Oakland Raiders: Erik Harris taking advantage of opportunities
The Oakland Raiders answered the call of capturing their second win of the season after dropping the previous two games. Safety Erik Harris stepped up huge in his first start of the 2019 season.
The Oakland Raiders rallied the troops and fought their way to deserving 31-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Sunday’s week 4 win marks the Raiders first victory on the road, which have been few and far between over the last few seasons. It’s just Oakland’s second road win over the last 15 road contest.
Based off the last two weeks, the Raiders offense and defense both looked to make adjustments for the better, but most importantly, it was Erik Harris who rose to the occasion and put the dagger into the Colt’s chances of coming away victorious.
Oakland’s secondary has scuffled thus far, and with the loss of Jonathan Abram, there appeared to be no light at the end of the tunnel. After Curtis Riley continued to get burned on the backend in weeks 2 and 3, Gruden handed things over to Erik Harris.
Harris, who Gruden signed to a two-year contract extension this offseason played arguably his best game as a member of the silver and black. While the Colts regained possession trailing just one score with 2:17 left on the clock, Harris read the eyes of quarterback Jacoby Brissett and intercepted his pass, taking it all the way in for a touchdown.
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His interception totaled the third of his career, after recording two last season. Harris details what went into his game-sealing interception.
"“I kind of just played back,” Harris told reporters after the team’s second win. “I recognized the formation that they kind of gave us earlier in the game and just made a play on the ball.”"
Next. Oakland Raiders bounce back with vital win over the Indianapolis Colts. dark
Harris finished the game with six tackles, putting together a nice foundation in the secondary playing next to Karl Joseph. Now that Harris has received his opportunity to start – playing a multitude of snaps, he may not give the coaching staff a choice but to keep him on the playing field as a full-time starter moving forward.