Boston Globe: Maroney's shoulder injury was broken bone (1 Viewer)

[a_troll00]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patr...n:twitatriots

BROCKTON - Laurence Maroney was trying to bang out hits last night in fellow running back Kevin Faulk's charity softball game at Campanelli Stadium. But it's the hits Maroney has received for a perceived lack of production and toughness that rankle him.

Prior to the game, Maroney revealed that the shoulder injury that limited him to three games last season was a broken bone. He injured the shoulder against the Jets during the second game of the season, sat out a week, then came back against San Francisco Oct. 5, but looked tentative, refusing to lower his right shoulder for a first down. After the game, Maroney said he had "issues."

The Patriots placed him on injured reserve Oct. 20.

"I had a broken bone and I was trying to play with it," said Maroney. "It's kind of hard to sit here and play and not tell people what is going on. Everybody is going to think one way because they don't really know what's going on. I dare anybody in this crowd to play football with a broken bone in your shoulder and you tell me how long you're going to last out there.

"Doing it the second game and still trying to play, I feel like it still shows my toughness and my dedication to the team and how much I really want to contribute. The shoulder is great. Not good, great."

Maroney acknowledged that it bothered him that some questioned his toughness.

"It did, but everybody has a job to do," he said. "Reporters have a job to report stories, whether it's good or bad. I can't get mad at them because they're just doing their job. It was my job not to say nothing at the time."

Maroney said he was looking forward to the 2009 season, and proving his critics wrong.

"I've been gone too long," he said. "The legs are feeling fresher than ever. Going back out there I know that I'm going to have a lot of critics. It's just going out there and proving everybody wrong. I think there are a lot of people that are counting me out and doubting me, but it's just going out there and having fun again."

Harrison has options

Safety James Sanders said he has talked to Rodney Harrison, but if Sanders knows which way Harrison is leaning - retirement and a broadcast career or a return for a 16th NFL season - he wasn't saying.

"He's got a lot of options of things he could do," said Sanders. "Some people want him to play another year or two, some people want him to be on TV. He's great in front of the camera, so whatever he decides to do he's going to do great at it. I just wish him the best."

Snap judgment

Kicker Stephen Gostkowski said he's taken snaps from Nathan Hodel and thinks Hodel is capable of filling the void left by the departure of long snapper Lonie Paxton.

"It looks like he can throw it back there pretty good," said Gostkowski. "He's been doing it for eight or nine years, so I don't think he'll have any problem."

Fast friends

Maroney had a strong relationship with former Patriots running back Corey Dillon during his rookie season. He's looking for the same type of bond with veteran Fred Taylor. "I talked to him a lot already," said Maroney. "Great guy. Another mentor. I look at him as the replacement of Corey Dillon, somebody to just learn from and a great guy to be around." . . . Proceeds from the game benefited the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the United Way of Acadiana, based in Lafayette, La. "This is something that me and a friend thought up, and when you think about something you want to put your mind to it and do it," said Faulk. "We have fun doing it, and a lot of guys participate in it and they have fun playing the game." . . . Other Patriots in attendance included Tedy Bruschi, Vince Wilfork, Adalius Thomas, Jerod Mayo, Brandon Meriweather, Sammy Morris, Pierre Woods, and Kevin O'Connell.

Christopher L. Gasper can be reached at cgasper@globe.com.

 

[David Yudkin]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

 

[Biabreakable]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

So do you think he can beat out Morris and Fred?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

I agree David, but he now is a steal 150 players into the draft like he has been going in those SSL leagues and befroe that...I think he will likely go a bit higher in redrafts come August. I am glad to finally know what was wrong with him instead of believeing he had emotional/psychological reasons. This also follows the NE philosophy of not revealing injuries. I am not passing judgement on the Pats in any way but I think Maroney has a believable story here and it does make me want to re-examine him. In dynasty leagues you likely could have and still can get this guy for a swan...perhaps the Pats are simply not the right place for him. This guy sure showed some nifty moves as a rookie...many people called him a manchild his rookie year but then over the past couple those have become distant memories.

 

[NJDawgPound]

The real issue here is that Belichick continues to cheat by not listing Maroney on the injury report AT ALL that week.

 

[a_troll00]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

I agree David, but he now is a steal 150 players into the draft like he has been going in those SSL leagues and befroe that...I think he will likely go a bit higher in redrafts come August. I am glad to finally know what was wrong with him instead of believeing he had emotional/psychological reasons. This also follows the NE philosophy of not revealing injuries. I am not passing judgement on the Pats in any way but I think Maroney has a believable story here and it does make me want to re-examine him. In dynasty leagues you likely could have and still can get this guy for a swan...perhaps the Pats are simply not the right place for him. This guy sure showed some nifty moves as a rookie...many people called him a manchild his rookie year but then over the past couple those have become distant memories.

He might be worth a shot if he drops past the fifth round, but he really isn't worth any more than that unless he proves himself over an entire season. Worst part is, I'm not sure if Belichick has any faith left in Maroney at all.

 

[David Yudkin]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

I agree David, but he now is a steal 150 players into the draft like he has been going in those SSL leagues and befroe that...I think he will likely go a bit higher in redrafts come August. I am glad to finally know what was wrong with him instead of believeing he had emotional/psychological reasons. This also follows the NE philosophy of not revealing injuries. I am not passing judgement on the Pats in any way but I think Maroney has a believable story here and it does make me want to re-examine him. In dynasty leagues you likely could have and still can get this guy for a swan...perhaps the Pats are simply not the right place for him. This guy sure showed some nifty moves as a rookie...many people called him a manchild his rookie year but then over the past couple those have become distant memories.

I suppose people can take the stance that the only thing that has impeded his progress was a broken bone. I'm not hearing that he will even get his workload back, as for your question, I believe this time around things will be a full RBBC from Day One and that Maroney is no higher on the food chain than anyone else. In previous seasons, I felt that Maroney started on a higher plane and the other guys were figting for the rest of the carries. This year, I don't see anyone on the roster as beingin position for half the carries and that literally all the RBs will have a piece of the pie (and not just crumbs).

 

[David Yudkin]

The real issue here is that Belichick continues to cheat by not listing Maroney on the injury report AT ALL that week.

It's not cheating if you list a player's % of participation in practice and what general part of the body the injury was sustained to. I do not believe BB has fudged anything on the injury report when it comes to Maroney.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

Did you know that he had a broken bone? This is the first I've ever read of it. That's a whole lot different than some phantom soft tissue injury to his shoulder. A broken shoulder is also pretty random...unless you would also write off Rashard Mendenhall for the same type of injury.Curious if this changes anything for you David. My view of Maroney is slightly more positive on this news, although I still don't see him doing much for the Pats. It just reinforces my desire to see Maroney get the hell away from BB, and go to a coaching staff that knows how to use him properly.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

I agree David, but he now is a steal 150 players into the draft like he has been going in those SSL leagues and befroe that...I think he will likely go a bit higher in redrafts come August. I am glad to finally know what was wrong with him instead of believeing he had emotional/psychological reasons. This also follows the NE philosophy of not revealing injuries. I am not passing judgement on the Pats in any way but I think Maroney has a believable story here and it does make me want to re-examine him. In dynasty leagues you likely could have and still can get this guy for a swan...perhaps the Pats are simply not the right place for him. This guy sure showed some nifty moves as a rookie...many people called him a manchild his rookie year but then over the past couple those have become distant memories.

I suppose people can take the stance that the only thing that has impeded his progress was a broken bone. I'm not hearing that he will even get his workload back, as for your question, I believe this time around things will be a full RBBC from Day One and that Maroney is no higher on the food chain than anyone else. In previous seasons, I felt that Maroney started on a higher plane and the other guys were figting for the rest of the carries. This year, I don't see anyone on the roster as beingin position for half the carries and that literally all the RBs will have a piece of the pie (and not just crumbs).

Yeah, his real upside comes if the other 30+ year old RBs on the roster get hurt (not exactly a long shot BTW) or IF Maroney is able to audition for another team. Again DY, did you know that he had a broken bone?

 

[David Yudkin]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

Did you know that he had a broken bone? This is the first I've ever read of it. That's a whole lot different than some phantom soft tissue injury to his shoulder. A broken shoulder is also pretty random...unless you would also write off Rashard Mendenhall for the same type of injury.Curious if this changes anything for you David. My view of Maroney is slightly more positive on this news, although I still don't see him doing much for the Pats. It just reinforces my desire to see Maroney get the hell away from BB, and go to a coaching staff that knows how to use him properly.

I don't they think the Pats ever officially announced what his injury was, and I still am not convinced that this was the only thing that he was dealing with. It makes it nice and tidy to roll everything up into a broken bone and suggest that there are no other issues.On the field, Maroney's performance and his penchant for playing soft haven't gone away. He's still not a good fit for New England and now the Pats have a lot of backs that will fill certain roles. Taylor best fits the role Maroney had, so I definitely think that will cut into Maroney's workload.IMO, the most likely outcome is Taylor, Morris, and Maroney will each get a series and then BB will see who is productive and who isn't that particular day. Maroney still won't play much on passing down or short yardage and much of the time won't be in at the goal line.Fantasy wise, he's probably worth a flyer based on hop and the chance the other guys get nicked up, but the same could be said for the other RBs as well. Looking at ADP, Taylor is going at 124, Maroney at 145, and Morris at 146. I think Morris will do the best fantasy wise and would rather have him, but any of the three could be worth rostering in the 11th to 13th rounds for depth. They may be decent bye week or injury fill-ins, even flex players in larger leagues. Just don't expect them to be every week must starts.

 

[David Yudkin]

Again DY, did you know that he had a broken bone?

That was the impression I had but I'm not sure they ever depicted it as such.

 

[T Bell]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

That's a little ironic, David. Weren't you the one who was quoting inside sources who had allowed you to rule out a physical injury as the cause of his problems?

 

[Matt Waldman]

I actually find it humorous that the some people feel the Pats made a mistake picking a back like Maroney, but they brought in a back who runs a lot like him. The only difference is Taylor figured out how to stay healthy enough to stay on the field in Fred Taylor. Maybe Maroney will, too. The fact Maroney broke the bone rather than dislocated the shoulder is a good thing because the shoulder is less likely to pop out with future hits.

I haven't said anything in past threads about Maroney, but the talent is definitely there. We've seen flashes of excellent skills from him. Hopefully Taylor can be a mentor of sorts to Maroney. There are backs who finally put it together around years four or five and Maroney's skills and injury issues fit that profile...we'll see.

 

[David Yudkin]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

That's a little ironic, David. Weren't you the one who was quoting inside sources who had allowed you to rule out a physical injury as the cause of his problems?

I believe that I indicated that there were issues BEYOND the physical ones.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

That's a little ironic, David. Weren't you the one who was quoting inside sources who had allowed you to rule out a physical injury as the cause of his problems?

I believe that I indicated that there were issues BEYOND the physical ones.

Yeah, David said repeatedly that there were physical issues AND stuff beyond physical. Did you ever tell us that you thought Maroney had a broken bone? I really don't remember that, but there has been on average 1-2 NE RB threads per week since 2007, so it's tough to keep track.

 

[-baller]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

That's a little ironic, David. Weren't you the one who was quoting inside sources who had allowed you to rule out a physical injury as the cause of his problems?

I believe that I indicated that there were issues BEYOND the physical ones.

Yeah, David said repeatedly that there were physical issues AND stuff beyond physical. Did you ever tell us that you thought Maroney had a broken bone? I really don't remember that, but there has been on average 1-2 NE RB threads per week since 2007, so it's tough to keep track.

no, he said he couldn't find out what the issue was.they kept a tight lid on that one.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Did you ever tell us that you thought Maroney had a broken bone? I really don't remember that, but there has been on average 1-2 NE RB threads per week since 2007, so it's tough to keep track.

no, he said he couldn't find out what the issue was.they kept a tight lid on that one.

Yet above he said that he thought all along that Maroney had a broken bone. That's what confused me - David has been forthcoming with info all along, so I'm a bit surprised that he didn't share his hunch.

Again DY, did you know that he had a broken bone?

That was the impression I had but I'm not sure they ever depicted it as such.

 

[-baller]

no, he misspoke on that one ---- he didn't know anything about any broken bone.

I even went back and bumped the most recent thread.

 

[-baller]

Read any of the other Maroney threads. Knowing that he had a broken bone won't change the opinion of many people . . .

I agree David, but he now is a steal 150 players into the draft like he has been going in those SSL leagues and befroe that...I think he will likely go a bit higher in redrafts come August. I am glad to finally know what was wrong with him instead of believeing he had emotional/psychological reasons. This also follows the NE philosophy of not revealing injuries. I am not passing judgement on the Pats in any way but I think Maroney has a believable story here and it does make me want to re-examine him. In dynasty leagues you likely could have and still can get this guy for a swan...

uh...you can?now, if I can just find a swan.......

 

[AngryPatriot]

I think Maroney needs the Pats to be more creative with him, like they were a couple years ago. Screen plays and dump offs are an ideal way to get the ball in his hands and with some space. He ran hard when healthy.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Maroney has huge 'durability' issues. You'll never be able to rely on him to play 16 games.

(Just like every other NFL RB)

 

[Biabreakable]

Maroney has huge 'durability' issues. You'll never be able to rely on him to play 16 games.(Just like every other NFL RB)

Yes.But the issue here is did Maroney only play in 3 games last year because he isn't very tough and wouldn't play through minor injuries? Or only played 3 games because he doesen't have enough talent? Or did he only play 3 games because of a broken bone?If it is the broken bone that is something that heals completly (and supposedly stronger than before) and is no longer an issue.If it is the other "durability" issues those will continue to be a problem.ETA- In light of this being a broken bone that Maroney says he tried to play through. That is new information to me. Maroney isn't on my short list of guys I pay attention to. But if this is the case then I think he deserves another look.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

If you downgrade Maroney for not playing through a broken shoulder, you should probably downgrade Mendenhall too.

 

[Franknbeans]

Fred Taylor is a workhorse compared to Maroney

 

[Dr. Octopus]

The real issue here is that Belichick continues to cheat by not listing Maroney on the injury report AT ALL that week.

While I realize he is violating the rule - I never understood why a team was required to reveal injuries. Obviously form a FF standpoint I'm glad they have to but its kind of odd taht a league that openly tries to distance itself from gambling requires teams to reveal injuries when its a rule that only really is relevant to FFers and gamblers.

 

[David Yudkin]

If you downgrade Maroney for not playing through a broken shoulder, you should probably downgrade Mendenhall too.

Maroney should be downgraded for a number of reasons, and the broken shoulder component has very little to do with it. As for the reasons . . .- He's struggled to stay on the field with injuries- The Pats have not used him very often as a workhorse back (He averages a shade above 12 carries over his career)- He typically plays between the 20s- He typically does not play on passing downs (which in NE is quite frequently)- He plays on a team that has shown that some weeks their game plan is to AVOID the run- He doesn't play on most 3rd downs- He has frequently been pulled on short yardage and at the goal line- He plays in a RBBC and it does not appear that that will change this year- He has been in the doghouse and lost confidence both in himself and from his coach- He has played soft and has frequently avoided contact- He has struggled to get out of the backfield at times and on occasion has had "happy feet"- He does not fit the Patriots running mold of straight ahead, move the pile running schemes- He hardly ever catches a pass- He has seen NE sign and draft other RBs each off season, a sign to me at least that the Pats are content to at the very least split his workload with others- Other NE backs the past few years have fared as good or better than Maroney (Morris, Faulk, Jordan), so Maroney has not exactly lapped the competition in terms of production- He now has direct competition from Fred Taylor for carries, as Taylor and Maroney are likely do to share the same situational carries and role in the PAts RBBCCould some of that change this year? Of course. But IMO, not enough of that picture will change and I do think that Maroney is not a could fit in NE and he needs to be able to lower his shoulder and move the pile to get move playing time and be more effective. I also think that his confidence has been shaken and he will struggle with his shoulder injuries to the point that he will not see a huge uptick in his workload.I hope I'm wrong, as I think in the right system, used the right way, likely on a different team Maroney could be a decent back. But I don't think in his current environment that there is enough going for him for Maroney to flourish and thrive.Fantasy wise, he's probably worth a roster spot on the hope that he does get back to his 12-15 carries that he's received in the past and he could be a decent fantasy role player (flex spot, bye/injury week fill-in, depth, etc,) with some upside playing in a potent offense. But I don't see him having a breakout season this year.-

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

If you downgrade Maroney for not playing through a broken shoulder, you should probably downgrade Mendenhall too.

Maroney should be downgraded for a number of reasons, and the broken shoulder component has very little to do with it. As for the reasons . . .- He's struggled to stay on the field with injuries- The Pats have not used him very often as a workhorse back (He averages a shade above 12 carries over his career)- He typically plays between the 20s- He typically does not play on passing downs (which in NE is quite frequently)- He plays on a team that has shown that some weeks their game plan is to AVOID the run- He doesn't play on most 3rd downs- He has frequently been pulled on short yardage and at the goal line- He plays in a RBBC and it does not appear that that will change this year- He has been in the doghouse and lost confidence both in himself and from his coach- He has played soft and has frequently avoided contact- He has struggled to get out of the backfield at times and on occasion has had "happy feet"- He does not fit the Patriots running mold of straight ahead, move the pile running schemes- He hardly ever catches a pass- He has seen NE sign and draft other RBs each off season, a sign to me at least that the Pats are content to at the very least split his workload with others- Other NE backs the past few years have fared as good or better than Maroney (Morris, Faulk, Jordan), so Maroney has not exactly lapped the competition in terms of production- He now has direct competition from Fred Taylor for carries, as Taylor and Maroney are likely do to share the same situational carries and role in the PAts RBBCCould some of that change this year? Of course. But IMO, not enough of that picture will change and I do think that Maroney is not a could fit in NE and he needs to be able to lower his shoulder and move the pile to get move playing time and be more effective. I also think that his confidence has been shaken and he will struggle with his shoulder injuries to the point that he will not see a huge uptick in his workload.I hope I'm wrong, as I think in the right system, used the right way, likely on a different team Maroney could be a decent back. But I don't think in his current environment that there is enough going for him for Maroney to flourish and thrive.Fantasy wise, he's probably worth a roster spot on the hope that he does get back to his 12-15 carries that he's received in the past and he could be a decent fantasy role player (flex spot, bye/injury week fill-in, depth, etc,) with some upside playing in a potent offense. But I don't see him having a breakout season this year.-

I don't disagree with you on any of this David. But more than a few people are down on Maroney because he didn't play last year.....when he had a broken shoulder. There are many other reasons to be down on Maroney, that is not one of them.

 

[-baller]

The real issue here is that Belichick continues to cheat by not listing Maroney on the injury report AT ALL that week.

While I realize he is violating the rule -

you realize wrong.keep guessing.

 

[perry147]

The real issue here is that Belichick continues to cheat by not listing Maroney on the injury report AT ALL that week.

While I realize he is violating the rule - I never understood why a team was required to reveal injuries. Obviously form a FF standpoint I'm glad they have to but its kind of odd taht a league that openly tries to distance itself from gambling requires teams to reveal injuries when its a rule that only really is relevant to FFers and gamblers.

I have always wondered this myself. There is no reason too reveal injuries other than to help gambling or FF.

 

[-baller]

- He has seen NE sign and draft other RBs each off season, a sign to me at least that the Pats are content to at the very least split his workload with others

what are these 'other RBs' new england has drafted each off season?

so, let me try to understand you --- because new england has signed lamont jordan to a one year deal and fred taylor to a 2 year deal in successive years rather than roll into the season carrying 2 running backs, this means maroney's done?

what would have you convinced maroney was the guy -- if they had nobody else at that position on their roster?

dude....usually you are the voice of reason when others post their crazy unfounded hyperbole.

course correct a little, plz.

 

[David Yudkin]

- He has seen NE sign and draft other RBs each off season, a sign to me at least that the Pats are content to at the very least split his workload with others

what are these 'other RBs' new england has drafted each off season?

so, let me try to understand you --- because new england has signed lamont jordan to a one year deal and fred taylor to a 2 year deal in successive years rather than roll into the season carrying 2 running backs, this means maroney's done?

what would have you convinced maroney was the guy -- if they had nobody else at that position on their roster?

dude....usually you are the voice of reason when others post their crazy unfounded hyperbole.

course correct a little, plz.

The Pats added Taylor this year, Jordan last year, Morris the year before, and drafted BJGE last year in addition to having several other RBs in for visits. IMO, that's not a resounding endorsement that the Pats are happy with Maroney and plan on making him their every down back.Also IMO, NE would have expanded their use of Maroney in terms of both workload and situational on the field, and I don't see him getting more work and at this point see him subbed out more than in the past. Maybe that will change in 2009, but that's my opinion (just like you can have yours as well).

 

[-baller]

The Pats added Taylor this year, Jordan last year, Morris the year before, and drafted BJGE last year in addition to having several other RBs in for visits. IMO, that's not a resounding endorsement that the Pats are happy with Maroney and plan on making him their every down back.Also IMO, NE would have expanded their use of Maroney in terms of both workload and situational on the field, and I don't see him getting more work and at this point see him subbed out more than in the past. Maybe that will change in 2009, but that's my opinion (just like you can have yours as well).

yeah, and the pats lost dillon the year they signed morris, and have since lost eckel, adding lamont jordan as a fill in on a one year deal, and a 33 year old rb on a 2 year deal to replace jordan.and that's what you call a vote of no confidence in maroney?by the way, what round did they draft law firm in that has you so worried.......?and while we're talkin' draft --- how many RBs have the pats actually drafted since they drafted maroney?do other teams roll into the season carrying one rb, or am I just out of my mind?

 

[Adebisi]

The real issue here is that Belichick continues to cheat by not listing Maroney on the injury report AT ALL that week.

While I realize he is violating the rule - I never understood why a team was required to reveal injuries. Obviously form a FF standpoint I'm glad they have to but its kind of odd taht a league that openly tries to distance itself from gambling requires teams to reveal injuries when its a rule that only really is relevant to FFers and gamblers.

The league merely puts on a public face of wanting to distance itself from gambling. It's a bit naive to think otherwise.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

The Pats added Taylor this year, Jordan last year, Morris the year before, and drafted BJGE last year in addition to having several other RBs in for visits. IMO, that's not a resounding endorsement that the Pats are happy with Maroney and plan on making him their every down back.

BJGE was a free agent, he was not drafted.