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Carolina Panthers safety Chris Harris remembers stripping the ball from Atlanta's Warrick Dunn last season – Harris' third forced fumble in three games – and thinking, “This is what I want to be known for.”
That has happened for Harris, who led the NFL with eight forced fumbles last season in what apparently wasn't a fluke. He already has two in the Panthers' first two games – both wins – this season.
Harris makes those turnovers count.
Chris Gamble picked up Harris' strip of San Diego tight end Antonio Gates and returned it for a touchdown in the Panthers' season-opening victory. When Harris forced Chicago's Greg Olsen to fumble Sunday, Gamble again recovered and the Panthers scored five plays later.
There's a method to how he forces those fumbles. Here's how he does it, in his words:
Pick your spot
“I don't try to strip it every time I make a tackle. If you do, they become very conscious of you. I try to pick and choose my moments when I go for it. You might only get one chance.”
Know who you're tackling
“Running backs take care of the ball better. Receivers and tight ends don't handle it as much. Most of the time, their heads are turning and they're turning up field, looking to see where the defender is. They're not as aware of ball security as they should be.”
Secure the tackle
“I always secure the tackle first, before I try to get the ball out. I make sure I have them wrapped up, at least with one arm. I know that if I'm pulling them down, they're not worried about the ball as much. They're more worried about bracing themselves for hitting the ground, rather than protecting the ball.”
Find the ball
“I watch receivers on film and see where they're more comfortable carrying the ball. Running backs usually switch the ball more (from one arm to another). Receivers and tight ends are more one-arm dominant. Is it their left or right? I pay attention to that.”
Pull or punch?
“It depends on what position I'm in on whether I try to pull or punch the ball out. Last week, it was a punch because I was tackling (Olsen) from the side and I knew the ball was on the other side. With Gates, the ball was on the same side and I just ripped it.”
Know who's around you
“When I strip the ball, I want Chris (Gamble) beside me because he's going to pick it up.”
