10-15-2013, 02:05 PM
I was keying on this matchup a bit to try to gauge Harris' progress. While he gave up a few plays (especially biting on the fake screen pass) Harris played Welker pretty well. He limited one of the premier slot receivers in the league to 6 catches for 63 yds. Yes, he had the one TD on the aforementioned fake. ( I attribute that to a HOF QB doing what he does against a 2nd year 5th rounder.)
Also - Welker had a few receptions during which Harris was not on the field or assigned elsewhere.
They played nickel more than they have in any game this season and Harris responded pretty well, IMO. Now, I'm not crowning the guy a great nickel or anything - just thought I'd point out that he held his own and would have had a great game had he not bit on the fake screen pass. ( also important to note that the LB could have also stopped Welker for a 5 yard gain after Harris moved up anticipating the screen - but he was also sucked in.)
Bottom line: He looks like a guy that Bradley may indeed want to upgrade next year - but in a scheme that emphasizes aggressive DB play - he's probably quality depth moving forward.
Also - Welker had a few receptions during which Harris was not on the field or assigned elsewhere.
They played nickel more than they have in any game this season and Harris responded pretty well, IMO. Now, I'm not crowning the guy a great nickel or anything - just thought I'd point out that he held his own and would have had a great game had he not bit on the fake screen pass. ( also important to note that the LB could have also stopped Welker for a 5 yard gain after Harris moved up anticipating the screen - but he was also sucked in.)
Bottom line: He looks like a guy that Bradley may indeed want to upgrade next year - but in a scheme that emphasizes aggressive DB play - he's probably quality depth moving forward.