to come off the field any time they call a pass because he can neither block nor catch, that will really hamper his upside.

Or was this more of a one-week blip?

There are different forces at work here. Teams have been blitzing because NE had a rookie QB. Cause that’s what you are supposed to do. The Pats have also had OL issues, and that’s the biggest issue with the offense. Harris didn’t have to pick up the blitz last year because the Pats didn’t pass much last year with Newton. So hard to really tell if he is good or bad in blitz pickup. 

As far as his upcoming games, he’s not going to get the workload he did in week one. That was atypical. What should be a concern for Harris owners is he’s had 2 big runs but has averaged about 2 ypc in his other attempts. Again, that’s an OL issue. Maybe that improves with Brown coming back, but until they fix the line problems the offense will be stuck in neutral. 

I did see an odd stat this week. Jones performed way better when he got the ball out in around 2 seconds then when he had 3 seconds or more. That seems opposite of how it should be. Like almost three times better with quick releases. 

 

[themeistersinger]

I did see an odd stat this week. Jones performed way better when he got the ball out in around 2 seconds then when he had 3 seconds or more. That seems opposite of how it should be. Like almost three times better with quick releases. 

That is interesting.  Sounds like if his first read gets open he fires it out there right away with good results.  But if the first read doesn't work, then either he can't scan the field properly, or none of his receivers are doing much to get open, which is certainly possible with that bunch.

 

[Anarchy99]

That is interesting.  Sounds like if his first read gets open he fires it out there right away with good results.  But if the first read doesn't work, then either he can't scan the field properly, or none of his receivers are doing much to get open, which is certainly possible with that bunch.

Guys have been getting open. The issue has been Jones had had to take some 9 step drops then still maneuver and run around to get the ball out. That clearly is not his game. Because of that, he’s been missing the window to hit guys when they are open and once the play breaks down, things have fallen apart. That explains why his rating is 90ish when he makes the right initial read and gets the ball out but his rating is 30ish when he tries to extend plays and flings the ball on a wing and a prayer before he gets sacked.

Thats where guys like White would help. Pick up the blitz, chip somebody as they come in, and then become a safety valve. Harris, Taylor, and Stevenson cannot do that consistently. They might be able to do that once in awhile, but Jones has been having to face the music pretty much almost every play. 

The other thing that made things worse is Jones didn’t really see much of a pass rush in the preseason as teams hardly ever blitzed. The take away in general was that the OL was going to be one of the best in the league, and so far I think they rank 18th. IMO, that’s a bit misleading as they have played small when they needed plays the most. I’m guessing the OL will start to play better, but there is no guarantee. 

 

[kface]

I wish i dealt him after his mediocre week 2.  I was so close to doing it.  I think that pats are going to struggle all year long.  

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Guys have been getting open. The issue has been Jones had had to take some 9 step drops then still maneuver and run around to get the ball out. That clearly is not his game. Because of that, he’s been missing the window to hit guys when they are open and once the play breaks down, things have fallen apart. That explains why his rating is 90ish when he makes the right initial read and gets the ball out but his rating is 30ish when he tries to extend plays and flings the ball on a wing and a prayer before he gets sacked.

Thats where guys like White would help. Pick up the blitz, chip somebody as they come in, and then become a safety valve. Harris, Taylor, and Stevenson cannot do that consistently. They might be able to do that once in awhile, but Jones has been having to face the music pretty much almost every play. 

The other thing that made things worse is Jones didn’t really see much of a pass rush in the preseason as teams hardly ever blitzed. The take away in general was that the OL was going to be one of the best in the league, and so far I think they rank 18th. IMO, that’s a bit misleading as they have played small when they needed plays the most. I’m guessing the OL will start to play better, but there is no guarantee. 

Based on the above, seems like TB will cover the spread easily.

 

[Anarchy99]

Based on the above, seems like TB will cover the spread easily.

Maybe, maybe not. TB has a lot of injuries. Trent Brown back for NE. BB likely will run out plays Brady has never sen before (if that makes a difference). NE may not win, but I don't think they will get crushed.

 

[Blackbear]

Trent Brown inactive…

https://twitter.com/ZackCoxNESN/status/1444798328684830721?s=20

 

[Blackbear]

Bentley out hurts at MLB or ILB on defense.

 

[TLEF316]

I knew better than to draft a pats running back. Did it anyway.  Just so stupid 

 

[Faust]

ESPN's Mike Clay reports Damien Harris ran a career-high 17 pass routes in Week 4 against the Bucs. 

An an unforeseen turn of events, Harris -- an early-down banger with no pass catching history -- became New England's primary pass catching RB with James White (hip) done for the year. Harris certainly doesn't have a locked-in three-down role, as Branden Bolden saw six targets on a mere eight pass routes against the Bucs. The Patriots have continued punishing rookie Rhamondre Stevenson, keeping him inactive since his Week 1 fumble. That could give Harris some pass-game work going forward, bolstering his fantasy outlook in the team's post-White backfield. 

RELATED: 

Rhamondre Stevenson

, Brandon Bolden

SOURCE: Mike Clay on Twitter 

Oct 4, 2021, 10:07 AM ET

Damien Harris caught two passes for 30 yards in the Patriots' Week 4 loss to the Bucs.

Harris finished with negative rushing yards on four carries in a game the Patriots called only seven run plays. It's the second straight week he's fell out of the gameplan after Harris rushed for 14 yards on six carries in Week 3. Harris played over 60% of snaps, but saw fewer touches than Brandon Bolden (7) even with the added passing work. The Patriots should get back to a more run-balanced game script for a matchup with the Texans (1-3) in Week 5. 

Oct 4, 2021, 12:48 AM ET

 

[Wise Old Owl]

He's a buy right now to me. You knew he was going to do nothing against TB. Hou, NYJ and LAC three of the next four weeks. 

 

[themeistersinger]

ESPN's Mike Clay reports Damien Harris ran a career-high 17 pass routes in Week 4 against the Bucs. 

Very interesting news.  I wonder how much JJ Taylor's fumble influenced that.  But if Harris can even pick up one extra catch per week, as well as own the rushing down work, he will definitely have value any week that NE is favored or just facing a bad run D.

 

[Timmay]

That is a positive sign for Harris in the pass game. He looked decent on his catches and seemed to protect Mac when he could. Definitely helps that Taylor fumbled. 

 

[Anarchy99]

The NE running game is a mess these days, and until they get their OL issues straightened out, all their backs will be questionable fantasy plays. After 4 games, Harris has a 3.5 ypc. When you consider that he's gotten 35% of his rushing yardage on 2 big plays, that means he's only slogged his way to slightly above 2 yards a carry on all his other carries.

Unless and until Harris, Stevenson, and Taylor can hold onto the football and do better in pass protection, Brandon Bolden will see a lot of work. In 6 quarters of work, Bolden has 9 receptions.

 

[HW_53]

I hope he gets more looks in the pass game, because I think he is a talented player.  I didn't watch all of his pass protects, but, from what I did see, he looked like he learned how to block from a Youtube video - was a bit rough.  Coach 'em up, coach!

 

[Wise Old Owl]

The NE running game is a mess these days, and until they get their OL issues straightened out, all their backs will be questionable fantasy plays. After 4 games, Harris has a 3.5 ypc. When you consider that he's gotten 35% of his rushing yardage on 2 big plays, that means he's only slogged his way to slightly above 2 yards a carry on all his other carries.

Unless and until Harris, Stevenson, and Taylor can hold onto the football and do better in pass protection, Brandon Bolden will see a lot of work. In 6 quarters of work, Bolden has 9 receptions.

I don't think Bolden's role expanding changes anything for Harris. Harris was always the rushing downs guy and White was the passing downs guy. Now Bolden is going to be the passing downs guy. Taylor and Stevenson had their chance to take the passing downs job after White went down and it is looking like (at least for now) that they did not seize that opportunity. 

 

[Anarchy99]

I don't think Bolden's role expanding changes anything for Harris. Harris was always the rushing downs guy and White was the passing downs guy. Now Bolden is going to be the passing downs guy. Taylor and Stevenson had their chance to take the passing downs job after White went down and it is looking like (at least for now) that they did not seize that opportunity. 

IMO, it's unwise to make global assessments on a small sample size (ie, a single game). Harris only ran more routes because they could not run the football at all. I would not conclude that Harris is suddenly going to see a ton of targets. As you said, he is the early down running guy . . . and at the moment he's not doing that all that well. NE won't win many games with negative rushing yards on the day.

Harris still is partly in the doghouse for fumbling to blow their first game, he most likely won't approach 25+ touches again, his pass protection hasn't been great, and we still have no idea what they will do at the goal line given that they hardly get there. Sure, he's the best guy to have fantasy wise in the NE backfield, but that probably isn't saying much right at the moment. NE currently ranks 30th in rushing attempts, 31st in rushing yards, 24th in rushing TD, and 29th in ypc. Add in that they split up the workload, and Harris becomes even less appealing.

Taylor probably will get a slap on the wrist and will be inactive this week, while Stevenson probably gets another shot in his place. They should do better against the Texans, but I think the Patriots backfield is still a work in progress and may evolve or pivot as the season goes on.

 

[Anarchy99]

NE placed Wynn and Onwenu on the COVID list. If they can’t play this week that can’t be a good thing. 

 

[Blackbear]

NE placed Wynn and Onwenu on the COVID list. If they can’t play this week that can’t be a good thing. 

Wow. Not good at all. The oline has been a huge problem this season and we all thought it might be a top five unit. I hope Brown is back and plays left tackle and then they get Karass in at left guard. 

 

[Faust]

Damien Harris (chest) is questionable to return to New England's Week 5 game against the Texans.

Harris' goal-line fumble in the first half had him seeing sporadic usage anyway, and he got popped by Jon Greenard on a stunt for a loss on a third quarter drive and walked off. He had 10 carries for 27 yards and a touchdown before departing. Rhamondre Stevenson and Brandon Bolden have seen the majority of the work for the Patriots since the Harris fumble. 

Oct 10, 2021, 3:10 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet

#Patriots RB Damien Harris checked out OK after yesterday’s game, source said. He was limited with rib and chest injuries, but tests ruled out anything significant and he’s best described as day-to-day.

https://twitter.com/rapsheet/status/1447633635281149952?s=21

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Zack Cox@ZackCoxNESN

Damien Harris following up his best game of the season with ... his best game of the season. After rushing for 18-101-1 (5.6 YPC) last week, he's up to 14-106-2 (7.6) today with nearly a full quarter still to play.

 

[Faust]

Week 8 Fantasy Football Stats: Chargers' run D holding Justin Herbert back?

Excerpt:

Damien Harris is our consensus ranked RB14 this week and for good reason. He’s coming off back-to-back 100-yard games and has scored three times in that span. A date with the Chargers makes him a strong candidate to hit the century mark yet again. He’s a near must-start this week unless you are completely spoiled at the running back spot.

 

[The Frankman]

Damien Harris rushed 15 times for 30 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots' Week 9 win over the Panthers before departing with a head injury. 

Harris was injured midway through the fourth quarter. It is unclear if he actually suffered a concussion, though he did not return to a game the Patriots were comfortably leading. Harris led the Patriots' backfield in carries, but Rhamondre Stevenson won the yardage battle while Brandon Bolden took snaps. Stevenson also departed with a potential concussion. Harris' three-yard score came at the end of a second quarter drive that had previously been dominated by Stevenson. Despite Stevenson's pop-up, 100-yard day, we would fully expect Harris to maintain early-down supremacy should both backs be ready for next Sunday's game against the Browns.

- NBC SportsEDGE

 

[Team Smokin']

Any word on either D Harris or Rhamondre Stevenson with potential concussions... and then there's Brandon Bolden. As a Harris owner I was ready to grab R Stevenson as a handcuff and potential FLEX play if needed. Now wondering which way to go this week to secure the best NE RB to play for this week. Hmmm

 

[tigerz]

Any word on either D Harris or Rhamondre Stevenson with potential concussions... and then there's Brandon Bolden. As a Harris owner I was ready to grab R Stevenson as a handcuff and potential FLEX play if needed. Now wondering which way to go this week to secure the best NE RB to play for this week. Hmmm

Me too.... Posted same Q in waiver wire thread. They are both in concussion protocol right now.

It may be none of the above. Both JJ and Bolden did great against the Jets. Cleveland is not the Jets. Might be better off looking somewhere else for a one week play.

 

[Anarchy99]

Any word on either D Harris or Rhamondre Stevenson with potential concussions... and then there's Brandon Bolden. As a Harris owner I was ready to grab R Stevenson as a handcuff and potential FLEX play if needed. Now wondering which way to go this week to secure the best NE RB to play for this week. Hmmm

Both are in concussion protocol. Too soon to tell if either can play this week. 

LINK

 

[Anarchy99]

Both Harris and Stevenson were not spotted at practice today.

 

[Blackbear]

Both Harris and Stevenson were not spotted at practice today.

Was Trent Brown?

 

[Anarchy99]

Was Trent Brown?

Trent was practicing. 

 

[Anarchy99]

NE is hopeful Stevenson will be cleared and could play against CLE on Sunday. No word on Harris yet. 

 

[themeistersinger]

NE is hopeful Stevenson will be cleared and could play against CLE on Sunday. No word on Harris yet. 

If you had to choose between Stevenson and Bolden for a pickup for this week, who would you recommend?

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

If you had to choose between Stevenson and Bolden for a pickup for this week, who would you recommend?

Stevenson has shown he can be Harris.  If the question was JJ Taylor versus Bolden, I'd side with Bolden.

 

[Team Smokin']

Stevenson has shown he can be Harris.  If the question was JJ Taylor versus Bolden, I'd side with Bolden.

Deduction: Harris, Stevenson, Bolden, Taylor in that order?

For this week how would we play em? Too close to call. I have Harris and picked up Bolden cuz healthy, yet wanted Stevenson to be his handcuff before the concussion. So, that's my conundrum. Can't carry 3 NE RB's but one of them is going to see a start most likely this week.

 

[Blackbear]

Deduction: Harris, Stevenson, Bolden, Taylor in that order?

For this week how would we play em? Too close to call. I have Harris and picked up Bolden cuz healthy, yet wanted Stevenson to be his handcuff before the concussion. So, that's my conundrum. Can't carry 3 NE RB's but one of them is going to see a start most likely this week.

Naturally we all get fooled and JJ Taylor has a career day. 

 

[Blackbear]

Haha, they just asked Trinys question who can run the ball. Perry follows up with I don’t know if anyone has ideas out there let me know. 
 

I can easily come of the coach. 
 

Put  30 pack of Sam Adams at the goal post. 
 

once in while I might need this helpers feed me crunchy Cheetos. 
 

 

[themeistersinger]

PFF Grades on the Patriots RBs

Damien Harris
5'10" 216 lbs
270 snaps - 137 run, 82 receiving, 38 pass block, 13 run block
Running Grade - 83.2
Receiving Grade - 66.4
Pass Block Grade - 53.9
Run Block Grade - 66.2

Brandon Bolden
5'11" 220 lbs
165 snaps - 23 run, 103 receiving, 28 pass block, 10 run block
Running Grade - 68.2
Receiving Grade - 85.3
Pass Block Grade - 33.7
Run Block Grade - 61.3

Rhamondre Stevenson
6'0" 246 lbs
73 snaps - 35 run, 29 receiving, 4 pass block, 5 run block
Running Grade - 70.6
Receiving Grade - 59.1
Pass Block Grade - 21.2
Run Block Grade - 58.7

JJ Taylor
5'6"" - 185 lbs
39 snaps - 14 run, 21 receiving, 1 pass block, 3 run block
Running Grade - 74.6
Receiving Grade - 36.6
Pass Block Grade - 67.1
Run Block Grade - 60.0

 

[Blackbear]

No more gosh darned fumbles.

https://youtu.be/mzvk0fWtCs0

 

[Faust]

Damien Harris (concussion) remained sidelined for Thursday's practice.

Rhamondre Stevenson (concussion) was also sidelined again on Thursday. With both statuses likely being taken into Saturday, Brandon Bolden and J.J. Taylor should be viewed as opportunity-based RB3s against Cleveland's stout-rushing defense. Bolden can still provide a floor given his backfield-high 20 targets since James White went down.

SOURCE: Jim McBride on Twitter

Nov 11, 2021, 12:54 PM ET

 

[Team Smokin']

PFF Grades on the Patriots RBs

Damien Harris
5'10" 216 lbs
270 snaps - 137 run, 82 receiving, 38 pass block, 13 run block
Running Grade - 83.2
Receiving Grade - 66.4
Pass Block Grade - 53.9
Run Block Grade - 66.2

Brandon Bolden
5'11" 220 lbs
165 snaps - 23 run, 103 receiving, 28 pass block, 10 run block
Running Grade - 68.2
Receiving Grade - 85.3
Pass Block Grade - 33.7
Run Block Grade - 61.3

Rhamondre Stevenson
6'0" 246 lbs
73 snaps - 35 run, 29 receiving, 4 pass block, 5 run block
Running Grade - 70.6
Receiving Grade - 59.1
Pass Block Grade - 21.2
Run Block Grade - 58.7

JJ Taylor
5'6"" - 185 lbs
39 snaps - 14 run, 21 receiving, 1 pass block, 3 run block
Running Grade - 74.6
Receiving Grade - 36.6
Pass Block Grade - 67.1
Run Block Grade - 60.0

I keep hearing that Stevenson is on the rise and is most likely the primary handcuff to Harris. He may also cut more into percentage carries with Harris.

 

[themeistersinger]

I keep hearing that Stevenson is on the rise and is most likely the primary handcuff to Harris. He may also cut more into percentage carries with Harris.

Maybe, but I am only focusing on this Sunday.  As of now I am leaning Bolden, with Harris and Stevenson both being DNP for Wed and Thu

 

[Team Smokin']

Maybe, but I am only focusing on this Sunday.  As of now I am leaning Bolden, with Harris and Stevenson both being DNP for Wed and Thu

I too am looking directly at this week, yet also beyond which is making it that much trickier to follow all of this. It'll pan out, I just don't want to miss out on Stevenson if word gets out the he could be in line for a big game and Harris sits. If Harris plays then I gotta decide to most likely drop Bolden and pick up Stevenson if he too is healthy by Saturday / Sunday. The tricky part is the order of finding out things. If Stevenson clears first then it gets dicey. I don't want to throw Bolden back to the FA if he goes off for two scores and 100 lol.

 

[Team Smokin']

Here's a quote that Faust just posted on Rhamondre Stevenson.

Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears said Rhamondre Stevenson's game day status will be a week-to-week decision. 

Stevenson missed a block in Week 6 that led to a sack and was made inactive for New England's Week 7 game against the Jets. He had excelled with precious little opportunity the prior week against the Cowboys, gaining 62 yards on eight touches, including three receptions. He also scored a short touchdown against Dallas. Fears said Stevenson's game day status will hinge on his practice performance during the week, saying it would come down to activating the rookie or J.J. Taylor, who has also made costly mistake this year. Damien Harris remains the team's primary ball carrier whether or not Stevenson is active. 

RELATED: 

J.J. Taylor

, Damien Harris

SOURCE: Mike Reiss on Twitter 

Oct 26, 2021, 12:32 PM ET

I'd say right now Bolden is the leader going into this week, but it might change. 

 

[Anarchy99]

Maybe, but I am only focusing on this Sunday.  As of now I am leaning Bolden, with Harris and Stevenson both being DNP for Wed and Thu

Here's what CLE has allowed to RB this season . . .

CEH: 14-43-0, 3-29-0
Ingram: 14-41-0, 1-(-1)-0
Montgomery: 10-34-0, 2-21-0
Cook: 9-34-0, 2-10-0
Ekeler: 17-66-2, 5-53-1
Conner: 16-71-0, 1-1-0
Williams: 4-20-0, 6-32-1
Harris: 26-91-1, 3-29-0

Ekeler did really well and Harris had decent totals based on a huge workload. I would look elsewhere if you had other options to pick from other than a NE RB this week. Stevenson still a better bet to play than Harris as far as I can tell, but we'll have to see if he comes back to practice tomorrow. BB generally doesn't play guys that didn't practice all week (at least not named Brady).