McDaniels' take
By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff November 23, 07 12:28 PM
FOXBOROUGH – Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels answered questions in a press conference today at Gillette Stadium (11 a.m.) and the running game was a primary topic of discussion.
Some of the Q&A:
Is the running game going to become more important as it gets colder, rainier and snowier?
“Yeah, I think as the weather gets worse – and I know we play mostly on the East Coast for the rest of the regular season – we’re going to have to see how the weather plays [out]. Obviously if we get into some conditions that doesn’t enable us to throw the ball as much, the running game will need to be more of a focal point. We’ll try to go into every week with a plan for that. We’re looking to throw the ball – unless there are some significant wind issues or other precipitation that determines we can’t do it – we’ll try to keep our balance the way we have the first 10 games and see if we can’t play that way the rest of the season.”
Is the balance – between run and pass – a concern at all?
“No, I think a lot of what we do is dictated by what the other team does. If they determine that they want to play us and force us to throw the ball more than run it, or vice versa, then we’re certainly willing to do either. …”
Can you comment on Laurence Maroney a little bit? He has high expectations being a first-round pick and some people might look at Joseph Addai in Indianapolis – and his production – and think Maroney might be a little bit of a disappointment. Do you see it that way?
“I don’t see it that way. We have the same expectations for Laurence. I would say Laurence’s role is determined on a weekly basis, much the same way the rest of our skill players are. If it’s a game where he should carry it 25 times or more, or less, than that’s what it’s going to be. If it’s a passing game, or a play-action game, then he might not touch the ball as much as in a running game. We kind of let that play out. …”
Have you seen enough from him that if you do get into a 25-carry game for him, that you feel confident he would be able to answer that?
“Yeah, I think Laurence has played well. Just like everybody, there are things all of our players could do better. But I think Laurence is playing well. I think maybe the amount of time he’s played in games may make it seem like it’s not the case. But it is. He’s being productive when he’s in there. He had the foot come up last week, and he should be fine now. That was a reason why maybe he didn’t get as many snaps in the Buffalo game. When he’s in there, we’re happy with him. He’s doing his job. He’s also doing a good job in pass protection, which is something as a rookie back last year was a significant point of emphasis coming into this season. He’s really stepped it up in that aspect too.”
