Takeaways from Chris Harris Jr.’s presser

Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

The longtime Bronco thinks he brings something new to the Chargers’ secondary.

New Chargers cornerback Chris Harris Jr. met with the media following Monday’s practice. It was the first time that Harris has met with the media in several months so you can guess that there was plenty to discuss with the perennial All-Pro player.

Here are my quick note from his chat with the media:

CB Chris Harris Jr. said he expects to start on the outside. Also said he'll rotate on the inside. #Chargers

— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) August 17, 2020

• Prior to 2019, Harris played roughly half his snaps in the slot. According to Broncos insider Ben Allbright, 51% of his snaps were on the inside in 2018. Last season, almost solely on the outside due to injuries. That led to one of the worst seasons of his career and a big reason why many believe the veteran to be washed. It was also the first time since his rookie season that he failed to record multiple interceptions in a given year. According to Harris’ comments, it sounds like he’ll do more of the same in his first year out on the west coast.

#Chargers CB Chris Harris Jr. says he is hopeful fans will be at games this season. He said he feeds off emotions of the fans so it would be hard not to have them.

— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) August 17, 2020

• When asked about no fans being in attendance during the team’s training camp practices, Harris mentioned that he’ll miss that type of environment because of energy that crowds can bring. He also said that he heard Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wants a “full house” during the season. The Chargers haven’t made any declarations on what the capacity will be for the 2020 season but Harris hopes there will be some form of a fan presence when they take the field in SoFi Stadium.

CB Chris Harris Jr. on playing in the slot: "I’m different than how Des (King) plays in the slot. They gotta get used to how I play. ... I’m the total package on the inside." #Chargers

— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) August 17, 2020

• I thought this was the most-interesting comment made by Harris following today’s practice. When discussing his play in the slot, he mentioned that he is a different type of player than Desmond King. Harris calls himself “the total package on the inside”, which makes us believe he thinks he’s got King beat at one talent or another. In coverage, yes, for sure. As a run defender? I think King may have the upper hand there. Either way, I like the confidence that Harris portrays in making that statement. After being named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2010s, that should be no surprise.
• Lastly, of course someone had to ask Harris about Keenan Allen. The two go way back, of course. Harris was quick to echo the common sentiment that Allen is one of the most-underrated receivers in the league. Harris believes Allen’s route-running is among the very best and he deserves a lot more praise, but he noted that accolades come with success. At the end of the day, Harris says if the Chargers are able to win consistently, Allen will start seeing the praise he deserves.

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