Maroney: "Nobody said anything about me being a feature back&quot (1 Viewer)

[FreeBaGeL]

Maroney passes on status

Sunday, July 29, 2007

By CHRIS KENNEDY

ckennedy@repub.com

Laurence Maroney did not want to hear about his alleged new role, that of feature back.

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick offered his version of three yards and cloud of dust, throwing out another vague statement about any number of good backs doing any number of good things for his team.

Once the season starts, however, it will be hard to hide Maroney, a 2006 first-round draft pick, in among the rest of the backs. With Corey Dillon out of the picture, the more experienced Maroney is in line for more than just the dozen or so carries per game he averaged as a rookie.

"Hold on, time out," the former University of Minnesota standout said after his first training camp practice. Nobody said anything about me being a feature back. I'm just getting a few more carries."

A few more?

Maroney never carried 20 times in a game last season and reached the 100-yard mark only once. He finished with 745 yards and six touchdowns in the regular season, certainly not stunning numbers, although some of his runs certainly were.

He was inactive for two December games and had off-season shoulder surgery. He opened camp Friday wearing a red no-contact jersey, but also declared himself ready.

"I can (take a hit)," an upbeat, smiling Maroney said. "They just don't want me to."

Kevin Faulk and free agent signee Sammy Morris will help carry the load as New England tries to improve what was a mediocre running game by league standards, but Maroney's burden is expected to increase significantly because Dillon is no longer with the team.

Maroney says he is more comfortable this season, ready for what comes next. In part, he joked that means understanding how to address a throng of media members without saying anything that will irk his coach.

Source: http://www.masslive.com/sports/republican/....xml&coll=1

 

[Borat]

He's just giving Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris their due. Maroney will get the bulk of the carries, but they'll all see playing time.

 

[WhoDat]

He's just giving Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris their due. Maroney will get the bulk of the carries, but they'll all see playing time.

I agree 100%. Well coached and respectful young man giving the politically correct answer.

 

[ImTheScientist]

He's just giving Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris their due. Maroney will get the bulk of the carries, but they'll all see playing time.

I agree 100%. Well coached and respectful young man giving the politically correct answer.

A very Pats type answer

 

[WhoDat]

He's just giving Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris their due. Maroney will get the bulk of the carries, but they'll all see playing time.

I agree 100%. Well coached and respectful young man giving the politically correct answer.

A very Pats type answer

And me the Lions homer making it.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

He's just giving Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris their due. Maroney will get the bulk of the carries, but they'll all see playing time.

I agree 100%. Well coached and respectful young man giving the politically correct answer.

A very Pats type answer

And me the Lions homer making it.

I think (but am not sure) he was referring to maroney's comments as a pats type answer.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

So the question is, do you want a RB who gives a PC "Im not the starter yet" answer or a RB who says "the Pats drafted me 1st last year for a reason and I have to show everyone why"?

Or maybe it doesnt matter either way.

 

[WhoDat]

He's just giving Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris their due. Maroney will get the bulk of the carries, but they'll all see playing time.

I agree 100%. Well coached and respectful young man giving the politically correct answer.

A very Pats type answer

And me the Lions homer making it.

I think (but am not sure) he was referring to maroney's comments as a pats type answer.

You are most likely right...probably right...I read and arrived at that conclusion in a hurrySorry Scientist...did not mean any offense

 

[rzrback77]

So the question is, do you want a RB who gives a PC "Im not the starter yet" answer or a RB who says "the Pats drafted me 1st last year for a reason and I have to show everyone why"?Or maybe it doesnt matter either way.

It matters much more what you do with the opportunity than what you say. I'm ok with either response WHEN you carry out the assignment.

 

[SSOG]

So the question is, do you want a RB who gives a PC "Im not the starter yet" answer or a RB who says "the Pats drafted me 1st last year for a reason and I have to show everyone why"?Or maybe it doesnt matter either way.

I want an RB who produces yards, not quotes.