Belichick growing frustrated (1 Viewer)

[BustedKnuckles]

Belichick growing frustrated with RB Maroney

Dec. 5, 2007

So much for the Patriots’ confidence in Laurence Maroney, which appeared to be growing just a month ago. Their confidence in him now appears to be waning, particularly in the mind of head coach Bill Belichick. While Maroney has been fairly effective when he is in the game, we hear that his limited opportunities are traced to Belichick’s belief that the second-year pro out of Minnesota lacks the heart and toughness to be a featured back. Kevin Faulk, believed to be just a third-down back throughout his career, has been getting more carries and touches at the expense of the more talented Maroney. With the weather getting colder and the elements affecting the passing game now more than they did earlier in the season, Belichick’s reluctance to lean on Maroney could be problematic for the offense. The interesting issue surrounds what the team does this April in the draft. With the 49ers looking miserable and there being a chance of New England getting a top-five pick — the Patriots own the Niners' first-round pick after a Draft Day trade in '07 — we hear the Patriots will be very tempted to grab Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, a player most believe will be the consensus top running back in the draft.

per pfw

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

Was he not their MVP vs Baltimore?

It's debatable, but he had a very good game. They need to give him the ball more and stop with this BS.

 

[mggoilers]

I heard the problem stems from Maroney's offseason rehab on his shoulder, it was a bit lax. Maroney did not do enough in Belichek's eyes to be back and ready for training camp.

It was just speculation, but it could explain the trust issues through the season.

 

[Hatchdog33]

Belichick growing frustrated with RB Maroney Dec. 5, 2007 So much for the Patriots’ confidence in Laurence Maroney, which appeared to be growing just a month ago. Their confidence in him now appears to be waning, particularly in the mind of head coach Bill Belichick. While Maroney has been fairly effective when he is in the game, we hear that his limited opportunities are traced to Belichick’s belief that the second-year pro out of Minnesota lacks the heart and toughness to be a featured back. Kevin Faulk, believed to be just a third-down back throughout his career, has been getting more carries and touches at the expense of the more talented Maroney. With the weather getting colder and the elements affecting the passing game now more than they did earlier in the season, Belichick’s reluctance to lean on Maroney could be problematic for the offense. The interesting issue surrounds what the team does this April in the draft. With the 49ers looking miserable and there being a chance of New England getting a top-five pick — the Patriots own the Niners' first-round pick after a Draft Day trade in '07 — we hear the Patriots will be very tempted to grab Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, a player most believe will be the consensus top running back in the draft. per pfw

As crazy as it seems, Sammy Morris going down could prove to be this team's undoing. He was a great Pats style back. Hits the hold hard, north-south runner with one cut ability..They need another back to share with Faulk.Maroney, unfortunately, is soft and dances too much.

 

[Statcruncher]

For the good of the other 31 teams I submit the NFL commissioner should force NE to use it's first round pick to acquire Cedric Benson from the Bears.

 

[Fantaholic]

Belichick growing frustrated with RB Maroney Dec. 5, 2007 So much for the Patriots’ confidence in Laurence Maroney, which appeared to be growing just a month ago. Their confidence in him now appears to be waning, particularly in the mind of head coach Bill Belichick. While Maroney has been fairly effective when he is in the game, we hear that his limited opportunities are traced to Belichick’s belief that the second-year pro out of Minnesota lacks the heart and toughness to be a featured back. Kevin Faulk, believed to be just a third-down back throughout his career, has been getting more carries and touches at the expense of the more talented Maroney. With the weather getting colder and the elements affecting the passing game now more than they did earlier in the season, Belichick’s reluctance to lean on Maroney could be problematic for the offense. The interesting issue surrounds what the team does this April in the draft. With the 49ers looking miserable and there being a chance of New England getting a top-five pick — the Patriots own the Niners' first-round pick after a Draft Day trade in '07 — we hear the Patriots will be very tempted to grab Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, a player most believe will be the consensus top running back in the draft. per pfw

As crazy as it seems, Sammy Morris going down could prove to be this team's undoing. He was a great Pats style back. Hits the hold hard, north-south runner with one cut ability..They need another back to share with Faulk.Maroney, unfortunately, is soft and dances too much.

My thoughts exactly. I hated seeing Morris go down. I said it before, Maroney is Terry Glenn. It took Parcells calling him a woman to make it him see what he was. Maybe BB will do Maroney that favor as well. Until then, all I can we do for not taking his counterpart MBIII later in the draft.

 

[twitch]

An opinion piece on PFW's part obviously. And not that Belichick wouldnt actually be growing a bit frustrated, but BB isnt quoted saying anything whatsoever. He's the one ultimately deciding how much action Maroney sees here, and lately it hasnt been much. And LM hasnt done a ton with the limited action he's seen over the past 3 or 4 weeks, but the fact remains that Laurence scored a TD in each of the previous 2 games, his first 2 of the season, and in the Baltimore, he had some huge plays which ultimately contributed to that Baltimore win. Im not thrilled with Maroney's total contribution this year overall, but he's still extremely valuable, and I still contend that he's being somewhat limited to save him for the playoffs. That said, its nice that PFW is adding a little more value to that 2nd overall pick that NE is right now sitting on by suggesting that the Pats will be even more interested in Darren McFadden. I dont think theyll take DM if he's sitting there at whatever pick NE ends up with primarily for cap reasons, but it sure doesnt hurt NE's trading leverage for everyone to expect they may take him. So, thank you PFW.

 

[beto]

Are there any actual Belichick quotes on this or is it conjecture?

In the games I have seen Maroney run he has run hard, hit the hole hard and shows plenty of heart and toughness. The two passes Maroney took for big yards on Monday show what he can do if they give him a crack to run through. I will also add that he seems to be a team player and was one of the 1st to congratulate Heath Evans after his TD.

 

[thehornet]

this team could run Evans out their as the every down back and still go undefeated.

 

[beto]

That said, its nice that PFW is adding a little more value to that 2nd overall pick that NE is right now sitting on by suggesting that the Pats will be even more interested in Darren McFadden. I dont think theyll take DM if he's sitting there at whatever pick NE ends up with primarily for cap reasons, but it sure doesnt hurt NE's trading leverage for everyone to expect they may take him. So, thank you PFW.

What is funny to me is that if they did take McFadden I think we would have crack pots on this board talking about how he is "soft" and "dances too much" when the Pats used him like they use Maroney.

 

[TitusIII]

Benson is the back he reminds me of, although his shoulder injury probably explains why he isn't running as hard as he used to...

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Belichick growing frustrated with RB Maroney Dec. 5, 2007 So much for the Patriots' confidence in Laurence Maroney, which appeared to be growing just a month ago. Their confidence in him now appears to be waning, particularly in the mind of head coach Bill Belichick. While Maroney has been fairly effective when he is in the game, we hear that his limited opportunities are traced to Belichick's belief that the second-year pro out of Minnesota lacks the heart and toughness to be a featured back. Kevin Faulk, believed to be just a third-down back throughout his career, has been getting more carries and touches at the expense of the more talented Maroney. With the weather getting colder and the elements affecting the passing game now more than they did earlier in the season, Belichick's reluctance to lean on Maroney could be problematic for the offense. The interesting issue surrounds what the team does this April in the draft. With the 49ers looking miserable and there being a chance of New England getting a top-five pick — the Patriots own the Niners' first-round pick after a Draft Day trade in '07 — we hear the Patriots will be very tempted to grab Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, a player most believe will be the consensus top running back in the draft. per pfw

As crazy as it seems, Sammy Morris going down could prove to be this team's undoing. He was a great Pats style back. Hits the hold hard, north-south runner with one cut ability..They need another back to share with Faulk.Maroney, unfortunately, is soft and dances too much.

My three reactions:1. pfw may be picking up the residue of stuff that was dicussed in this forum 2 weeks ago thanks to Yudkin's input.2. Patriots are a 3 headed RB, with Faulk as RB1, LM as RB2 and Evans as RB3. It works adequately and is completely consistent with BB's Karmic Situational Football mentality.3. I'm surprised to hear BB linked with touching the third rail (making public concerns that Maroney is soft).

 

[twitch]

That said, its nice that PFW is adding a little more value to that 2nd overall pick that NE is right now sitting on by suggesting that the Pats will be even more interested in Darren McFadden. I dont think theyll take DM if he's sitting there at whatever pick NE ends up with primarily for cap reasons, but it sure doesnt hurt NE's trading leverage for everyone to expect they may take him. So, thank you PFW.

What is funny to me is that if they did take McFadden I think we would have crack pots on this board talking about how he is "soft" and "dances too much" when the Pats used him like they use Maroney.

And Maroney is a young 22 year old buck. He's good. His limited action only adds to the intrigue. But I really think he's doing a decent enough job. Im encouraged by his last 3 games because of the scores, and he was a huge factor in the Baltimore win. McFadden on this team almost wouldnt be fair. In a perfect world, pre-salary cap, it would be a beautiful thing to add him to the mix. I just dont see it happening, though. The D needs too much attention. But youre 100% correct. IF they did take him, and he didnt deliver up to expectation, the lynch mob would gather up the torches in a heartbeat.

 

[Mr. Pink]

Belichick growing frustrated with RB Maroney Dec. 5, 2007 So much for the Patriots’ confidence in Laurence Maroney, which appeared to be growing just a month ago. Their confidence in him now appears to be waning, particularly in the mind of head coach Bill Belichick. While Maroney has been fairly effective when he is in the game, we hear that his limited opportunities are traced to Belichick’s belief that the second-year pro out of Minnesota lacks the heart and toughness to be a featured back. Kevin Faulk, believed to be just a third-down back throughout his career, has been getting more carries and touches at the expense of the more talented Maroney. With the weather getting colder and the elements affecting the passing game now more than they did earlier in the season, Belichick’s reluctance to lean on Maroney could be problematic for the offense. The interesting issue surrounds what the team does this April in the draft. With the 49ers looking miserable and there being a chance of New England getting a top-five pick — the Patriots own the Niners' first-round pick after a Draft Day trade in '07 — we hear the Patriots will be very tempted to grab Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, a player most believe will be the consensus top running back in the draft. per pfw

As crazy as it seems, Sammy Morris going down could prove to be this team's undoing. He was a great Pats style back. Hits the hold hard, north-south runner with one cut ability..They need another back to share with Faulk.Maroney, unfortunately, is soft and dances too much.

My thoughts exactly. I hated seeing Morris go down. I said it before, Maroney is Terry Glenn. It took Parcells calling him a woman to make it him see what he was. Maybe BB will do Maroney that favor as well. Until then, all I can we do for not taking his counterpart MBIII later in the draft.

Dude, Dallas drafted MBIII a year earlier.

 

[Boston]

Maroney has not lived up to expectations this year. He's not hitting the hole hard and really seems to have some issues making the right cut to find some daylight. Also, I don't think the Pats are doing a great job using him in an effective manner. He seems to have more ability in open space and I'd like to see him involved in more plays like the two receptions against the Ravens. The Pats need to find ways to use him where his talents put more pressure on the defense.

That being said I found it very odd that this aticle seems to know what BB is thinking about Maroney as well as what their draft plans are without using one quote or crediting one source. The Pats are beyond tight-lipped about even the smallest detail and now they know what Pioli/BB are up to on draft day. Local media with connections barely know what goes on in the Foxboro bunker so I have some questions as to this info actually coming from BB and not being an opinion piece based on watching the Pats play.

 

[Black]

My thoughts exactly. I hated seeing Morris go down. I said it before, Maroney is Terry Glenn. It took Parcells calling him a woman to make it him see what he was. Maybe BB will do Maroney that favor as well. Until then, all I can we do for not taking his counterpart MBIII later in the draft.

Dude, Dallas drafted MBIII a year earlier.

I think he meant in our FANTASY drafts this year...

 

[twitch]

Maroney has not lived up to expectations this year. He's not hitting the hole hard and really seems to have some issues making the right cut to find some daylight. Also, I don't think the Pats are doing a great job using him in an effective manner. He seems to have more ability in open space and I'd like to see him involved in more plays like the two receptions against the Ravens. The Pats need to find ways to use him where his talents put more pressure on the defense.That being said I found it very odd that this aticle seems to know what BB is thinking about Maroney as well as what their draft plans are without using one quote or crediting one source. The Pats are beyond tight-lipped about even the smallest detail and now they know what Pioli/BB are up to on draft day. Local media with connections barely know what goes on in the Foxboro bunker so I have some questions as to this info actually coming from BB and not being an opinion piece based on watching the Pats play.

As usual, Boston. On point.

 

[David Yudkin]

From what I think I know, yes the Pats are frustrated to a certain extent over Maroney. As I said several weeks ago, how he does from here on out through the end of the year will determine what the Pats will consider doing next year. I think it is a stretch to already conclude that they are eying McFadden, and I guess that the team is likely more concerned about their defense than their offense at the moment.

As for the PFW blurb, that is something similarly to what I would write given my knowledge of the situation, because there is NO WAY to get anyone associated with the team on record on something like this, and if you quote someone directly you will not be getting any quotes ever again. The Pats are uber paranoid about what gets out.

 

[David Yudkin]

Local media with connections barely know what goes on in the Foxboro bunker so I have some questions as to this info actually coming from BB and not being an opinion piece based on watching the Pats play.

IMO, the local media knows a lot more than we give them credit for, but they cannot report on things that are not official. So if a guy is on the trainer's table with a bone sticking out of his arm and the team says he has a mild ankle sprain and is probable to play Sunday, that's how it will be reported. Given that it's the media guy's job on the line, they won't risk losing their jobs by rubbing the team the wrong way.I know this first hand, as their have been times when my guy has emailed me Maroney would play and then 10 minutes later filed a report that Maroney was questionable and not likely to play. Believe me, it took me a long time to absorb that and comprehend it but it makes sense. If the team says something, that's the official news version, even if someone knows differently.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Great. McFadden to the Patriots. The rich get richer.

 

[twitch]

Great. McFadden to the Patriots. The rich get richer.

Nah. Dont sweat it. The Pats will trade that pick to the Cowboys for some of their picks. So, Dallas will get McFadden. So the rich wont...uh...I mean...they...oh, yeah. What you said.

 

[Boston]

Local media with connections barely know what goes on in the Foxboro bunker so I have some questions as to this info actually coming from BB and not being an opinion piece based on watching the Pats play.

IMO, the local media knows a lot more than we give them credit for, but they cannot report on things that are not official. So if a guy is on the trainer's table with a bone sticking out of his arm and the team says he has a mild ankle sprain and is probable to play Sunday, that's how it will be reported. Given that it's the media guy's job on the line, they won't risk losing their jobs by rubbing the team the wrong way.I know this first hand, as their have been times when my guy has emailed me Maroney would play and then 10 minutes later filed a report that Maroney was questionable and not likely to play. Believe me, it took me a long time to absorb that and comprehend it but it makes sense. If the team says something, that's the official news version, even if someone knows differently.

When you compare the Pats to the other three pro teams in the area the amount of info flowing to the media is far smaller. I don't disagree with your overall statement but the bottomline is it's the media's job to report info and when it comes to the Pats they don't come anywhere close to having access to info like they do with the Sox for example.

 

[munchkin]

That being said I found it very odd that this aticle seems to know what BB is thinking about Maroney as well as what their draft plans are without using one quote or crediting one source. The Pats are beyond tight-lipped about even the smallest detail and now they know what Pioli/BB are up to on draft day. Local media with connections barely know what goes on in the Foxboro bunker so I have some questions as to this info actually coming from BB and not being an opinion piece based on watching the Pats play.

This is absolutely an opinion piece. I listen to these guys on a regular basis and while they aren't getting direct info from BB they do have a pretty good sense for the pulse of the team. I believe it is pretty easy to see that BB is not happy with Maroney's performance. If he was the dude would be on the field more. Players who make plays get on the field, those who don't wander the sidelines waiting for their chance. Certainly the team has a lot invested in Maroney and they want to see him succeed, they won't set him up to fail, but they won't set the team up to fail either.

It appears that Maroneys vision is limited in tight quarters. Ryan Grant had a great run in the Dallas/GB game that went for a TD. He ran into a spot in the line that appeared to be closed but he found enough of a crease to come out the other side and break it free. Of course it helped that the safties took each other out, but I have not seen Maroney find and explode through a hole like that. Dude has great talent in space but not so much between the tackles.

 

[Banger]

It's pretty obvious considering how little he plays him. There's obviously some issues because Faulk, Morris, Evans, etc. are that good.

 

[Fear The Turtle]

Local media with connections barely know what goes on in the Foxboro bunker so I have some questions as to this info actually coming from BB and not being an opinion piece based on watching the Pats play.

IMO, the local media knows a lot more than we give them credit for, but they cannot report on things that are not official. So if a guy is on the trainer's table with a bone sticking out of his arm and the team says he has a mild ankle sprain and is probable to play Sunday, that's how it will be reported. Given that it's the media guy's job on the line, they won't risk losing their jobs by rubbing the team the wrong way.I know this first hand, as their have been times when my guy has emailed me Maroney would play and then 10 minutes later filed a report that Maroney was questionable and not likely to play. Believe me, it took me a long time to absorb that and comprehend it but it makes sense. If the team says something, that's the official news version, even if someone knows differently.

Freedom of the press down?

 

[David Yudkin]

Local media with connections barely know what goes on in the Foxboro bunker so I have some questions as to this info actually coming from BB and not being an opinion piece based on watching the Pats play.

IMO, the local media knows a lot more than we give them credit for, but they cannot report on things that are not official. So if a guy is on the trainer's table with a bone sticking out of his arm and the team says he has a mild ankle sprain and is probable to play Sunday, that's how it will be reported. Given that it's the media guy's job on the line, they won't risk losing their jobs by rubbing the team the wrong way.I know this first hand, as their have been times when my guy has emailed me Maroney would play and then 10 minutes later filed a report that Maroney was questionable and not likely to play. Believe me, it took me a long time to absorb that and comprehend it but it makes sense. If the team says something, that's the official news version, even if someone knows differently.

Freedom of the press down?

They can report whatever they want. And the Pats collectively could never talk to them again. You do the math.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Benson is the back he reminds me of, although his shoulder injury probably explains why he isn't running as hard as he used to...

how exactly does maroney remind you of benson?

 

[Rockchild]

It could also be a case of square peg-round hole situation. Maroney is what he is and trying to make him into a straight ahead-hit the hole type of back isn't playing to his strengths AND instincts. Ron Dayne(I can't believe I'm using Dayne as an example) was tried as a power type back was unsuccessful but has had some success in Houston the last couple of years where he's in a system more complimentary to his skill set.

I seem to remember reading in the off season( sorry couldn't find the link) that NE were trying to change their blocking schemes to allow Maroney to get to the edge and more open spaces to play to his strengths. Maybe his lengthy rehab delayed and ultimately scuttled those plans and they continued on with what is now working to amazing results for them.

 

[BBRULE]

What makes this confusing is the timing. The Pats had enough confidence in Maroney this past week vs. the Ravens to have him play 3/4 consecutive series' in the 3rd/4th qrt. while tied 17-17 and down 24-17 and the game on the line. This while going mostly 3 and 4 wide in the shotgun and hurry up/no huddle offense which is usually Faulks territory. He made some strong runs and had a big reception which led to the fg making it 24-20. Giving way to Faulk for the last drive of the game but still he played a bigger role than usual and the game was close(more important than who is playing in a rout imo). It all seems so strange to me. Belicheck doesn't "think" he can carry the load? Maybe you should try giving him that opportunity? He has had a pretty good ypc avg. in his short career and shown the ability to make some big plays as well. Yet he has shared the backfield the entire time with Dillon, Morris, Faulk and even Evans and Eckel during some blowouts this year. DY, I have read your posts earlier about the Pats wanting to integrate him slowly as his health returns to 100% and this week seemed to reflect that. So why would pfw write this now?

 

[Bri]

If Maroney played more he might be hurt.

Let's see what happens in "the second season"

 

[David Yudkin]

DY, I have read your posts earlier about the Pats wanting to integrate him slowly as his health returns to 100% and this week seemed to reflect that. So why would pfw write this now?

I obviously can't answer for them, but as for the people looking for sources and quotes, I believe that the section this appeared in was the whispers and rumors section (in which I don't believe they ever list sources or quotes).

 

[Bri]

I obviously can't answer for them, but as for the people looking for sources and quotes, I believe that the section this appeared in was the whispers and rumors section (in which I don't believe they ever have sources or quotes).

fixed

 

[Liquid Tension]

I know this first hand, as their have been times when my guy has emailed me Maroney would play and then 10 minutes later filed a report that Maroney was questionable and not likely to play.

This is interesting

 

[Liquid Tension]

Benson is the back he reminds me of, although his shoulder injury probably explains why he isn't running as hard as he used to...

how exactly does maroney remind you of benson?

They both are RB's in the NFL

 

[David Yudkin]

I know this first hand, as their have been times when my guy has emailed me Maroney would play and then 10 minutes later filed a report that Maroney was questionable and not likely to play.

This is interesting

I asked him about this, and he said the official company line was to report he was questionable but his opinion (based on observation and preparation) was that he would play. However, he said he gets paid to report facts and not provide his opinion. Whatever he's told me has proven to have been right 100% of the time, so I'll take his word over any of the national media or fantasy sites 8 days a week.Nothing will beat the week ESPN went on the air just before game time and declared Maroney would not only start but get a full workload and then had to back pedal and announce at game time that he was a last second scratch (the week I had been suggesting to people that Maroney was not going to play even though he really wasn't thought to be hurt).

 

[jchapman70]

Local media with connections barely know what goes on in the Foxboro bunker so I have some questions as to this info actually coming from BB and not being an opinion piece based on watching the Pats play.

IMO, the local media knows a lot more than we give them credit for, but they cannot report on things that are not official. So if a guy is on the trainer's table with a bone sticking out of his arm and the team says he has a mild ankle sprain and is probable to play Sunday, that's how it will be reported. Given that it's the media guy's job on the line, they won't risk losing their jobs by rubbing the team the wrong way.I know this first hand, as their have been times when my guy has emailed me Maroney would play and then 10 minutes later filed a report that Maroney was questionable and not likely to play. Believe me, it took me a long time to absorb that and comprehend it but it makes sense. If the team says something, that's the official news version, even if someone knows differently.

The local media knows more than what they are sharing...IN BOSTON!!!!! LOL!! I work for Fox and CBS and there is no way I believe that. If the media knows it will leak!!!!!

 

[faulkfan]

Yeah, I'll bail on Maroney when he gets 30 touches a game and fails. When you limit a guy and pull him before he can get any sort of rhythm it is kind of hard to judge how good he is. Perhaps he will get hurt, but they aren't using him much now anyway. It is obvious from the postings on the board that Faulk is vastly superior so losing Maroney won't matter, why not let him go balls out and see what he can do. Knowing BB though he'll give him a ton of touches this week against Pitt just to watch him fail against the best "D" in the league.

 

[Sinrman]

On a purely fantasy side, Maroney HAS been quite frustrating. I own him in a few leagues, and he just has not put up the points I was hoping for. I can see why Belicheck is losing patience. I could certainly see the rest of the season as a trial for Maroney, and if he can't cut it, they'll draft McFadden with that early first rounder. McFadden in that offense........

 

[David Yudkin]

The local media knows more than what they are sharing...IN BOSTON!!!!! LOL!! I work for Fox and CBS and there is no way I believe that. If the media knows it will leak!!!!!

No offense to you or other members of the media, but there have been times when I alerted certain people in the media to stories that hadn't broken yet and they were absolutely clueless.I used to dig up news items for FBG and would call to confirm things I heard and many times people had no idea about what was going on and then had to follow up on their own.Sure, they may get it everntually, but I would not say that they are on the cusp of having early knowledge. I will say, though, that the accuracy of reporting these days by the national media at times is horrendous, and there are a grocery list of stories from the past year that would tend to support this.

 

[eefflrat]

For the good of the other 31 teams I submit the NFL commissioner should force NE to use it's first round pick to acquire Cedric Benson from the Bears.

For the good of the NFl they should have fined the Pats the lower of their two first round picks after videogate. If the Pats got McFadden, they could surely trade Moroney to other teams for a first day pick, and be unstoppable yet again.

 

[MDSkinner]

For the good of the other 31 teams I submit the NFL commissioner should force NE to use it's first round pick to acquire Cedric Benson from the Bears.

For the good of the NFl they should have fined the Pats the lower of their two first round picks after videogate. If the Pats got McFadden, they could surely trade Moroney to other teams for a first day pick, and be unstoppable yet again.

Hell, if the Pats were forced to take Benson from the Bears, knowing the Pats they would find a way to turn him into a stud or at the very least an incredibly productive player. Who knows if the Pats are even interested in McFadden at this point? That is the rumor, but it is WAY too early to guess at who they may pick, I think.

 

[Statcruncher]

For the good of the other 31 teams I submit the NFL commissioner should force NE to use it's first round pick to acquire Cedric Benson from the Bears.

For the good of the NFl they should have fined the Pats the lower of their two first round picks after videogate. If the Pats got McFadden, they could surely trade Moroney to other teams for a first day pick, and be unstoppable yet again.

Hell, if the Pats were forced to take Benson from the Bears, knowing the Pats they would find a way to turn him into a stud or at the very least an incredibly productive player. Who knows if the Pats are even interested in McFadden at this point? That is the rumor, but it is WAY too early to guess at who they may pick, I think.

Excellent point. Belichick would turn him into a pro-bowl nose tackle after recognizing Cedric's ability to cause a pile-up at the line of scrimmage.

 

[Davej626]

..And so the Pre-draft positioning starts for the 2008 Draft.....

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

For the good of the other 31 teams I submit the NFL commissioner should force NE to use it's first round pick to acquire Cedric Benson from the Bears.

For the good of the NFl they should have fined the Pats the lower of their two first round picks after videogate. If the Pats got McFadden, they could surely trade Moroney to other teams for a first day pick, and be unstoppable yet again.

Hell, if the Pats were forced to take Benson from the Bears, knowing the Pats they would find a way to turn him into a stud or at the very least an incredibly productive player. Who knows if the Pats are even interested in McFadden at this point? That is the rumor, but it is WAY too early to guess at who they may pick, I think.

Excellent point. Belichick would turn him into a pro-bowl nose tackle after recognizing Cedric's ability to cause a pile-up at the line of scrimmage.

Not a bad conclusion but my sources tell me the Pats are already negotiating with Tennessee to bring in Fatdale White for that task.

 

[fsufan]

Great. McFadden to the Patriots. The rich get richer.

i was thinking this was well.

 

[fsufan]

Great. McFadden to the Patriots. The rich get richer.

Nah. Dont sweat it. The Pats will trade that pick to the Cowboys for some of their picks. So, Dallas will get McFadden. So the rich wont...uh...I mean...they...oh, yeah. What you said.

I will not be shocked if Dallas trades both of their 1st round pick in 08(or one of them and another pick) for NE’s 1st to get McFadden. Jones is a big fan of McFadden and has been following his college career

 

[PMENFAN]

If Maroney played more he might be hurt. Let's see what happens in "the second season"

That's my thought. When there's a hole, he hits it hard. My issue is that when ther'es not, he doesn't hit where it could open hard. He's shown way too much promise to give up on at this point. And, how much of it is just resting him for later? Morris is out, and they didn't pick up anybody else or promote from the PS. Lots of ways to read the actions. As for the #2 pick, I say no way do they use it. Trade down to 6-10 and pick up another first rounder the following year.

 

[Warehouse Nasty]

Based off the little I've seen Maroney run this year, I don't think he has the vision or creativity to be an elite or even very good back. I can't count the number of times I've seen the guy just plow straight into the defensive line for 2 yards.

I'm beginning to think he's just not a very good running back.

 

[David Yudkin]

Based off the little I've seen Maroney run this year, I don't think he has the vision or creativity to be an elite or even very good back. I can't count the number of times I've seen the guy just plow straight into the defensive line for 2 yards. I'm beginning to think he's just not a very good running back.

Actually, they would rather have him plow into the pile for 2 yards. His problem has been happy feet and dancing around too much in the backfield, which several times has resulted in getting tackled behind the LOS. They are trying to get him to hit the pile and move it back. They would much rather take +2 over -4 on any given play.Even watching Maroney is frustrating, as he will show some signs of life, stringing together runs of 7, 8, or 9 yards. But then he could follow that up with 10 carries for 28 yards. So his total could be 13 carries for 52 yards. Sure, it's a 4.0 ypc, but did he really do all that much?The Pats fascination with passing this year certainly hasn't helped get him the ball more. I think part of the challenge is that when Maroney is in the game, most of the time he is the single back and teams know he will get the ball. So they are not really even trying to disguish the run all that much.

 

[oneohh]

Based off the little I've seen Maroney run this year, I don't think he has the vision or creativity to be an elite or even very good back. I can't count the number of times I've seen the guy just plow straight into the defensive line for 2 yards. I'm beginning to think he's just not a very good running back.

Actually, they would rather have him plow into the pile for 2 yards. His problem has been happy feet and dancing around too much in the backfield, which several times has resulted in getting tackled behind the LOS. They are trying to get him to hit the pile and move it back. They would much rather take +2 over -4 on any given play.Even watching Maroney is frustrating, as he will show some signs of life, stringing together runs of 7, 8, or 9 yards. But then he could follow that up with 10 carries for 28 yards. So his total could be 13 carries for 52 yards. Sure, it's a 4.0 ypc, but did he really do all that much?The Pats fascination with passing this year certainly hasn't helped get him the ball more. I think part of the challenge is that when Maroney is in the game, most of the time he is the single back and teams know he will get the ball. So they are not really even trying to disguish the run all that much.

I don't really understand what there is to complain about from Billy's standpoint. This is a passing team. Pass first. Scratch that, this is an unbelievable passing team. The one thing they don't do is line up in the I formation and run the ball well. The few times I remember them doing that have been on the goaline where they have been stuffed and gone to 4 WRs for the TD. I think a lot can be said for the O Line's style of play. They keep the pocket for brady to be sure but knocking defensive linemen 5 yards downfield isn't what they do. It just isn't. I still contend that the pats are going to need a running game in the playoffs and Maroney - and Faulk - will be a part of that.