New England Patriots running back Damien Harris. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots' Damien Harris won't let crucial late-game fumble define him

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 9/13/21

New England Patriots running back Damien Harris didn't end his Sunday on a particularly good note, fumbling the football in the final minutes of the fourth quarter in what ended up being a Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins. But the third-year rusher out of Alabama is determined to not let that misstep define the rest of the season.

"Obviously I have to do a better job of holding on to the ball, especially in a critical situation like that," Harris said postgame via CBS Sports. "But it's a long season. Not going to let this mistake define me, so I'm just ready to move forward."

OH NO

Damien Harris fumbles inside the red zone and Miami (+3.5) takes over with 3:18 to play pic.twitter.com/7mHBFPQTOb
— Barstool Sportsbook (@BSSportsbook) September 12, 2021

Harris finished the day with a team-high 23 carries for 100 rushing yards, including a massive run to start the game off.

Damien Harris goes for 35 yards on the first play of the game! @DHx34 #ForeverNE

: #MIAvsNE on CBS
: NFL app pic.twitter.com/DCh5svmTCs
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021

Unfortunately, his early-game efforts were overshadowed when he was stripped of the ball just outside the 10-yard line with just 3:35 left on the clock. The Dolphins then ran out the clock and escaped Foxborough with a 17-16 victory.

After losing in such heartbreaking fashion, Harris just wants to pick up the pieces and move on to Week 2.

"What's most important to me is the fact that we didn't win the game first and foremost, and then the play that happened, I mean, I'm ready to move on," he said. "It's a tough play. It's part of the game, but you know, I hold myself accountable, and I'll continue to do that. Like I said, I'm just ready to move forward, and I'm not going to let it define me as a player."

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