Laurence Maroney (1 Viewer)

[Biabreakable]

I know many people here are very high on Maroneys prospects in the Patriot offense moving forward, especialy when he is no longer sharing time with Dillon.

I am looking at his career so far and he still has not ever been the main RB but has always shared carries with another RB. He missed some games and played in a limited capacity due to being injured in his rookie year even though he was not getting a full load.

+----------+-------------+--------+----+

| WK OPP | RSH YD | RECYD | TD |

+----------+-------------+--------+----+

| 1 buf | 17 86 | 0 | 0 |

| 2 nyj | 16 65 | 0 | 1 |

| 3 den | 12 18 | 61 | 0 |

| 4 cin | 15 125 | 15 | 2 |

| 5 mia | 18 38 | 0 | 0 |

| 7 buf | 8 29 | 1 | 0 |

| 8 min | 8 34 | 33 | 0 |

| 9 ind | 13 63 | -1 | 0 |

| 10 nyj | 12 37 | 0 | 0 |

| 11 gnb | 19 82 | 34 | 1 |

| 12 chi | 13 33 | 45 | 1 |

| 13 det | 4 14 | 0 | 0 |

| 16 jax | 7 48 | 10 | 1 |

| 17 ten | 13 73 | -4 | 1 |

+----------+-------------+--------+----+

| TOTAL | 175 745 | 194 | 7 |

+----------+-------------+--------+----+

When looking at Maroney on a game by game basis he had 2 good games (highlighted red) and 3 other decent games (highlighted green). That is 5 out of 16 games or one game out of 3. DeShawn Foster has managed to perform similarly well when healthy but he is nothing special. So why are people so sure than Maroney will be?RBs who are not in full feature roles can often put up numbers that look decent in terms of YPC that makes people optimistic about those RBs if they should get a much higher number of carries in a feature RB role. But that does not always end up being the case. Some RBs cannot stay healthy with an increased workload. Some are just not as productive.

I am curious why people feel confident that Maroney will be able to handle an increased workload? And what kind of numbers do people think he will produce if/when he gets this opportunity?

 

[Loopdog]

have you ever watched him play? If the answer is yes, I dont think this post is relevant.

I think everyone who has seen him play has been impressed, and while there is no real assurance that he will be good, he just has that special something that people look for in RB's.

And I edited this to add that DeShaun Foster sucks.

 

[EBF]

He's definitely overrated right now, but you have to think that a first round RB on the Patriots has a pretty good chance of becoming a strong producer. That team is going to score points and he looks like the heavy favorite to be the lead back in the very near future. I'm not sure if he's the star that many seem ready to declare him, but you almost have to think he can put up Rudi Johnson-type numbers by virtue of the system alone.

 

[Phlash]

He's definitely overrated right now, but you have to think that a first round RB on the Patriots has a pretty good chance of becoming a strong producer. That team is going to score points and he looks like the heavy favorite to be the lead back in the very near future. I'm not sure if he's the star that many seem ready to declare him, but you almost have to think he can put up Rudi Johnson-type numbers by virtue of the system alone.

Exactly, Antowain 'Fall 3 Yards From the Line' Smith managed 1100/12 rushing with the Patriots, when their O-line was far worse.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

He's definitely overrated right now, but you have to think that a first round RB on the Patriots has a pretty good chance of becoming a strong producer. That team is going to score points and he looks like the heavy favorite to be the lead back in the very near future. I'm not sure if he's the star that many seem ready to declare him, but you almost have to think he can put up Rudi Johnson-type numbers by virtue of the system alone.

Exactly, Antowain 'Fall 3 Yards From the Line' Smith managed 1100/12 rushing with the Patriots, when their O-line was far worse.

Actually, that year Smith was one of the league leaders in rb's with plays over 30 yards- hed had at least 7.

 

[AcerFC]

I do not watch the Patriots on a regular basis but I saw Dillon score at least 4-5 times when Maroney took them down to the goal line. Dillon was the TD back and if he doesnt return, that will be Maroneys job.

ETA: That is my opinion. I have no real idea if Maroney will be Goal line back

 

[On The Rocks]

have you ever watched him play? If the answer is yes, I dont think this post is relevant. I think everyone who has seen him play has been impressed, and while there is no real assurance that he will be good, he just has that special something that people look for in RB's.And I edited this to add that DeShaun Foster sucks.

I saw him play and I think it is relevant. I think I probably saw at least 10 of the Patriots games this season and I kept a close eye on LM because I drafted him because I had high expectations.Some plays he reminds me very much of Eric Dickerson. Other plays he reminded me of nothing more than a third string back.He appeared to have hit a "rookie wall" rather early and had nagging injuries all season. Where as a player like Addai and Mo Jones-Drew got better and stronger as the season went on.I like the prospects of Maroney, but I have concerns.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

have you ever watched him play? If the answer is yes, I dont think this post is relevant. I think everyone who has seen him play has been impressed, and while there is no real assurance that he will be good, he just has that special something that people look for in RB's.And I edited this to add that DeShaun Foster sucks.

I saw him play and I think it is relevant. I think I probably saw at least 10 of the Patriots games this season and I kept a close eye on LM because I drafted him because I had high expectations.Some plays he reminds me very much of Eric Dickerson. Other plays he reminded me of nothing more than a third string back.He appeared to have hit a "rookie wall" rather early and had nagging injuries all season. Where as a player like Addai and Mo Jones-Drew got better and stronger as the season went on.I like the prospects of Maroney, but I have concerns.

I watched a similar number of Pats games and saw no evidence of "a rookie wall". Early in the season, the O-line gave Maroney some room to run, and he was successful. Later in the season, defenses game planned differently for the Pats, and Maroney couldn't find any holes, because there weren't any when he was in the game. Once old man Dillon came in, boom, the holes opened up (because defenses weren't game planning against the slow old man). THAT is what concerns me about Maroney, along with the Pats frequent urge to shut down the run and chuck up 20 passes in a row.

 

[kevthegrad]

Maroney is going to be a beast. I had 1.01 in my dynasty league and had to take Bush....but I tell you Maroney was tough to pass up on. Dillon is going bye bye very soon, if not this year....and Maroney has the size and speed to be an every down back. I think he ends up a top 5 RB for the next 7 years easily, although he might not make it INTO the top 5 until the '08 season.

 

[Boston]

have you ever watched him play? If the answer is yes, I dont think this post is relevant. I think everyone who has seen him play has been impressed, and while there is no real assurance that he will be good, he just has that special something that people look for in RB's.And I edited this to add that DeShaun Foster sucks.

I saw him play and I think it is relevant. I think I probably saw at least 10 of the Patriots games this season and I kept a close eye on LM because I drafted him because I had high expectations.Some plays he reminds me very much of Eric Dickerson. Other plays he reminded me of nothing more than a third string back.He appeared to have hit a "rookie wall" rather early and had nagging injuries all season. Where as a player like Addai and Mo Jones-Drew got better and stronger as the season went on.I like the prospects of Maroney, but I have concerns.

You're dead on. There's zero doubt that the kid has talent and it could be special talent. Yet, he has to prove he can show it on a game to game basis as a primary ballcarrier. He was very inconsistent this year and Dillon was actually the Pats best back when you look at the season as a whole.One area that I was very unhappy with was how the Pats used him. There were too many games where they ran him like Jerome Bettis. The kid has power but they need to get far more creative with how they use him. He's great in open space but too often the playcalling for him was straight up the middle.

 

[bcr8f]

have you ever watched him play? If the answer is yes, I dont think this post is relevant. I think everyone who has seen him play has been impressed, and while there is no real assurance that he will be good, he just has that special something that people look for in RB's.And I edited this to add that DeShaun Foster sucks.

People bashing him swaid he only went outside but proved them wrong this year. He will probably share carries somewhat but he will be good.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

You're dead on. There's zero doubt that the kid has talent and it could be special talent. Yet, he has to prove he can show it on a game to game basis as a primary ballcarrier. He was very inconsistent this year and Dillon was actually the Pats best back when you look at the season as a whole.

I don't understand why you say that Dillon was the Pats best back this season. Dillon: 199 carries, 812 yards rushing, 4.1 ypc, 13 TDs (more goal line carries), 147 yards receiving. Maroney: 175 carries, 745 yards rushing, 4.3 ypc, 6 TDs, 194 yards receiving, 1 TD. And let's not forget that Maroney missed two games (weeks 13-14) and was rested heavily up until the playoffs. Otherwise, he would have been the Pats leading rusher.

One area that I was very unhappy with was how the Pats used him. There were too many games where they ran him like Jerome Bettis. The kid has power but they need to get far more creative with how they use him. He's great in open space but too often the playcalling for him was straight up the middle.

This I agree with 100%. It's also the primary reason that Maroney was so inconsistent. A secondary reason is obviously that defenses game planned more to stop Maroney (in the 2nd half of the season) than to stop Dillon. It was pretty clear early on that Maroney was the sparkplug in the Pats offense.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Maroney has the talent - no doubt. On some plays he looked like the most explosive back the Patriots have had since Curtis Martin.

However...he did get hurt this year. He also was not as productive late in the season. Let's assume for a moment that Dillon is gone (something I do not think is a sure thing) next season. The Patriots will bring someone else in at RB. Maybe not in a planned platoon type thing, but just for the simple reason that behind Maroney is Kevin Faulk and Heath Evans on the depth chart - that won't cut it if Maroney gets hurt again. Faulk is an amazing role player, but cannot be a feature back, and Evans runs with power but he's also not a guy that can be leaned on.

Anyway, my only point is, be careful with assuming that if/when Dillon is gone, Maroney is in the clear as a feature RB.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

I'm not sure how much this has to factor in, but the constant yo-yo'ing of Dillon and Maroney was silly. I'm not talking about multiple series, but down to down rotations.

They were shuffled in and out, so it was difficult to see what Maroney could do given a full load of carries. He was seldom used as a receiver out of the backfield, but that could come in time.

He seemed to dance behind the line too much, but I'm looking forward to seeing his production with 300+ carries.

 

[Workhorse]

Until Maroney becomes a better blocker, he won't be an every down kind of back in the Patriots offense. That's the bottom line: The kid struggled all year with blocking assignments.

 

[Boston]

You're dead on. There's zero doubt that the kid has talent and it could be special talent. Yet, he has to prove he can show it on a game to game basis as a primary ballcarrier. He was very inconsistent this year and Dillon was actually the Pats best back when you look at the season as a whole.

I don't understand why you say that Dillon was the Pats best back this season. Dillon: 199 carries, 812 yards rushing, 4.1 ypc, 13 TDs (more goal line carries), 147 yards receiving. Maroney: 175 carries, 745 yards rushing, 4.3 ypc, 6 TDs, 194 yards receiving, 1 TD. And let's not forget that Maroney missed two games (weeks 13-14) and was rested heavily up until the playoffs. Otherwise, he would have been the Pats leading rusher.

One area that I was very unhappy with was how the Pats used him. There were too many games where they ran him like Jerome Bettis. The kid has power but they need to get far more creative with how they use him. He's great in open space but too often the playcalling for him was straight up the middle.

This I agree with 100%. It's also the primary reason that Maroney was so inconsistent. A secondary reason is obviously that defenses game planned more to stop Maroney (in the 2nd half of the season) than to stop Dillon. It was pretty clear early on that Maroney was the sparkplug in the Pats offense.

Dillon ran more consistently than Maroney for the full 16 games. Often it wasn't spectacular but you knew what you were getting from him pretty much every week. While Maroney had some games where he looked all world he had other games where he was invisible. The stats don't tell the whole story here. As far as gaining yardage on a consistent basis Dillon was more reliable. Maroney had some games where he had a big run or two but didn't do much else. In his defense there were games where he wasn't used correctly and that contributed to some of this as did injuries.Now, I do think Maroney has the potential to be an excellent RB. As a Pats fan I'm very excited about him. Yet, I do see some things that hopefully will be improved upon for 2007...from him as well as how the team uses him.

 

[Kit Fisto]

He seemed to dance behind the line too much, but I'm looking forward to seeing his production with 300+ carries.

Got to this post and found you stole what I was about to write...Maroney dances waaaaaay too much. "You're a monster, hit that hole!" I agree that once he learns to do that, and becomes more consistent, he'll be a yardage/TD machine like Dillon has been.But I am concerned too.

 

[trader jake]

During his rookie season we all saw the raw ability. In time he should develop his pass blocking skills, catching the ball more fluidly out of the backfield, and knowing when to put his head down and just take the 3 yard gain instead of dancing.

Isn't the real concern with Maroney his ability to stay healthy?

He reminds me of a poor man's Steven Jackson right now. Jackson had to answer some durability concerns as well and made great strides. I'm just not as positive that Maroney will be able to handle 20+ touches a game over the course of a full season. I'm not saying he can't...just that this is the biggest concern I had watching him play during his rookie season.

 

[greggorymac]

Until Maroney becomes a better blocker, he won't be an every down kind of back in the Patriots offense. That's the bottom line: The kid struggled all year with blocking assignments.

This is all a moot point until Dillion leaves the Pats. If Dillion departs this offseason, I could see Maroney as a late first rounder. If Dillion stays on another season, Maroney will only be as good as a RB2/RB3.

 

[greggorymac]

He reminds me of a poor man's Steven Jackson right now.

Exactly...Ricky = Predator ISJax = Predator IIMaroney = Predator III

 

[TD Ryan]

some things to consider with Maroney:

#1. the injury and "rookie wall"

- Maroney was a return man for NE this year and he was very effective return man (was #1 in the NFL for a period, finished near the top). That alone will put a pounding on a guy, nevermind a rookie.

#2. Maroney's bulk

- he has a good sized frame, but by NFL standards, he's skinny and lithe. Guys who are small by NFL standards (Troy Brown, Hank Poteat) looked ripped and battle-hardened when standing next to Maroney. Despite the "skinniness", Maroney showed a good amount of power early on. I have to imagine that once he's on an NFL weight program, that power will improve.

#3. He has game changing speed/explosiveness

- this is where the "have you seen him play" comments come from. Anyone who watched Maroney early in the year saw a young RB who was lightning quick. He just has an extra speed/zip/shiftiness that seperates him from the pack... even with an untrained eye, a fan can see that Maroney takes the game to a different speed. Perhaps the best description I've heard used about him (with his hair and the way he bounces off guys): "he's cartoon fast".

#4. Maroney has very good hands

- he wasn't used much as a pass catcher, but early on, The Patriots commented how pleasantly surprised they were with his receiving skills out of the back field. Belichick would NOT have this kid back fielding returns if there wasn't a lot of confidence in his hands.

Yes. Maroney has a lot to prove still. But by no means was his rookie year considered "bad" or a "bust". When you consider that this year's RB Class is being compared to the QB class of '83, I'm very happy NE got Maroney (though I'm praying he isn't our Eason again)

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Maroney dances waaaaaay too much. "You're a monster, hit that hole!" I agree that once he learns to do that, and becomes more consistent, he'll be a yardage/TD machine like Dillon has been.

He's got a big enough frame to run inside, it just seemed that he was hesitating before he hit the line, which is all the more frustrating because he can break interior line/LB pursuit. He's :thisclose: to being a every down back. It's hard enough to figure out what Belichick's plans are (with Dillion), but I've got to think that the Patriots will be on the market for a Plan B just in case.

 

[Kleck]

I think Maroney will be special. He's a beast.

 

[baronson]

I think Maroney will be special. He's a beast.

ditto. he has some work to do, but doesn't everyone after 1 yr in the league?he'll get it done. he's a hold right now. but my hunch is that by mid next season... we're looking at a top 6-8 back.

 

[msommer]

IIRC DeShaun Foster came pretty highly touted. No one knows wat he would have been like without the microfracture surgery.

Maybe it isn't such a bad comparison after all - considering Maroney hasn't had that operation (and hopefully won't)

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Maroney is an aggravating player.

He LOOKS the part.

He runs VIOLENTLY.

He can't stay healthy though.

Quite the cunundrum - but I'm a huge fan.

 

[Buckeyedawgs]

half his good games was first 4 weeks. Burn out or injury limited?

I remember the Cincy game he looked like the next comeing of Jimmy Brown. But after that very dissapointing season.

I don't trust any fantasy player in New England system. Couldn't even trust the darn QB this year.

But if there was one player I could keep Maroney would be it.

Watson was another example of hi expectations and little results this year.

Huge dissapointment to me.

 

[msommer]

Here's a little tidbit from PFW's The Way We Hear It, the free stuff.

We hear that RB Corey Dillon told teammates in the locker room following the Patriots’ loss to the Colts in the AFC championship game that he was done as a player and would retire. His agent has since softened Dillon’s stance, which was likely a heat-of-the-moment reaction after a difficult defeat. However, agent Steve Feldman won’t guarantee that Dillon is coming back, even though he has $4.4 million reasons (he counts that much against the 2007 salary cap) why he might want to return in ’07. That being said, we hear that there is no way the Patriots will want to bring him back at that number, and it’s likely the team doesn’t want to bring him back at all. Dillon has several strikes against him — he’s 32 years old, relatively slow, a potential malcontent if he’s unhappy, and he has the younger, faster Laurence Maroney waiting in the wings behind him and ready for a bigger role. Odds are good that Dillon has played his last down in New England, unless he comes back at a dramatically reduced salary.

Link

 

[kensat30]

Maroney reminds me a lot of Steven Jackson circa offseason 2005. You know the guy is probably going to be good, and you know that he is upgrading his role on the team, but you don't know to what extent. IMO, It's only a matter of time before this guy becomes a fantasy stud. He should be no worse than a RB#2 in 2007, and a RB#1 by 2008. Top5 RB by 2009.

The real question marks, is how the Pat's will utilize him in 2007 and if he can stay healthy under the increased workload. In the past few years they have been a run first team around the goalline, and they have shown that they are willing to go the featured RB route as well. 20 RB TDs last year... what chunk will Maroney see? Tom Brady at QB eases a lot of my concerns regarding RB production in NE as whole. This is not Cleveland or Detroit, this is New England. They ARE going to produce solid numbers.

And at this point, I really don't see anyone else coming in and stealing Maroney's thunder at the goalline. So the main question really comes down to durability. How many times can Maroney handle the rock, and will the Pat's ease him into it rather than ride him into the ground. And who can you really accurately predict for durability other than guys like Michael Bennett and Chris Brown? Maroney doesn't fall into that category for me. He's a risk in 2007, but it's a calculated risk. I'll take him at the beginning of the 2nd in a redraft if he is there no question. I'd draft him at the end of the first/beginning of the second in a redraft and feel pretty confident about that pick. Much more so than I would have for Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams last season. This is the Pat's we're talking about.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I loooove watching Laurence Maroney run. He runs VIOLENTLY.

The only problem is his numbers aren't that great, and he's not too durable.

 

[Rovers]

Well, he won't or shouldn't be returning KO's this year, and that will help hom some for sure. Most RB's need a year to make the adjustment to the NFL. I think he'll be pretty good. Top ten RB easilly.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

Maroney reminds me a lot of Steven Jackson circa offseason 2005. You know the guy is probably going to be good, and you know that he is upgrading his role on the team, but you don't know to what extent. IMO, It's only a matter of time before this guy becomes a fantasy stud. He should be no worse than a RB#2 in 2007, and a RB#1 by 2008. Top5 RB by 2009.The real question marks, is how the Pat's will utilize him in 2007 and if he can stay healthy under the increased workload. In the past few years they have been a run first team around the goalline, and they have shown that they are willing to go the featured RB route as well. 20 RB TDs last year... what chunk will Maroney see? Tom Brady at QB eases a lot of my concerns regarding RB production in NE as whole. This is not Cleveland or Detroit, this is New England. They ARE going to produce solid numbers.And at this point, I really don't see anyone else coming in and stealing Maroney's thunder at the goalline. So the main question really comes down to durability. How many times can Maroney handle the rock, and will the Pat's ease him into it rather than ride him into the ground. And who can you really accurately predict for durability other than guys like Michael Bennett and Chris Brown? Maroney doesn't fall into that category for me. He's a risk in 2007, but it's a calculated risk. I'll take him at the beginning of the 2nd in a redraft if he is there no question. I'd draft him at the end of the first/beginning of the second in a redraft and feel pretty confident about that pick. Much more so than I would have for Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams last season. This is the Pat's we're talking about.

 

[EBF]

I think the key thing here is situation. I don't personally think Maroney is a world beater in terms of talent, but how can he fail on the Pats? Even Antowain Smith was a decent FF back on the Pats. Maroney should be solid with the potential to be outstanding.

 

[Routilla]

NE needs to upgrade their OL, especially losing a good blocking TE in Graham.

 

[Gandalf]

NE needs to upgrade their OL, especially losing a good blocking TE in Graham.

Didn't they just sign a really good blocking TE?

 

[tombonneau]

NE needs to upgrade their OL, especially losing a good blocking TE in Graham.

Pats Oline is above-average. Matt Light is a good not great LT. How many teams have great LTs? 3? 4? Koppen is a top 5 center -- Pats FO was genius to extend him mid-season 06 given the silly money being thrown at competent interior lineman in FA.They have 3 solid guards but could still afford to upgrade RT.I'd say they have one of the top 8-10 olines in the league.And while losing Graham hurts, the signed an equally good blocker (albeit lesser receiver) in Brady. I don't think the running game will miss Graham (passing game is another story).Oh, and missing in the whole Graham departure is David Thomas, who I think will be a Dallas-Clark-like assassin on third downs who can also block.

 

[Gandalf]

Kyle Brady. That's the guy the Pats just signed. He can block really well to help mitigate the loss of Graham.

 

[LBH]

I thought he looked better in the beginning of the season. I really think hes a little overated. I live in NE and watch the Patriot games every week

 

[dickey moe]

I thought he looked better in the beginning of the season. I really think hes a little overated. I live in NE and watch the Patriot games every week

I thought the same thing. He did not impress me much in the later games, although admittedly I didn't get to see NE play all that much. I've been pulling my hair out whether I should keep Maroney or Gore in a keeper league next season.

 

[LBH]

I thought he looked better in the beginning of the season. I really think hes a little overated. I live in NE and watch the Patriot games every week

I thought the same thing. He did not impress me much in the later games, although admittedly I didn't get to see NE play all that much. I've been pulling my hair out whether I should keep Maroney or Gore in a keeper league next season.

I have Gore in a keeper league, and it would take a lot more than Maroney for me to give him up. Maroney definitely has some speed, and Ive seen a couple of good stiff arms out of him, but imo he doesnt charge through the hole that hard or maybe he has a tough time finding it. Possibly his ineffectiveness was because he was a little dinged up later in the season, Im not sure. I want to see at least one productive year out of him where he can stay relatively healthy before i start singin his praises