Over the years, Andrew Harris has had the Edmonton Eskimos’ number; he has been nothing short of a nemesis. With Harris moving in the off-season from the B.C. Lions to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the question is, does a change of uniform change anything? Or will the Eskimos finally turn the tables on Harris?
Andre Harris, Eskimos Nemesis
Nemesis by the Numbers
Over the last three seasons, Harris has been a one man wrecking crew to Edmonton defences. On July 14, 2013, Harris racked up 70 yards on the ground and 30 via the air, with a touchdown as well. A week later he put up another 103 rushing, 30 receiving and three touchdowns. On June 28, 2014 Harris had six receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown, with another 37 yards on the ground. The following year on August 6, 2015 he had 20 carries for 118 yards rushing, 57 yards via the air and two touchdowns. The Esks finally silenced Harris on September 26, 2015 with only 28 yards rushing and six yards receiving.
The secret to Harris’ success has been his shifty spinning style and his ability to absorb initial contact and break tackles. The Eskimos nemesis is a 5’ 10”, 210 lb one-cut running back who exhibits an excellent jump cut to find the hole and get to the second level. He’s difficult to bring down, too. Defenders need to contain him and wrap him up around his lower half. Repeated attempts to tackle him can wear on a defense, especially the linebackers.
Little Thumper
JC Sherritt is small of stature, but as a tackler he is massive allowing his speed and technique speak for his important to the Eskimos defense. The shift of the space-eating 6’ 6” 300 lb Cedric McKinley to nose tackle beside run-stuffing Almondo Sewell helped last game in stuffing the Riders run. However, McKinley was traded on Sunday to the Saskatchewan Roughriders for a draft pick and negotiation list player, making room to activate 6′ 3″ 292 lb baller Jabari Hunt. Hunt had a four tackle, two sack debut in preseason against the Riders. He gives the Eskies interior defensive line versatility against the pass and run.
Starting Hunt at one of the two defensive tackle positions forces Harris to run around the monsters in the middle. Last game the Riders tried to bounce the runs outside on Odell Willis and Marcus Howard, but both stayed in the lanes driving the play further outside the tackle. With Sherritt knowing where the play is about to flow, he should be able to rally to the ball, hit Harris low, and limit his gains.
However, the Eskimos needed a team effort on defence in the only game the Eskimos successfully stopped Harris in the last three years. It will take a team effort again in week 4 while on the road against the Harris-led Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Front Line Power
The Bombers had Dominic Picard at centre of the offensive line last year, but Picard has signed with Montreal Alouettes and has been replaced with Matthias Goossen. Goossen now in his third season with the Bombers, flanked to his right by fellow youngster and sophomore Sukh Chungh. Together they form an aggressive duo that will look to overpower Sewell and open holes for Harris.
It is up to Hunt and national Eddie Steele to command enough attention to pull Goossen over to his left to help out rookie international Jermarcus Hardrick. Hardrick is a big 6’ 5” 314 lb left guard and former Nebraska Cornhusker. He’s used to playing on a run-focused offence and matches up well against the smaller Hunt or Steele. The Eskimos will need their speed and finesse to knife past the Bomber offensive line or it could be a long day against Harris.
Harris is also a quality backfield receiver. It will be on Deon Lacey to not only help out with run support, but also cover Harris on passing downs. Lacey, who suffered a broken finger in week 1, has put together a quietly solid 12-tackle performance in the first two games. However, Lacey has to create turnovers. Even with his bad hand, that means finding a way to jump a Harris flat or circle route. Unfortunately, Lacey lost his backup linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis, who sustained a torn right bicep during last Friday’s overtime victory over the Riders. This leaves the linebackers a little thin. Expect the Esks to make another roster move, bringing in another international linebacker to support against the run.
Stuff the Run
The Bombers are still learning to win, but are growing into the contenders some thought they might become with all the off season improvements. Their biggest issue has been the play at quarterback with Drew Willy struggling at times. While Willy’s stats have been reasonable with a 104.2 quarterback rating, he has found ways to ineffective when it matters. The Eskimos need to concentrate on the Harris and stuffing the run along with short passing game, forcing Willy to be a passer when it matters. The theme has to be shut down the run and the Bombers offense will wilt.
Can Sherritt, Lacey and the front four become the nemesis of Harris and the Bomber offense? The change in uniform and the adjustments that come with it should help the Eskimos defense. But by game three, offensive units are usually on the same page. Edmonton fans can fully expect another close game coming down to the Eskies defense shutting down Harris.
Main Photo:
