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Maroney vs Morris (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter GoBirds
- Start date
Gopher State
Footballguy
Morris will continue to out score Maroney in terms of FF points.
#1DetroitFan
Footballguy
Since I do own Maroney and Morris I know who I am starting. It is Morris. Maroney will ride my bench until he proves that he is worth starting. Besides Maroney being hurt he has not shown that BB has annointed him the man. With that being said BB will probably have Morris on the bench this week and Maroney will go off.
ceo3west
Footballguy
Like I've stated many times here, even if Maroney is 100%, there is no reason to beleive BB will change anything. Barring injury to Morris or a dramatic sudden drop in production, the carries will be split around 60/40 with Maroney getting 60% but Morris getting carries inside the 5 (Evans will take some of these too). It's time Maroney owners come to terms with the fact that Morris isn't going away and he's taken Dillon's role.
Exile
Footballguy
I'm another Maroney owner who has (mostly*) come to terms with the situation. If Maroney sits out again, I am starting Morris. If they both play, I am starting Deshawn Foster.
* "Mostly" because I guess I still hold out hope that the situation will change later in the year. But I'm not banking on it and I'm definitely taking a "show me" attitude before I start using him again.
* "Mostly" because I guess I still hold out hope that the situation will change later in the year. But I'm not banking on it and I'm definitely taking a "show me" attitude before I start using him again.
Shiggy Shaol
Footballguy
Owning Maroney was my inspiration to create the "RBs That Nobody Wants" thread. I cannot give him away (and I won't)
Even the Benson owner told me, "No thanks!"
Even the Benson owner told me, "No thanks!"
Texican
Footballguy
Owning Maroney was my inspiration to create the "RBs That Nobody Wants" thread. I cannot give him away (and I won't)Even the Benson owner told me, "No thanks!"
Shiggy Shaol
Footballguy
The worst thing is that I didn't even make the offer when he told me he wouldn't do it.Like catching the eyes of a drunk fat woman across the bar at 3am and her just shaking her head at you. Or something like that, I dunno.Owning Maroney was my inspiration to create the "RBs That Nobody Wants" thread. I cannot give him away (and I won't)Even the Benson owner told me, "No thanks!"
jaisonline
Footballguy
i would join your thread. i wasted a 2nd rd pick on him in my 8 team td-heavy high stakes league. i passed up on r.brown (not a big mistake yet) , westbrook, portis and edge james. at least i still have Willie '"1 TD since we don't use a FB near the goaline and we like throwing TDs to the TEs from w/in the 5 yrd line" Parker, K.Jones and the good A.Peterson that is coached by an idiot (in my opinion).Owning Maroney was my inspiration to create the "RBs That Nobody Wants" thread. I cannot give him away (and I won't)Even the Benson owner told me, "No thanks!"
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largentslovechild
Footballguy
I can't bear to own this fool anymore.
I'm shipping Bowe and him over for McGahee.
Maroney's opposition for 6 is too deep. I wouldn't be surprised to see Gostkowski cross the line before him.
I'm shipping Bowe and him over for McGahee.
Maroney's opposition for 6 is too deep. I wouldn't be surprised to see Gostkowski cross the line before him.
Tanner9919
Footballguy
Morris is a poor man's Marion Barber 3...I'll be starting him this week for sure..until Maroney proves something to me, he's on my bench..granted , he's done failry well, but Morris is the better play vs. weak run defenses, b/c they'll be up huge in the 4th Q, and running like mad.Morris is a perfect mop-up RB..should get another 100 yards and a TD or two, this weekend.
Tony Jabroni
Footballguy
The worst thing is that I didn't even make the offer when he told me he wouldn't do it.Like catching the eyes of a drunk fat woman across the bar at 3am and her just shaking her head at you. Or something like that, I dunno.Owning Maroney was my inspiration to create the "RBs That Nobody Wants" thread. I cannot give him away (and I won't)
Even the Benson owner told me, "No thanks!"
Nice
David Yudkin
Footballguy
*** FRIDAY NOON UPDATE ***
My Pats source close to the team tells me that Maroney looks no better than he did last week and that we should be prepared for another situation like last week (GTD). For those with short memories, my source emailed me last Friday afternoon giving me a heads up that Maroney didn't look good at all in Friday practice and there was a real chance he would not play Monday night. And we know how that turned out (despite all the naysayers who felt Belichick was yanking people's chains and abusing the injury report).
And as I said last week, this is nothing official but that's an opinion straight from the locker room/practice field. We (collectively) may know more when the Pats file their Friday injury report at the end of the day today.
My Pats source close to the team tells me that Maroney looks no better than he did last week and that we should be prepared for another situation like last week (GTD). For those with short memories, my source emailed me last Friday afternoon giving me a heads up that Maroney didn't look good at all in Friday practice and there was a real chance he would not play Monday night. And we know how that turned out (despite all the naysayers who felt Belichick was yanking people's chains and abusing the injury report).
And as I said last week, this is nothing official but that's an opinion straight from the locker room/practice field. We (collectively) may know more when the Pats file their Friday injury report at the end of the day today.
KellysHeroes
Footballguy
I bet Maroney sits again.... not like Cleveland is that dangerous of a team.
ceo3west
Footballguy
Thanks for the info David. This kind of stuff is what makes you guys the best
Yudkin =
gman8343
What would Lemmy do?
Seriously, great stuff. Thanks.Yudkin =
bakes
I am the Beer God!
That's the kind of info I dig this place for. Have to set my lineup today (no access over the weekend) and plugging in Sammy. I am a Maroney owner in a league and have come to agree with that as the cold hard facts. The only thing I can say is if it is not broken don't fix it. It's working and they are rolling.
ericttspikes
Footballguy
That's amazing. I don't have Maroney but have Morris and I can't get anything of value for Morris, even from the Maroney owner. I was hoping to get Chris Henry (WR) and he wouldn't do it. I'm content to keep playing Sammy, but I think some Maroney owners are still in denial. Even if Maroney is 100% this is a RBBC, and Sammy is a good player who will get his. I expect Maroney to have a season like he did last year with Sammy pocketing the Dillon points.Owning Maroney was my inspiration to create the "RBs That Nobody Wants" thread. I cannot give him away (and I won't)Even the Benson owner told me, "No thanks!"
Ted Lange as your Bartender
Footballguy
Not if you have Sammy it isn't. Not often that a WW guy gives you RB2 numbers.With Maroney not getting the goal line carries, and now being hurt, I have to play either Taylor or Dayne (FWP is my #1RB). This NE situation is afor Fantasy Football.
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Neil Beaufort Zod
Footballguy
I think that means something. I have more confidence in Morris now.
Good heavens. A productive RB2 now and a nice flex player even when Maroney is healthy and all you ask for is a waiver wire WR who's not playing for another 4-5 weeks and he says no?That's amazing. I don't have Maroney but have Morris and I can't get anything of value for Morris, even from the Maroney owner. I was hoping to get Chris Henry (WR) and he wouldn't do it. I'm content to keep playing Sammy, but I think some Maroney owners are still in denial. Even if Maroney is 100% this is a RBBC, and Sammy is a good player who will get his. I expect Maroney to have a season like he did last year with Sammy pocketing the Dillon points.Owning Maroney was my inspiration to create the "RBs That Nobody Wants" thread. I cannot give him away (and I won't)
Even the Benson owner told me, "No thanks!"
Resident A
Footballguy
Morris has more value to Morris owners than to trade partners. For some reason, people are in denial when somebody comes out of nowhere to produce.
Give it another week or 2 & you'll be getting offers like Driver or ROY for Morris. For now, just keep starting him & reaping the benefits.
Give it another week or 2 & you'll be getting offers like Driver or ROY for Morris. For now, just keep starting him & reaping the benefits.
The Jerk
Footballguy
I agree with you that Morris has more value to his owners than to others. I believe in addition to the "out of nowhere" aspect, there is the perception that he is just a backup. Many people still believe Maroney will end up getting 75% or more of the work once he is healthy. I see Morris as the 2007 version of the 2006 Dillon, which would mean that he will get more short yardage work, but also that depending on the matchup, he may see more carries than even a healthy Maroney in a few games.Even if that last part is not true, Maroney has shown an inability to stay healthy, missing two full games and parts of a third in the final five games of the season in addition to the obvious offseason shoulder concerns and now his current groin situation.
taz
Footballguy
Morris owner here, who has yet to start him, thinkng he wasn't a better option than Gore, Lynch or AGreen (I plugged Leonard in at the Flex last week but still won).
I've yet to offer him up in a trade, but I agree: I get the feeling he's regarded as Maroney's backup and TD vulture, not a true starter. Can't argue with the production, though.
I've yet to offer him up in a trade, but I agree: I get the feeling he's regarded as Maroney's backup and TD vulture, not a true starter. Can't argue with the production, though.
That's the thing--Maroney has gotten goal line carries (up until the injury) and *has* been in the lineup inside the 10 on many occasions. The problems so far have been a) he couldn't punch it in and b) Brady throws too much on the 1 yd line!As a homer, having seen every game, these are the facts (barring injuries):- Maroney is the #1 back- Maroney gets 2/3 of the carries- Maroney gets the ball at the goal line *if* he's the guy in for that current series (and if he doesn't pull himself)- Morris has been more *fortunate* in his trips to the red zoneWhen (if) Maroney returns to the lineup at 100%, the above facts will still be true. He *will* get his TD opportunities and he will eventually get in!swidman said:
The Jerk
Footballguy
Tell it to my heart...
delusional
Footballguy
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BeachBums
Footballguy
Blech.
The Jerk
Footballguy
Actually, I was thinking more likeBlech.
Keith Lewis
Footballguy
Awesome and you told me to play Morris as I owned both, worked out good, really good.
The Jerk
Footballguy
For what it's worth, from the FBG split stats concerning NE RB in short yardage situations on 3rd or 4th down:3rd/4th 0-2 2006
illon 15 attemptsEvans 8 attemptsMaroney 7 attempts3rd/4th 0-2 2007:Morris 7 attemptsEvans 1 attemptMaroney 0 attemptsI'm not sure these stats are perfect (I've seen glitches where Maroney has two carries listed as starting at the OPP 0 yard line, and the carries went for 8 and 6 yards. In any case, I believe this does show that Morris is the short yardage back thus far in 2007. As this is the first year Morris and Maroney have been teammates in NE, it's not clear WHY this is happening (coaches preference, Maroney not 100%, coincidence, etc.), but it is clear that so far at least it IS happening.Maroney did get some goal line work last year (three 1-yard TD rushes), and it's premature to say he won't get any in 2007. However, it also appears likely (or if you prefer, possible) that Morris will end up with more goal line looks than Maroney. The fact is, that of the Patriots ten rushes from the 5 or closer in 2007, Heath Evans has half of them (1 TD), Morris had 3 (2 TD) and Maroney has 2 (0 TD).So does that mean Heath Evans is actually the goal line back? No, four of the five carries are easily explained as being in garbage time (2 vs. Jets) and after Morris had a 40+ yard run (2 vs. Cinc). On the other hand, it is interesting that the other carry came after the two minute warning (first half), when both Maroney and Morris should have been well rested and ready to take the carry on a first and goal from the 2 vs. the Bills. Here's that sequence:New England Patriots at 4:011-10-BUF 48 (4:01) L.Maroney left guard to BUF 29 for 19 yards (A.Youboty). R13PENALTY on NE-L.Maroney, Delay of Game, 5 yards, enforced at BUF 29.1-10-BUF 34 (3:28) L.Maroney left tackle to BUF 27 for 7 yards (A.Crowell, C.Kelsay).2-3-BUF 27 (2:51) L.Maroney left guard to BUF 22 for 5 yards (J.McCargo, J.DiGiorgio). R141-10-BUF 22 (2:10) (Shotgun) T.Brady pass deep left to K.Brady to BUF 2 for 20 yards (J.Jefferson, J.Leonhard). P15Two-Minute Warning1-2-BUF 2 (2:00) NE 50-Vrabel & 55-Seau eligible. H.Evans right guard to BUF 3 for -1 yards (J.DiGiorgio, J.Stamer).This sequence late in the fourth quarter is the only time I could find Maroney give way to Morris:1-10-SD 12 (5:27) T.Brady pass short left to W.Welker to SD 9 for 3 yards (D.Florence). SD-C.Hart was injuredduring the play.2-7-SD 9 (4:45) NE 68-O'Callaghan eligible. L.Maroney left guard to SD 5 for 4 yards (M.McCree, R.Bingham).3-3-SD 5 (4:03) L.Maroney up the middle to SD 3 for 2 yards (S.Cooper, L.Castillo).4-1-SD 3 (3:18) S.Morris left guard for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.I can't tell you what it all means, but I can say that I mildly disagree with Huntsman on his 3rd and 4th points (and being more "fortunate" is not quanifiable anyway), and I'm not sure the first point matters that much from the fantasy perspective. The only "fact" that has been made clear is that Maroney had 54 carries to 33 for Morris and 3 for Evans when all three played in the first three games. Not quite 2/3 but close enough (54/90=60%).
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delusional
Footballguy
I think NE was surprised at how well Morris has been doing in limited time. Sure they brought him in to take a load off of Maroney because of his shoulder but he has looked better then what was expected. Looks like the better back overall actually.
Craig
Footballguy
I forget who, but somewhere in the pre-season one of the FBG staff stated that Morris was a must pick up late in drafts. in my 12 team re-draft ( 18 roster spots ), I picked up Morris in the 18th round. I havn't used him yet due to the fact that I,m stacked at RB, But at least I can now trade an RB for an upgrade at WR which I desperatley need. Since my main league scores through the Superbowl, players on teams that go the deepest into the playoffs are the most valuable. Based on this, Morris is one that I will keep. I guess that leaves me a choice of either trading Ronnie Brown or Clinton portis to upgrade at WR.Thanks for the heads up on Morris FBG guys
bostonfred
Footballguy
I posted this the week before Maroney unexpectedly developed his injury. I'm a Patriots fan, and have watched every snap of each game. I own both Morris and Maroney in one league, and don't own either in any other league. In the league where I own him, I start Portis and Adrian Peterson most weeks right now, so I don't have a vested interest in Maroney or Morris. I think people are completely misreading how the carries have broken down.
----
Maroney is not LaDainian Tomlinson. He's not going to take over very many games, especially if he keeps dancing behind the line. But he is a very good weapon because he can run with power and he has the speed to take it to the house. Morris doesn't have that kind of speed, but he's a better straightforward runner, and between the Pats offensive line, and the space Moss and Welker open up on defense, he's looking very good so far.
Maroney sat out for the first two preseason games, but in his first preseason game, he was given work early and often, rushing 15 times for 58 yards. After that, here's how his games looked:
Jets week 1: In the season opener against the Jets, the Patriots only had eight offensive drives all game. Maroney got 20 carries for 72 yards. He came out of the gate strong - his first five rushes were for 11, 4, 6, 6, and 1 yards, respectively. Morris came in for a couple plays, then Maroney came back in and got a red zone carry for two yards from the 13. Brady then threw an incomplete pass on second down, and threw for the TD to Welker. On the second drive, Morris came in and ran once for -1 yards. The Patriots went four and out and punted, the only time in the game when that would happen. Thus, Morris came in on the third drive, and ran for 4, 2, 4 and 5 yards, respectively. When the Patriots got to the 25, Maroney came in, ran once for no gain on second and ten, and the Patriots ended up fumbling a snap on a field goal attempt. Their fourth possession came with 4:15 left in the half. Maroney ran for 3 yards and 5 yards, bringing the clock down to three minutes with 65 yards left to go. The Pats quickly got deep on back to back passes of 33 and 22 yards to Moss, then gave Maroney two shots from the 6 yard line. On third and 5, the Pats went to Watson. Their fifth possession was short lived, a 108 yard KO return by Hobbs. Their sixth possession was also short, with Maroney getting two rushes for 2 and 4 yards, respectively, before Brady went deep to Moss for the 51 yard highlight reel TD. Their seventh possession, with the Patriots up by 17 points, started with Sammy Morris, who ran the ball three straight times for 7, 9, and 8 yards, running again later in the drive. Maroney came in and ran for 2 yards on second and two to pick up the first down, then ran for 1 and 9 yards. Faulk and Morris brought them into the 6 yard line, where Morris got one attempt, for one yard. Two passes later, the Pats kicked a field goal. Their eighth and final drive, Maroney ran for 3, 8, 1 and 3 yards, respectively. Moss caught a 13 yard pass to give them first and goal on the 1. With the game effectively over, Heath Evans then got two rushes and got the touchdown.
In other words, the Patriots had eight drives. One was a 108 yard kickoff return for a TD, two ended on long passing TDs, one was a garbage time rush by Evans, and one was a 5 yard passing TD. Another was a hurry up drive at the end of the first half, and another was a clock killing drive in the second half. Another was a four and out for a punt. The last was a field goal attempt. During these drives, the Patriots got into scoring range four times, with about ten total plays. Maroney got four carries, Morris got two, and Evans got two in garbage time. In other words, Maroney got more of these carries than people seem to believe.
San Diego: In week two, the Patriots faced the Chargers, who had questionable corners but had completely shut down the run centric Bears the previous week. The first drive, the Patriots passed seven consecutive times, none to running backs, finishing with a 7 yard pass to Ben Watson. The second drive started with a five yard penalty, putting the Patriots at first and fifteen from the San Diego 29. First down was incomplete to Kevin Faulk. Second and third went to Wes Welker. The Patriots attempted and missed a field goal. The third drive started with Maroney carrying the ball for 7 yards, and then two plays later for 2. The Pats got penalized, and Maroney got another carry on first and fifteen, but was stopped for no gain. The Pats passed it to get inside the 30, and again gave it to Maroney on 2nd and 4. He got 5. On first and ten, he picked up 1. On second and 9, Brady went deep to Moss for the 23 yard touchdown. The fourth drive was Morris' turn. Morris got four carries, rushing for 5 and 2 yards on first and second down, then got two attempts inside the 15, for 2 and -1 yards, respectively. The fifth Patriots drive started with a Tom Brady sack. The Patriots went three and out and punted for the only time in the game. The sixth Patriots "drive" was an interception return for a touchdown by Adalius Thomas. The Patriots didn't get the ball back until 2:41 in the half, at which point Maroney rushed twice for 5 and 11 yards before deferring to Kevin Faulk inside the two minute warning. The drive ended on a Brady interception from the 26 yard line. Their seventh possession started the second half, Sammy Morris got the first drive, rushing for 14, 7, 5 and 4 yards before Brady went deep to Moss for a 24 yard TD pass. The Patriots' eighth possession was over before it began as Hobbs fumbled the kickoff return, then they started their ninth got the ball back on their own 9 yard line. Maroney had a very good drive, rushing for 4, 6, 14, 8, 3, 1, 12, 4, and 2 yards. Those last two rushes were on second and 7 from the 9, and third and 3 from the 5. On 4th and 1, the Patriots replaced Maroney with Morris, who ran the ball into the end zone. The Patriots' tenth and final possession, they ran Evans twice and Morris once for the first down then kneeled down.
In other words, in two of their ten "drives", the Patriots returned an interception for a TD and fumbled a kickoff. Another was a kneel down. That left seven drives. Of those, the first two were 100% passing. That leaves five drives. Of those, Morris had two, and Maroney had three. As has been the norm, Maroney came in at the end of Morris' drives, and Morris came in at the end of Maroney's drives, and Faulk came in for obvious passing downs. Morris had two rushes inside the ten yard line, and got -1 and 3 yards. Maroney had two rushes inside the ten yard line, and got four and two yards. Evans did not get any.
Did Morris come in on the goal line for Maroney? Yes, once, but it was on 4th and 1, and Maroney had just had 9 good runs on a 15 play drive, including two from inside the ten. Morris also had one drive of his own.
Buffalo: Four TD opportunities, 0 TDs. Once was because they were on the three yard line after he picked up seven on first and ten from the goal. He was still in the game when Brady went for the quick snap QB sneak, and fumbled on the 1 yard line. With four minutes left in the half, Maroney had three straight rushes for 31 yards. The Pats then threw a three yard touchdown pass to Randy Moss. In their second to last drive, Maroney took the handoff on the Buffalo 23 and ran for 15 yards, then got another carry from the 8 and ran for 7. On second and one, Brady was sacked for a three yard loss, and on third and goal from the four, he threw it in for a touchdown to Gaffney. And the TD Morris got, could easily have been Maroney - it wasn't that Morris came in as a goal line back, it was that Morris had started the drive at running back and it only took them four plays (including the Welker to Moss lateral) to get them to the four yard line. Morris scored on his first attempt. Maroney had runs of 5, 9, 6, 6, 7, 19, 7, 5, 6, 15, 6, 8, and 9 yesterday. Unfortunately, he also had runs of -1, -2, and -6, as well as the 2, 3 and 4 I mentioned earlier from his final drive. Overall, he looked really good, although it was against a run defense that was on its last legs injury wise.
In other words, instead of a 100 yard game, Maroney was very close to having a 100 yard, 4 TD game. From a fantasy perspective, it wasn't that close, but from an NFL perspective, he could very easily have gotten those numbers. And I don't think anyone would be calling him suspect if he did that.
Maroney's last three rushes were three straight runs for 9 yards, when the Patriots were clearly running out the clock in the fourth quarter. He was stopped.
Maroney only has one target in the passing game this entire season, a screen in the Buffalo game that floated to him and he tripped up going backwards to catch it awkwardly. From the look on Brady's face, and the awkward route he took to the ball, the problem seemed to be Maroney. Don't expect him to pick up his receptions much.
Overall, people seem to have the impression that Maroney is getting pulled at the goal line. That's not true. The real reason his opportunities are low is that the Patriots are scoring too quickly. He's had a couple of opportunities, he's done fairly well with them, but he just hasn't scored. Morris and Evans haven't come in at the goal line, except once at the very end of the Jets game and once at the end of a drive when Maroney had 9 carries out of 15 offensive plays.
Maroney owners right now are justifiably sweating because he has 252 yards, no TDs, and no receptions. But his touchdown potential is still very high. I would consider him a buy low candidate with the ability to put up a Rudi Johnson or Jerome Bettis like season - low to no receptions, but solid yardage and potentially a large number of TDs.
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Maroney is not LaDainian Tomlinson. He's not going to take over very many games, especially if he keeps dancing behind the line. But he is a very good weapon because he can run with power and he has the speed to take it to the house. Morris doesn't have that kind of speed, but he's a better straightforward runner, and between the Pats offensive line, and the space Moss and Welker open up on defense, he's looking very good so far.
Maroney sat out for the first two preseason games, but in his first preseason game, he was given work early and often, rushing 15 times for 58 yards. After that, here's how his games looked:
Jets week 1: In the season opener against the Jets, the Patriots only had eight offensive drives all game. Maroney got 20 carries for 72 yards. He came out of the gate strong - his first five rushes were for 11, 4, 6, 6, and 1 yards, respectively. Morris came in for a couple plays, then Maroney came back in and got a red zone carry for two yards from the 13. Brady then threw an incomplete pass on second down, and threw for the TD to Welker. On the second drive, Morris came in and ran once for -1 yards. The Patriots went four and out and punted, the only time in the game when that would happen. Thus, Morris came in on the third drive, and ran for 4, 2, 4 and 5 yards, respectively. When the Patriots got to the 25, Maroney came in, ran once for no gain on second and ten, and the Patriots ended up fumbling a snap on a field goal attempt. Their fourth possession came with 4:15 left in the half. Maroney ran for 3 yards and 5 yards, bringing the clock down to three minutes with 65 yards left to go. The Pats quickly got deep on back to back passes of 33 and 22 yards to Moss, then gave Maroney two shots from the 6 yard line. On third and 5, the Pats went to Watson. Their fifth possession was short lived, a 108 yard KO return by Hobbs. Their sixth possession was also short, with Maroney getting two rushes for 2 and 4 yards, respectively, before Brady went deep to Moss for the 51 yard highlight reel TD. Their seventh possession, with the Patriots up by 17 points, started with Sammy Morris, who ran the ball three straight times for 7, 9, and 8 yards, running again later in the drive. Maroney came in and ran for 2 yards on second and two to pick up the first down, then ran for 1 and 9 yards. Faulk and Morris brought them into the 6 yard line, where Morris got one attempt, for one yard. Two passes later, the Pats kicked a field goal. Their eighth and final drive, Maroney ran for 3, 8, 1 and 3 yards, respectively. Moss caught a 13 yard pass to give them first and goal on the 1. With the game effectively over, Heath Evans then got two rushes and got the touchdown.
In other words, the Patriots had eight drives. One was a 108 yard kickoff return for a TD, two ended on long passing TDs, one was a garbage time rush by Evans, and one was a 5 yard passing TD. Another was a hurry up drive at the end of the first half, and another was a clock killing drive in the second half. Another was a four and out for a punt. The last was a field goal attempt. During these drives, the Patriots got into scoring range four times, with about ten total plays. Maroney got four carries, Morris got two, and Evans got two in garbage time. In other words, Maroney got more of these carries than people seem to believe.
San Diego: In week two, the Patriots faced the Chargers, who had questionable corners but had completely shut down the run centric Bears the previous week. The first drive, the Patriots passed seven consecutive times, none to running backs, finishing with a 7 yard pass to Ben Watson. The second drive started with a five yard penalty, putting the Patriots at first and fifteen from the San Diego 29. First down was incomplete to Kevin Faulk. Second and third went to Wes Welker. The Patriots attempted and missed a field goal. The third drive started with Maroney carrying the ball for 7 yards, and then two plays later for 2. The Pats got penalized, and Maroney got another carry on first and fifteen, but was stopped for no gain. The Pats passed it to get inside the 30, and again gave it to Maroney on 2nd and 4. He got 5. On first and ten, he picked up 1. On second and 9, Brady went deep to Moss for the 23 yard touchdown. The fourth drive was Morris' turn. Morris got four carries, rushing for 5 and 2 yards on first and second down, then got two attempts inside the 15, for 2 and -1 yards, respectively. The fifth Patriots drive started with a Tom Brady sack. The Patriots went three and out and punted for the only time in the game. The sixth Patriots "drive" was an interception return for a touchdown by Adalius Thomas. The Patriots didn't get the ball back until 2:41 in the half, at which point Maroney rushed twice for 5 and 11 yards before deferring to Kevin Faulk inside the two minute warning. The drive ended on a Brady interception from the 26 yard line. Their seventh possession started the second half, Sammy Morris got the first drive, rushing for 14, 7, 5 and 4 yards before Brady went deep to Moss for a 24 yard TD pass. The Patriots' eighth possession was over before it began as Hobbs fumbled the kickoff return, then they started their ninth got the ball back on their own 9 yard line. Maroney had a very good drive, rushing for 4, 6, 14, 8, 3, 1, 12, 4, and 2 yards. Those last two rushes were on second and 7 from the 9, and third and 3 from the 5. On 4th and 1, the Patriots replaced Maroney with Morris, who ran the ball into the end zone. The Patriots' tenth and final possession, they ran Evans twice and Morris once for the first down then kneeled down.
In other words, in two of their ten "drives", the Patriots returned an interception for a TD and fumbled a kickoff. Another was a kneel down. That left seven drives. Of those, the first two were 100% passing. That leaves five drives. Of those, Morris had two, and Maroney had three. As has been the norm, Maroney came in at the end of Morris' drives, and Morris came in at the end of Maroney's drives, and Faulk came in for obvious passing downs. Morris had two rushes inside the ten yard line, and got -1 and 3 yards. Maroney had two rushes inside the ten yard line, and got four and two yards. Evans did not get any.
Did Morris come in on the goal line for Maroney? Yes, once, but it was on 4th and 1, and Maroney had just had 9 good runs on a 15 play drive, including two from inside the ten. Morris also had one drive of his own.
Buffalo: Four TD opportunities, 0 TDs. Once was because they were on the three yard line after he picked up seven on first and ten from the goal. He was still in the game when Brady went for the quick snap QB sneak, and fumbled on the 1 yard line. With four minutes left in the half, Maroney had three straight rushes for 31 yards. The Pats then threw a three yard touchdown pass to Randy Moss. In their second to last drive, Maroney took the handoff on the Buffalo 23 and ran for 15 yards, then got another carry from the 8 and ran for 7. On second and one, Brady was sacked for a three yard loss, and on third and goal from the four, he threw it in for a touchdown to Gaffney. And the TD Morris got, could easily have been Maroney - it wasn't that Morris came in as a goal line back, it was that Morris had started the drive at running back and it only took them four plays (including the Welker to Moss lateral) to get them to the four yard line. Morris scored on his first attempt. Maroney had runs of 5, 9, 6, 6, 7, 19, 7, 5, 6, 15, 6, 8, and 9 yesterday. Unfortunately, he also had runs of -1, -2, and -6, as well as the 2, 3 and 4 I mentioned earlier from his final drive. Overall, he looked really good, although it was against a run defense that was on its last legs injury wise.
In other words, instead of a 100 yard game, Maroney was very close to having a 100 yard, 4 TD game. From a fantasy perspective, it wasn't that close, but from an NFL perspective, he could very easily have gotten those numbers. And I don't think anyone would be calling him suspect if he did that.
Maroney's last three rushes were three straight runs for 9 yards, when the Patriots were clearly running out the clock in the fourth quarter. He was stopped.
Maroney only has one target in the passing game this entire season, a screen in the Buffalo game that floated to him and he tripped up going backwards to catch it awkwardly. From the look on Brady's face, and the awkward route he took to the ball, the problem seemed to be Maroney. Don't expect him to pick up his receptions much.
Overall, people seem to have the impression that Maroney is getting pulled at the goal line. That's not true. The real reason his opportunities are low is that the Patriots are scoring too quickly. He's had a couple of opportunities, he's done fairly well with them, but he just hasn't scored. Morris and Evans haven't come in at the goal line, except once at the very end of the Jets game and once at the end of a drive when Maroney had 9 carries out of 15 offensive plays.
Maroney owners right now are justifiably sweating because he has 252 yards, no TDs, and no receptions. But his touchdown potential is still very high. I would consider him a buy low candidate with the ability to put up a Rudi Johnson or Jerome Bettis like season - low to no receptions, but solid yardage and potentially a large number of TDs.
