It’s no secret that journeyman linebacker David Harris has been ridiculously underused by the New England Patriots this season only recording seven snaps in five games.
The former New York Jet was a Second Team All-Pro in 2009 and recorded 100 or more tackles in six out of the 10 seasons he has played in his career. Harris also does well rushing the passer as he has recorded four or more sacks in more than half the seasons he has played.
Head coach Bill Belichick has always been a fan of Harris so why hasn’t he played. Most point to his age and his decline over the years as a contribution to his near absence from the field.
But a decline was clearly not evident in his last years with his former team in East Rutherford. In his final three seasons with his former team, he recorded 326 tackles and 10.5 sacks.
At 33, he clearly has something left, but as out of character for him as his role on this team might be, he’s just following the orders of the coaches around him.
“I try to do whatever is best for the team,” Harris said to the Boston Herald. “Whatever coach (Belichick) asks me to do, I try to do it. It’s been going good. We’re winning right now, and that’s all you can ask for.”
The defense, despite having a winning record, still ranks dead last in most statistical categories and giving Harris more snaps to see how the defense looks wouldn’t hurt especially against the team that helped build him into the intimidating force that he is.
“It’s a big week,” Harris said. “The rivalry, everybody knows what this week means to both organizations. It’ll be a lot of fun on Sunday.”
The defense looked like it was coming together and getting healthier against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, now’s the time to get Harris involved and provide the unit with more leadership and passion which is what is lacking for this Patriots’ defense.
