How Damien Harris Can Elevate Bills Running Game in 2023

The Buffalo Bills may have gained the upgrade their running game needed in signing former New England Patriots rusher Damien Harris this offseason.

While the high-octane nature of the Buffalo Bills passing game has received its share of accolades from both fans and media alike, their running game may finally be ready to become an adequate offensive complement in 2023. 

With the addition of former New England Patriots running back Damien Harris, who agreed to a one-year contract with the Bills earlier this offseason, Buffalo made a savvy upgrade to its rushing attack which may pay dividends this season. Patriots beat reporter Mike D'Abate of SI.com's Patriots Country is here to detail why.

Though outgoing running back Devin Singletary was a solid receiving option out of the backfield, Harris is equally potent as an early-down rusher, as well as a pass-catching option in short-yardage situations. 

"This organization has always found a way to bring out the best in me as an opponent, so I truly believe that now that I’m a [Buffalo] Bill, I think that it'll just take that to a whole new level," Harris said shortly after signing with the team in March. 

Harris, 26, was drafted by New England in the third round (87 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his four years with Buffalo’s chief divisional rival, Harris established himself as the team’s top option at the position. In 2021, he enjoyed his most productive season; rushing for 959 yards on 211 carries. The Alabama product finished second in the league with 15 rushing touchdowns while catching 19 passes for 139 yards.

Health and injury took its toll on Harris in the final year of his rookie deal. Both hamstring and thigh injuries sidelined him for seven games last season. Still, in nine games, he ran for 462 yards and three touchdowns on 106 carries, while also catching 17 passes (on 23 targets) for 97 yards. During his time away from the field, running back Rhamondre Stevenson emerged as the Pats top option at the position. 

Ultimately, he concluded his Patriots tenure having rushed for 2094 yards on 449 attempts with 20 touchdowns. He also caught a total of 40 passes for 281 yards in four seasons with New England.

Despite some ball security issues early in his career, Harris has continuously improved his confidence and experience, running for both power and finesse. When given the space to maneuver, he is capable of breaking for significant yardage. He can also be a factor when receiving out of the backfield, a trait which he exhibited during his days at Alabama. Harris' skill set, as well as his leadership and enthusiasm has made him a favorite among his teammates, as well as the New England fanbase. 

Harris’ dual-threat capabilities will immediately be welcomed by the Bills in short order. Though he is expected to initially slot in behind second-year rusher James Cook on the depth chart, Harris has shown an ability not only to handle the feature duties, but also contribute at a high-level while doing so. In fact, it may have lent an extra layer of comfort for Buffalo to forgo using any of their six 2023 NFL Draft selections on a running back. 

When adding fellow running backs Nyheim Hines and Latavius Murray into the mix, Buffalo’s running game may finally have all the necessary components to take the pressure off quarterback Josh Allen and his prolific stable of pass-catchers in the upcoming year. 

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Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL.

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