Las Vegas Raiders veteran safety Erik Harris is optimistic about the upcoming season. In a recent interview with The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, Harris believes that the Silver and Black are making progress. As the top performer of the Raiders secondary in 2019, Erik is ready to play a crucial role on the team again in 2020.
Leading From the Back
Who are the defensive leaders on the Las Vegas Raiders roster? Since the retirement of the legendary Charles Woodson in 2016, the Raiders secondary has been a sight for sore eyes. However, there has been one light in the darkness. Once an undrafted free agent, Harris led the Silver and Black’s defense with three interceptions in 2019 and played in 87% of the team’s defensive snaps. Last season, he received a generous increase in playing time after parting in just 48% of total defensive snaps in 2018. In short, the increase displayed that Erik is an impact player. Former Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers would be inclined to agree with that statement based on the footage below.
Oakland Is Rocking!
Erik Harris gets his second interception of the night and takes it 55-yards TO THE HOUSE to put the Raiders (+1.5) up 10-0 🔥
Raiders ML Early Payout 💰✅
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) November 8, 2019
More importantly, two of Harris’ three interceptions on the season were returned for a touchdown. Above all, he is an integral part of the roster with his exemplary work ethic.
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“Our essential purpose is to become the-best-version-of-ourselves.†– Matthew Kelly pic.twitter.com/BHrMIL1Y0a
— Erik Harris (@e_harris_31) July 17, 2020
Moving forward, he will be influential to the talented young players that are flooding the roster.
Ready for Football in 2020
As Covid-19 pummels the world, the 2020 NFL season hangs in the balance. On the other hand, Erik Harris is more than ready to play football despite the uncertainty.
“No one really knows yet what’s going happen, or what the protocols are going to look like, and that’s a little crazy. And that’s concerning for players with relatives who are likely to get it … but I just want to play football, whether it’s in front of fans or not.” –Erik Harris in an interview with The Athletic’s Vic Tafur
The veteran safety believes that there is growth in the Silver and Black’s locker room heading into 2020.
Talking to @e_harris_31 about the new depth in the secondary and on #Raiders roster overall.
"Each year, our locker room looks more and more like an NFL locker room."
Funny but true.— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) July 17, 2020
With proper guidance, the secondary led by Erik Harris has potential to be an efficient and highly motivated unit in 2020.
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