Bills 'Brought Out the Best' in RB Damien Harris During Time with Patriots
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The Buffalo Bills can breathe a sigh of relief!
They now no longer have to feel the gut-wrenching disappointment while looking at the No. 37 on the back of Damien Harris' jersey while he runs into the end zone, as the Bills signed Harris to a one-year deal on Monday after he spent his four NFL seasons with the AFC East rival New England Patriots.
Harris is already in Orchard Park and in Bills gear, as he spoke to the Buffalo media for the first time on Tuesday. After victimizing the Bills in five total meetings during his time in New England, he's ready to return the favor for his new squad.
"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.
In those five games against Buffalo (including playoffs), Harris totaled 66 carries for 394 yards and five rushing scores. It may not seem like much on paper, but Harris made the most of his opportunities when facing the Bills, as his 5.97 yards per carry was certainly impressive.
By far his best game of that bunch came on Dec. 26, 2021 during a must-win game amid a playoff push for both teams. The Bills ended up winning 33-21 in Foxboro, but Harris accounted for all three of New England's touchdowns, as he finished with 18 carries for 103 yards and three scores. As a true RB1 in that offense at the time, Harris didn't blink.
It was easy to reflect on these things Tuesday now that he's in Buffalo.
"For some reason, when it comes to the Bills, I've always had my best game so hopefully we can just we can keep the keep the momentum on that going," he said.
Harris will likely be in a bit of committee-like approach with second-year running back James Cook this upcoming season.
But regardless of his role, Bills fans are likely willing to extend some forgiveness toward Harris ... even though he gashed them with a 64-yard touchdown run in 2021 that gave the Pats a 14-10 at Highmark Stadium amid unbearably cold conditions.
A Bills loss that ended with Josh Allen and the offense coming up short in the red zone in the final two minutes was highlighted by Harris' big touchdown.
But jokes and all aside, it seems like the Bills are tucking that forgettable memory away by bringing Harris aboard.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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