Maurice Morris (DET) (1 Viewer)

[Weiner Dog]

Why?

1) I think most assume that Kevin Smith will not be on the field for (at least) the first two months of the season. Coupled with Aaron Brown being (at best) a poor-man's Jerious Norwood clome, Morris is currently the undisputed #2 RB on the Lions and performed extremely well when called upon after Smith's injury (last 3 games: 51-228-1 rushing, 14-105 receiving). In today's NFL, every-down RB's are rare. Morris would fall in this rare category as of today.

2) The Lions will obviously not be drafting a RB at #2 overall. Sure...they could always go with somebody like Best at #34 overall, Dwyer/Hardesty at #66 overall or Tate/Gerhart at #100 overall, but I don't see any of these guys pushing Morris from the field by Week 1.

3) With the exception of maybe Westbrook, all of the veteran free agent RB's have been signed. Tomlinson...NYJ. Larry Johnson...WAS. Willie Parker...WAS. Mike Bell (RFA)...PHI. The remaining RFA's like Pierre Thomas, Leon Washington and Lendale White really have not been sniffed by anybody.

4) The Lions value Morris higher than most would assume. Reportedly, the Lions rejected a trade from the Chargers involving Morris and Antonio Cromartie (yup, the same Cromartie for which the Jets dealt a conditional 3rd in '11 and restructured contract). CB's are generally worth more than RB's, but the Lions balked at this notion and did not budge.

Maurice Morris

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Nice post however I am afraid you are wrong. He is a career back up and no way he will start the season as a 30 year old as the starter and "the guy". It just won't happen.

 

[JohnnyU]

Sorry, but he just isn't very good.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

$50 says you are either:

a) from Detroit

b) an alumnus of the University Of Oregon

c) a personal friend or relative of Maurice Morris

 

[perry147]

Sorry, but he just isn't very good.

MM could not beat out JJ when he was a Seahawk.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Sorry, but he just isn't very good.

Of course he's not very good. That's why he is a career backup and will be nothing more than a band-aid in 2010. However, he currently offers #2/#3 RB value at a #5/#6 RB cost.Disclaimer: I do not even play in redraft leagues. As a soon-to-be 31 year-old RB, Morris holds nearly no value in the dynasty leagues in which I participate. It's the redraft leagues where owners could find their bye-week/injury replacement.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Sorry, but he just isn't very good.

MM could not beat out JJ when he was a Seahawk.

Name an NFL RB outside of MBII who has "beat out" JJ as a starter?

 

[JohnnyU]

Sorry, but he just isn't very good.

MM could not beat out JJ when he was a Seahawk.

Name an NFL RB outside of MBII who has "beat out" JJ as a starter?

Come on man, that was a reach. Besides, how many years have passed since then? To be frank, I'm surprised he's still on an NFL roster. There are probably more talented RBs currently out of work.

 

[perry147]

Sorry, but he just isn't very good.

MM could not beat out JJ when he was a Seahawk.

Name an NFL RB outside of MBII who has "beat out" JJ as a starter?

Come on man, that was a reach. Besides, how many years have passed since then? To be frank, I'm surprised he's still on an NFL roster. There are probably more talented RBs currently out of work.

Last year I found Forsett to be a better option in my league and JJ jas not been good since 2006.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Sure, it's easy to pile on the fat kid. But really what has changed with the Lions backfield over the past four months since Morris averaged 100+ yards/game in Weeks 15-17? What is everybody's magic 8-ball telling them?

The Lions signing Westbrook...the Lions drafting a RB with their 2nd-round pick...Morris getting cut...Aaron Brown emerging...Kevin Smith healing earlier than expected?

It's easy to say "Morris sucks", but what has changed or will change from Weeks 15-17?

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Sure, it's easy to pile on the fat kid. But really what has changed with the Lions backfield over the past four months since Morris averaged 100+ yards/game in Weeks 15-17? What is everybody's magic 8-ball telling them? The Lions signing Westbrook...the Lions drafting a RB with their 2nd-round pick...Morris getting cut...Aaron Brown emerging...Kevin Smith healing earlier than expected?It's easy to say "Morris sucks", but what has changed or will change from Weeks 15-17?

There is no point making a projection for the Lions backfield in a redraft situation at this stage since we don't know what they are entering the year with and how injuries are playing out etc.If the regular season started this weekend then sure maybe you could sell Morris off as a sneaky play of some sort, but you are really reaching here at this stage.

 

[Unwrittenlaw]

so what happened to his skillset since backing up Shaun Alexander? Some were touting him like he had lots of potential to be something.

He's never had more than a 160 carry season, but it seems like his body can handle more.

Bump some threads in 2003/2004 about Maurice Morris and you'll notice some interesting comments about him. :|

 

[JohnnyU]

Sure, it's easy to pile on the fat kid. But really what has changed with the Lions backfield over the past four months since Morris averaged 100+ yards/game in Weeks 15-17? What is everybody's magic 8-ball telling them?

The Lions signing Westbrook...the Lions drafting a RB with their 2nd-round pick...Morris getting cut...Aaron Brown emerging...Kevin Smith healing earlier than expected?

It's easy to say "Morris sucks", but what has changed or will change from Weeks 15-17?

Morris didn't average 100 yd game in weeks 15-17. He had one game of 126 yds in week 15, then a real stinker in week 16 when he went off for 18 rushes for 37 yards, then 16/67 in week 17.

 

[EBF]

Sorry, but he just isn't very good.

Aye. This guy is terrible and his supporting cast won't help matters.I fully expect the Lions to grab someone like Best/Hardesty/Tate in rounds 2-3.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Sure, it's easy to pile on the fat kid. But really what has changed with the Lions backfield over the past four months since Morris averaged 100+ yards/game in Weeks 15-17? What is everybody's magic 8-ball telling them?

The Lions signing Westbrook...the Lions drafting a RB with their 2nd-round pick...Morris getting cut...Aaron Brown emerging...Kevin Smith healing earlier than expected?

It's easy to say "Morris sucks", but what has changed or will change from Weeks 15-17?

Morris didn't average 100 yd game in weeks 15-17. He had one game of 126 yds in week 15, then a real stinker in week 16 when he went off for 18 rushes for 37 yards, then 16/67 in week 17.

Total yards from scrimmage. I've never played in a league where a RB's receiving yardage was not included in his scoring. 333 total yards in the last 3 games = 111 yards per game.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Sorry, but he just isn't very good.

I fully expect the Lions to grab someone like Best/Hardesty/Tate in rounds 2-3.

As do I.But how long until Morris is bumped from the lineup? Surely not Week 1. The Lions will not play roulette with their franchise QB by having a rookie RB (especially, a sub-200lb rookie) help block for Stafford. In this scenario, Morris' worst-case is a RBBC on 1st and 2nd downs and the sole starter on 3rd-downs.

 

[JohnnyU]

Sure, it's easy to pile on the fat kid. But really what has changed with the Lions backfield over the past four months since Morris averaged 100+ yards/game in Weeks 15-17? What is everybody's magic 8-ball telling them?

The Lions signing Westbrook...the Lions drafting a RB with their 2nd-round pick...Morris getting cut...Aaron Brown emerging...Kevin Smith healing earlier than expected?

It's easy to say "Morris sucks", but what has changed or will change from Weeks 15-17?

Morris didn't average 100 yd game in weeks 15-17. He had one game of 126 yds in week 15, then a real stinker in week 16 when he went off for 18 rushes for 37 yards, then 16/67 in week 17.

Total yards from scrimmage. I've never played in a league where a RB's receiving yardage was not included in his scoring. 333 total yards in the last 3 games = 111 yards per game.

1 td in those 3 games. You go ahead and speculate on the Maurice Morris' of the world and I'll park the next J Finley on my bench, or a previously highly regarded 3rd year WR that's now under the radar.

 

[EBF]

Sorry, but he just isn't very good.

I fully expect the Lions to grab someone like Best/Hardesty/Tate in rounds 2-3.

As do I.But how long until Morris is bumped from the lineup? Surely not Week 1. The Lions will not play roulette with their franchise QB by having a rookie RB (especially, a sub-200lb rookie) help block for Stafford. In this scenario, Morris' worst-case is a RBBC on 1st and 2nd downs and the sole starter on 3rd-downs.

Either way, he's never going to be a desirable starting option. He couldn't succeed in Seattle. He won't succeed in Detroit.

 

[Couch Potato]

Some people call me the space cowboy

Some people call me the gangster of love

Some people call me Maur-r-r-r-r-rice

Cause I speak of the pompatus of love

 

[coolnerd]

Morris' primary value would be because he is getting the ball 15-20 times a game. His performance would be inconsistent to mediocre and would subject to losing his job carries almost at a whim.

BTW, isn't April early to declaring that mediocore RB on bad teams are undervalued. I thought the "shark" move was to start these threads in August, so that the "guppies" will get excited and waste a roster spot on Mo Morris instead of a Charles/Harrison type who actually have some upside.

 

[Aardvarks]

Sorry, but he just isn't very good.

This.And Detroit is bound to add a rookie RB or two, plus Jim Schwartz will probably end up trading for a mid-priced vet this summer... like LenDale White, who he knows from Tennessee, or maybe the 3rd wheel from Washington (Parker or LJ).Maurice Morris won't be a factor in fantasy football this year. Sure he'll have a couple decent games -- a 16-63-1 and a 18-79-1 -- but he won't be in fantasy lineups to begin with....

 

[Bri]

not on this bandwagon, don't see it

 

[Black]

Jalen Parmele is my guess as to 'next man up', along with someone drafted.

 

[identikit]

Jalen Parmele is my guess as to 'next man up', along with someone drafted.

thought he was a Raven...

 

[Dr. Octopus]

4) The Lions value Morris higher than most would assume. Reportedly, the Lions rejected a trade from the Chargers involving Morris and Antonio Cromartie (yup, the same Cromartie for which the Jets dealt a conditional 3rd in '11 and restructured contract). CB's are generally worth more than RB's, but the Lions balked at this notion and did not budge.

Do you really believe this. I can't imagine the Chargers even wanting Maurice Morris - and even if they weren't that high on Cromartie how could the Lions possibly reject that offer?As far as the general thread - meh. Even assuming Morris heads into the season as the starter. How long can he keep the job and how productive could he be. A nice role player, but nothing special.

 

[Couch Potato]

Jalen Parmele is my guess as to 'next man up', along with someone drafted.

thought he was a Raven...

He is a Raven. Black may be thinking of Cedric Peerman? Parmele, Peerman, kinda sorta close.

 

[zamboni]

The days of undervaluing Morris are overvalued.

As others have said, he's a decent situational guy, but that's about it. IMO, the odds of the Lions grabbing a reasonably quality RB in the 2nd or 3rd are pretty good. And if not, they'll probably find a retread out there that is a better option if Smith can't go right away.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

So we have an old, career backup RB, on a terrible team, with a better RB on the roster coming back at some point this season, likely with competition for carries from a rookie from the 1st game on. Where do I sign up?

Hate to pile on, as I generally like crazy-talk to get me thinking. But this is a little crazier than I like my crazy talk.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

So, most feel he is worthless...sounds like undervalued to me (as long as he does something).

 

[perry147]

So, most feel he is worthless...sounds like undervalued to me (as long as he does something).

Dom Davis is undervalued also.

 

[Black]

Jalen Parmele is my guess as to 'next man up', along with someone drafted.

thought he was a Raven...

Yup, he is. My bad. I meant Cedric Peerman.

 

[We Tigers]

1 td in those 3 games. You go ahead and speculate on the Maurice Morris' of the world and I'll park the next J Finley on my bench, or a previously highly regarded 3rd year WR that's now under the radar.

If Maurice Morris could give you 333 yards and one TD every 3 games...he'd be Steven Jackson. I don't think he's going to do that--because, as others have said, the Lions will surely take a mid-round RB and might give some work to Aaron Brown or Ced Peerman as well--but he'd be great anywhere you drafted him if he could put up 200 fantasy points. The math works; I just don't think the player does.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Here are some of the numbers of interest regarding Morris...

* 5'11", 216lbs.

* He has averaged more than 4.0 yards/carry in 7 of his 8 NFL seasons.

* Over his last 4 seasons, he has 2800 total yards.

It's easy to say "he sucks", but does he really? What part of his game sucks? Again, Morris will not be challenging CJ for the rushing title. I simply feel his current situation could give #2/#3 value at the cost of #5/#6.

 

[EBF]

Here are some of the numbers of interest regarding Morris...* 5'11", 216lbs.* He has averaged more than 4.0 yards/carry in 7 of his 8 NFL seasons.* Over his last 4 seasons, he has 2800 total yards.It's easy to say "he sucks", but does he really? What part of his game sucks? Again, Morris will not be challenging CJ for the rushing title. I simply feel his current situation could give #2/#3 value at the cost of #5/#6.

You missed an important one...* Been in the league for 8 seasons and never done squat.Sorry, but I just don't see this guy being worth a roster spot in most leagues. He's not a very good running back and the Lions will almost certainly bring someone in to challenge him. I don't think he could ward off a challenge from Jahvid Best, Montario Hardesty, Toby Gerhart, or Ben Tate. He will most likely be in a RBBC on a bad team and he doesn't have the talent to thrive in that kind of situation.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

* He has averaged more than 4.0 yards/carry in 7 of his 8 NFL seasons.* Over his last 4 seasons, he has 2800 total yards.

Over 100 players have done that in the history of the NFL, 28 of which are active players.

 

[DCN12586]

Other than the Lions probably going to draft Smith's backup in the 3rd or 4th round in the draft I don't know. BTW rumor has it they are really interested in Anthony Dixon.

 

[puckalicious]

Here are some of the numbers of interest regarding Morris...

* 5'11", 216lbs.

* He has averaged more than 4.0 yards/carry in 7 of his 8 NFL seasons.

* Over his last 4 seasons, he has 2800 total yards.

It's easy to say "he sucks", but does he really? What part of his game sucks? Again, Morris will not be challenging CJ for the rushing title. I simply feel his current situation could give #2/#3 value at the cost of #5/#6.

Have you seen him play? He is the typical, average plodder that can catch the ball out of the backfield. Career backup for a reason, he has no special skills and is just a warm body that can carry the ball and take a hit waiting to be replaced by a RB with talent. He's Aveion Cason.The fact that he might be the week 1 defacto starter means nothing on this team. If we were talking about a team with an awesome OL, then maybe he's worth a roster spot.