Player Spotlight: Laurence Maroney (1 Viewer)

[twitch]

its nearly impossible to read thru the Belichick smokescreens, but the fact that the team didnt pursue the likes of a relatively proven runner like Chris Brown, or try to bring back Corey Dillon at a lower contract seems to indicate that theyre just not as concerned as much about Maroney's shoulder as most other people are.

The Pats did pursue Brown and apparently they did not offer him the $$$ he wanted. And I believe the team spoke with Dillon about taking a pretty decent pay cut and he did not want to play for not much more than the league minimum. Basically, I think the Pats explored both areas that you mentioned. Dillon apparently did not want to continue taking a pounding for low dollars.

good info there, DY. I didnt know how hard they went after either, and judging by the aggressive moves theyve made, I was speculating that if they really wanted, or needed, either guy they would have gotten them. If they were staying on the lower $$ end of either of those players, then they did the right thing. I think this New England O will be interesting this year, but specifically the running game. Because for as many nice moves as the Pats seemingly have made this offseason, if the running game is not up to the level that it was during their Superbowl years, Im not giving them much of a shot at winning it all. Those teams had power running attacks. Smith and Dillon were basically grinders...big, durable backs who were good between the tackles and in short yardage. They dont have that now. And ultimately, more often than not imo, that is the type of running that produces Superbowl titles.

 

[David Yudkin]

its nearly impossible to read thru the Belichick smokescreens, but the fact that the team didnt pursue the likes of a relatively proven runner like Chris Brown, or try to bring back Corey Dillon at a lower contract seems to indicate that theyre just not as concerned as much about Maroney's shoulder as most other people are.

The Pats did pursue Brown and apparently they did not offer him the $$$ he wanted. And I believe the team spoke with Dillon about taking a pretty decent pay cut and he did not want to play for not much more than the league minimum. Basically, I think the Pats explored both areas that you mentioned. Dillon apparently did not want to continue taking a pounding for low dollars.

good info there, DY. I didnt know how hard they went after either, and judging by the aggressive moves theyve made, I was speculating that if they really wanted, or needed, either guy they would have gotten them. If they were staying on the lower $$ end of either of those players, then they did the right thing. I think this New England O will be interesting this year, but specifically the running game. Because for as many nice moves as the Pats seemingly have made this offseason, if the running game is not up to the level that it was during their Superbowl years, Im not giving them much of a shot at winning it all. Those teams had power running attacks. Smith and Dillon were basically grinders...big, durable backs who were good between the tackles and in short yardage. They dont have that now. And ultimately, more often than not imo, that is the type of running that produces Superbowl titles.

I've followed this situation with a fair amount of scrutiny and have been in touch with people that cover the Pats for a living. A few weeks ago I was basically told that if the season started 7/1 that Maroney would not have been able to play. But they don't play games in July which is where all the speculation and doubt comes into play.I'm not sure we will have a chance to see Maroney much in any live action before the season starts as I am pretty sure that NE does not want to risk further injury to his repaired shoulder. That will only cause more consternation for fantasy footballers.

If I were to take a GUESS at what will happen, I suspect we may see more passing, more work by backup RB (Faulk, Morris, and Evans), and Maroney getting around 275 carries to keep him fresh and not wear him down.

Running back TD are extremely hard to predict so I won't even go there. In the Brady era the Pats twice have only had 9 rushing TD and obviously had a ton last year. So place your bets on how many TD he'll get. If I were to guess who benefits the most in the red zone I might nominate Ben Watson as the team has so many receiving options and teams will have to worry about Maroney as well.

 

[Rounders]

Everything about my heart says Maroney is a stud and will be one this year, but everything in my head says stay far, far away

Sitting at the 9 spot in my draft, he's very tempting to take, but I'm afraid my season will go down the tubes as soon as I say his name.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Everything about my heart says Maroney is a stud and will be one this year, but everything in my head says stay far, far away

Sitting at the 9 spot in my draft, he's very tempting to take, but I'm afraid my season will go down the tubes as soon as I say his name.

Im also in the 9 spot of 12. IMO Maroney has the most potential of the RB's that will be available at 1.09 and I don't see him lasting til 2.04. He could very well be a TOP 5 RB this year (If healthy) ..... if not he will probably end up around RB 15-20. I think everyone has risks (Frank Gore....picked at 1.03-1.05) and is more injury prone than Maroney.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Anyone been to camp so far and seen how he looks?

 

[Monsters of the Midway]

Everything about my heart says Maroney is a stud and will be one this year, but everything in my head says stay far, far away

Sitting at the 9 spot in my draft, he's very tempting to take, but I'm afraid my season will go down the tubes as soon as I say his name.

I basically feel the same way. If he were healthy I'd take him no later than 5-but he's not.

Strengths

- Tall and fast, home run threat

- Featured back in a championship caliber offense

- No proven back to share time with

- Young and fully knowledgeable of the system

Weaknesses

- NE has always shared the wealth on offense. I almost expect someone (Morris?) to vulture goalline carries and he's going to lose TDs to Brady's brilliance inside the 10.

- The big worry-the shoulder. He didn't stay healthy last year with less than a full load and he's already hurt. Belichick is a nightmare with injuries.

I pick 11th in a 12 team league with unusual scoring (not RB heavy, long TDs worth lots more than short ones). He will be very tempting there.

I'll go with 1300 total yards and 10 TDs, which would be worth the 11th pick in my league.

 

[Restricted]

http://www.gloucestertimes.com/pusports/lo...=secondarystory

 

[duaneok66]

assuming the shoulder is healthy (at last check he was still wearing a red non contact jersey) then he's good to get picked late in the 1st round . . .

people looking to put him in top 5 territory need to look again . . . depending on the the dynamics of the Patriots' ever changing game plan, Maroney may not see enough touches . . . go back and look at the game against the Chargers in the playoffs; Faulk was probably on the field more than Dillon and Maroney Combined . . . yes it was only one game, but I cant draft a guy that high unless Im sure he's going to get a certain amount of touches on a consistent basis . . .

 

[Angry Beavers]

So how healthy is the shoulder?

I guess we will have to wait for pre-season games to get a read on this, and only then if he plays

 

[duaneok66]

So how healthy is the shoulder?I guess we will have to wait for pre-season games to get a read on this, and only then if he plays

lots of people that attend training camp insist its really hard to gauge the performance of running backs until you see them in a scrimmage or game . . . if he's still wearing the red jersey then amplify the previous statement . . .

 

[Warpig]

So how healthy is the shoulder?I guess we will have to wait for pre-season games to get a read on this, and only then if he plays

lots of people that attend training camp insist its really hard to gauge the performance of running backs until you see them in a scrimmage or game . . . if he's still wearing the red jersey then amplify the previous statement . . .

If you guys look at the link Restricted provided above, Maroney says he has been taking hits, but not full contact blitzing linebacker types of hits.They are being cautious and going about his rehab the right way, instead of like so many athletes that try to rush back before they are at 100%.

 

[duaneok66]

So how healthy is the shoulder?I guess we will have to wait for pre-season games to get a read on this, and only then if he plays

lots of people that attend training camp insist its really hard to gauge the performance of running backs until you see them in a scrimmage or game . . . if he's still wearing the red jersey then amplify the previous statement . . .

If you guys look at the link Restricted provided above, Maroney says he has been taking hits, but not full contact blitzing linebacker types of hits.They are being cautious and going about his rehab the right way, instead of like so many athletes that try to rush back before they are at 100%.

the link provided says he is still wearing the red jersey (which means no contact) . . .

 

[Rounders]

So how healthy is the shoulder?

I guess we will have to wait for pre-season games to get a read on this, and only then if he plays

lots of people that attend training camp insist its really hard to gauge the performance of running backs until you see them in a scrimmage or game . . . if he's still wearing the red jersey then amplify the previous statement . . .

If you guys look at the link Restricted provided above, Maroney says he has been taking hits, but not full contact blitzing linebacker types of hits.They are being cautious and going about his rehab the right way, instead of like so many athletes that try to rush back before they are at 100%.

the link provided says he is still wearing the red jersey (which means no contact) . . .

First, though, Maroney must shed the red jersey and take on practice full-time. Until he does, he's a mere accessory as Sammy Morris logs most of the work.

Maroney simply says it's a matter of time, measure in days.

"I never had any doubts I'd be back out here," he said. "If it was up to me, I don't know (about wearing red) ... I still get hit with it. I might not get hit as much, but...

"I just want to go out there and compete with the rest of team. I want to compete in all the drills. It's a little frustrating, but it's all for the best."

 

[duaneok66]

So how healthy is the shoulder?

I guess we will have to wait for pre-season games to get a read on this, and only then if he plays

lots of people that attend training camp insist its really hard to gauge the performance of running backs until you see them in a scrimmage or game . . . if he's still wearing the red jersey then amplify the previous statement . . .

If you guys look at the link Restricted provided above, Maroney says he has been taking hits, but not full contact blitzing linebacker types of hits.They are being cautious and going about his rehab the right way, instead of like so many athletes that try to rush back before they are at 100%.

the link provided says he is still wearing the red jersey (which means no contact) . . .

First, though, Maroney must shed the red jersey and take on practice full-time. Until he does, he's a mere accessory as Sammy Morris logs most of the work.

Maroney simply says it's a matter of time, measure in days.

"I never had any doubts I'd be back out here," he said. "If it was up to me, I don't know (about wearing red) ... I still get hit with it. I might not get hit as much, but...

"I just want to go out there and compete with the rest of team. I want to compete in all the drills. It's a little frustrating, but it's all for the best."

obviously we need someone who is actually present to clear this up; but if he is wearing a special read jersey - I doubt seruiusly that he is getting near as much as the other RBs . . . its one of those things that we have to wait on . . . when he practices without the jersey, then all systems are go . . .

 

[Biabreakable]

So how healthy is the shoulder?

I guess we will have to wait for pre-season games to get a read on this, and only then if he plays

lots of people that attend training camp insist its really hard to gauge the performance of running backs until you see them in a scrimmage or game . . . if he's still wearing the red jersey then amplify the previous statement . . .

If you guys look at the link Restricted provided above, Maroney says he has been taking hits, but not full contact blitzing linebacker types of hits.They are being cautious and going about his rehab the right way, instead of like so many athletes that try to rush back before they are at 100%.

the link provided says he is still wearing the red jersey (which means no contact) . . .

First, though, Maroney must shed the red jersey and take on practice full-time. Until he does, he's a mere accessory as Sammy Morris logs most of the work.

Maroney simply says it's a matter of time, measure in days.

"I never had any doubts I'd be back out here," he said. "If it was up to me, I don't know (about wearing red) ... I still get hit with it. I might not get hit as much, but...

"I just want to go out there and compete with the rest of team. I want to compete in all the drills. It's a little frustrating, but it's all for the best."

obviously we need someone who is actually present to clear this up; but if he is wearing a special read jersey - I doubt seruiusly that he is getting near as much as the other RBs . . . its one of those things that we have to wait on . . . when he practices without the jersey, then all systems are go . . .

I don't think the color fabric he is wearing will have any effect on how many hits he can handle.

 

[Biabreakable]

This should be a fun one...TD projections look kind of low thus far.

The lowest projection so far is 9 total TD's.

Maroney had 7 last year, Dillon had 13. The main RB going from 20 TDS to 9 TDS does seem awfully low IMO.

I don't think stacking Maroney and Dillon's stats on top of each other is a very good way to look at things, unless you were also planning on projecting Maroney for 374 carries.

If I have him for 320 carries and TDs were directly related to carries:320/374 = .85.85 x 20 TDs = 17 TDsIf Chris Brown comes on that will change things. If Maroney gets injured that will also change things.

Using only last years stats as a guide to determine total TDs is using limited data. I would use at least 3 seasons.That last year had 2 starting capable RB in a time share skews the totals. Now there is only one.Assuming only one RB gets all of the TD is less likely to be accurate.

 

[David Yudkin]

For the first time, Laurence Maroney got about every first-team rep with the 1s, after being held back a bit through more physical practices due to his surgically-repaired shoulder. This wasn’t exactly Week 1, but Maroney seems to be showing better patience on zone plays that demand he wait for the seam to emerge before going upfield. And his ability to stick his foot in the ground and explode are what will ultimately make him special, and a natural for these types of runs. Plus, you see him on more traditional man-blocking, straight-forward runs, and he’s showing the same aggression to the hole he did as a rookie. I know I’ve been in his camp or 16 months now, but I’ll say it again: This kid is a 1,500-yard back waiting to happen, and part of him getting there is running smarter, which he’s starting to do.

Boston Herald Link

 

[LHUCKS]

This should be a fun one...TD projections look kind of low thus far.

The lowest projection so far is 9 total TD's.

Maroney had 7 last year, Dillon had 13. The main RB going from 20 TDS to 9 TDS does seem awfully low IMO.

I don't think stacking Maroney and Dillon's stats on top of each other is a very good way to look at things, unless you were also planning on projecting Maroney for 374 carries.

If I have him for 320 carries and TDs were directly related to carries:320/374 = .85.85 x 20 TDs = 17 TDsIf Chris Brown comes on that will change things. If Maroney gets injured that will also change things.

Using only last years stats as a guide to determine total TDs is using limited data. I would use at least 3 seasons.That last year had 2 starting capable RB in a time share skews the totals. Now there is only one.Assuming only one RB gets all of the TD is less likely to be accurate.

A) the most recent year is the best year, I don't always believe more data is better data...not in fantasy footballB) I think you missed the part where I projected carries and then equated TDs to carries

 

[Biabreakable]

This should be a fun one...TD projections look kind of low thus far.

:( The lowest projection so far is 9 total TD's.

Maroney had 7 last year, Dillon had 13. The main RB going from 20 TDS to 9 TDS does seem awfully low IMO.

I don't think stacking Maroney and Dillon's stats on top of each other is a very good way to look at things, unless you were also planning on projecting Maroney for 374 carries.

If I have him for 320 carries and TDs were directly related to carries:320/374 = .85.85 x 20 TDs = 17 TDsIf Chris Brown comes on that will change things. If Maroney gets injured that will also change things.

Using only last years stats as a guide to determine total TDs is using limited data. I would use at least 3 seasons.That last year had 2 starting capable RB in a time share skews the totals. Now there is only one.Assuming only one RB gets all of the TD is less likely to be accurate.

A) the most recent year is the best year, I don't always believe more data is better data...not in fantasy footballB) I think you missed the part where I projected carries and then equated TDs to carries

A) I disagree when coaching staff and core personel of the team have a longer track record than one year. Looking at data from only the most recent year can be decieving as the team may have hit an anomolous high or low in that year. B) I did not miss the part where you projected carries then divided TD totals for all RB in 2006 by the carry slice you are assigning Maroney. Easy to understand that. However those totals you used were Corey Dillon and Maroney combined. Both RB are capable starters and having 2 of RB of that caliber allows for the close to 400 carries between them as well as the TD totals. Dillon getting most of the short yardage TD while Maroney adding some vigorous longer distance scoring to that total.In reference to that:Maroney has not shown he is durable enough to carry the ball so many times by himself ever in his college or pro career yet and even less likely to carry the ball 374 times which is what it took for the Pats to score 20TD from those 2 RB. 1 of those TD was on a reception from Maroney so if your including catches in the touches that would be 411 total touches from the 2 RB in 2006 (not counting the other RBs here because you didn't). If you count all of the RB TD they scored 24 in 2006.In 2005 when the Pats only had one primary RB (Dillon) who missed 4 games to injury, all of the RB scored 16 total TD including TD from receptions. Maroney being a durability risk might miss some time in 2007. Even if he does not 16 total TD is what the Pats RB as a whole have produced before. When one considers that Faulk and Morris will likely score at least a few of the total RB TD in 2007 a total for Maroney is not likely to exceed this number in a situation that is actualy more similar in the Pats having one primary RB rather than 2. That is unless you think Morris is a level of talent similar to Dillon?In 2004 all Pats RB scored a total of 17 TD including Td from receptions. This is in a season when Dillon was the primary RB, rejuvinated and carried the ball 345 times with an additional 15 receptions. Perhaps this is the best comparison for Maroney rather than 2006 or 2005 if you are looking for the high end for Maroney to perform similarly to Dillon in his prime. Dillon scored a total of 13 TD on those 360 total touches.So when looking at 3 years (could go back further as has allready been done previously by another poster in this thread) it looks clear to me that TD totals in 2006 were high in comparison to the previous 2 years. 24TD compared to a average of 16.5 the previous 2 seasons. What happened in 2006 for those totals to increase? The Pats added Maroney to Dillon and Faulk is the main difference I see. Is this precident for a new trend or will the Pats fall back to thier average? With Dillon gone I expect regression to the mean. These are TDs for all RB being counted. While Maroney should be the primary RB there will be a division of carries and thus a division of TD opportunity. Based off of this data and analysis I think 17 would be possible but a high projection as the team TD total in that scenario would likely be 20 or more. I do not expect that based off of past results and averages.That is how I look at things anyways. I cannot draw conclushions on projecting trends using limited data from only one year. Especially when I look at a slightly bigger picture I see that one year as being a statistical spike rather than the norm.

 

[Routilla]

I need him at 100%. I was planning on franchising LJ but his potential hold-out has me seriously considering either Maroney, Addai or MJD. Everyone thought I was crazy for drafting 3 rookie RBs last year but all 3 of those guys were going into potentially great situations IF they became the #1RB. I like Addai too but Maroney looks like he could really be great. MJD still has Taylor to share with so for this year I am leaning Maroney but only if he is 100%. There, I took a bunch of words to basically not commit to anything.

 

[David Yudkin]

Maroney has not shown he is durable enough to carry the ball so many times by himself ever in his college or pro career yet and even less likely to carry the ball 374 times which is what it took for the Pats to score 20TD from those 2 RB. 1 of those TD was on a reception from Maroney so if your including catches in the touches that would be 411 total touches from the 2 RB in 2006 (not counting the other RBs here because you didn't). If you count all of the RB TD they scored 24 in 2006.

I don't care about extrapolating the actual numbers or redistributing Dillon's production. But I am curious about the first part.Maroney had 298 touches his final year in college in 11 games. That works out to 27 touches a game (with 25.5 of them carries). That's a pace for 432 touches in a season. I certainly don't think Maroney will come anywhere close to that this year, but I think he's shown that he can handle an intensive workload in college (but I agree on the not yet as a pro part).

 

[duaneok66]

Maroney has not shown he is durable enough to carry the ball so many times by himself ever in his college or pro career yet and even less likely to carry the ball 374 times which is what it took for the Pats to score 20TD from those 2 RB. 1 of those TD was on a reception from Maroney so if your including catches in the touches that would be 411 total touches from the 2 RB in 2006 (not counting the other RBs here because you didn't). If you count all of the RB TD they scored 24 in 2006.

I don't care about extrapolating the actual numbers or redistributing Dillon's production. But I am curious about the first part.Maroney had 298 touches his final year in college in 11 games. That works out to 27 touches a game (with 25.5 of them carries). That's a pace for 432 touches in a season. I certainly don't think Maroney will come anywhere close to that this year, but I think he's shown that he can handle an intensive workload in college (but I agree on the not yet as a pro part).

I dont think you should extrapolate college carries over an NFL season . . . 432 touches over a 4 month span has to be more taxing than 298 touches over a college season . . . also, despite the number of touches, he did rotate in college (I think he got a rest every 3rd series or so) . . .

 

[David Yudkin]

Maroney has not shown he is durable enough to carry the ball so many times by himself ever in his college or pro career yet and even less likely to carry the ball 374 times which is what it took for the Pats to score 20TD from those 2 RB. 1 of those TD was on a reception from Maroney so if your including catches in the touches that would be 411 total touches from the 2 RB in 2006 (not counting the other RBs here because you didn't). If you count all of the RB TD they scored 24 in 2006.

I don't care about extrapolating the actual numbers or redistributing Dillon's production. But I am curious about the first part.Maroney had 298 touches his final year in college in 11 games. That works out to 27 touches a game (with 25.5 of them carries). That's a pace for 432 touches in a season. I certainly don't think Maroney will come anywhere close to that this year, but I think he's shown that he can handle an intensive workload in college (but I agree on the not yet as a pro part).

I dont think you should extrapolate college carries over an NFL season . . . 432 touches over a 4 month span has to be more taxing than 298 touches over a college season . . . also, despite the number of touches, he did rotate in college (I think he got a rest every 3rd series or so) . . .

Even so, he still saw the ball 27 times a game which is nothing to sneeze at.

 

[Biabreakable]

Maroney has not shown he is durable enough to carry the ball so many times by himself ever in his college or pro career yet and even less likely to carry the ball 374 times which is what it took for the Pats to score 20TD from those 2 RB. 1 of those TD was on a reception from Maroney so if your including catches in the touches that would be 411 total touches from the 2 RB in 2006 (not counting the other RBs here because you didn't). If you count all of the RB TD they scored 24 in 2006.

I don't care about extrapolating the actual numbers or redistributing Dillon's production. But I am curious about the first part.Maroney had 298 touches his final year in college in 11 games. That works out to 27 touches a game (with 25.5 of them carries). That's a pace for 432 touches in a season. I certainly don't think Maroney will come anywhere close to that this year, but I think he's shown that he can handle an intensive workload in college (but I agree on the not yet as a pro part).

I did not dig into his touches final year in college so I stand corrected on that. I only knew that he split time so that was what this thinking was based upon.My projections from back in May have not changed that much from then until now except that I think I may have underestimated the ammount of action that Morris and Faulk could get this season.

Also I could see Maroney's YPC possibly being higher if the pass offense is exceptionaly better than it has been which it could be. Scoring opportunities could be up as well but I expect the Pats to run Evans/Morris if the offense gets a sizeable lead early on in games from big plays in the passing game. So basicly I don't expect my projections to change much with higher YPC leading to fewer touches.

 

[BGP]

Maroney has not shown he is durable enough to carry the ball so many times by himself ever in his college or pro career yet and even less likely to carry the ball 374 times which is what it took for the Pats to score 20TD from those 2 RB. 1 of those TD was on a reception from Maroney so if your including catches in the touches that would be 411 total touches from the 2 RB in 2006 (not counting the other RBs here because you didn't). If you count all of the RB TD they scored 24 in 2006.

I don't care about extrapolating the actual numbers or redistributing Dillon's production. But I am curious about the first part.Maroney had 298 touches his final year in college in 11 games. That works out to 27 touches a game (with 25.5 of them carries). That's a pace for 432 touches in a season. I certainly don't think Maroney will come anywhere close to that this year, but I think he's shown that he can handle an intensive workload in college (but I agree on the not yet as a pro part).

I dont think you should extrapolate college carries over an NFL season . . . 432 touches over a 4 month span has to be more taxing than 298 touches over a college season . . . also, despite the number of touches, he did rotate in college (I think he got a rest every 3rd series or so) . . .

Even so, he still saw the ball 27 times a game which is nothing to sneeze at.

Which statement is closer to your view:
If a player gets injured every year but then stays healthy one season, are you inclined to greatly discount any durability concerns.
A player needs to put a string of healthy seasons together to allow you to greatly discount durability concerns.
A player needs to be healthy and play every game in the majority of his seasons before you would discount durability concerns.

 

[Hammerage]

This off the Rotowire this AM.

The Patriots set Maroney loose Tuesday morning after limiting him and his surgically-repaired shoulder through most of the earlier practices. Granted, it was in shells and not full pads, but any concerns about Maroney's shoulder can pretty much be put to rest.

Don't know but assume theis means he took the red shirt off.

 

[ImTheScientist]

This off the Rotowire this AM. The Patriots set Maroney loose Tuesday morning after limiting him and his surgically-repaired shoulder through most of the earlier practices. Granted, it was in shells and not full pads, but any concerns about Maroney's shoulder can pretty much be put to rest.Don't know but assume theis means he took the red shirt off.

 

[Restricted]

Per CBS:

Maroney goes through contact drills

Laurence Maroney, RB NE

News: According to the Boston Herald, at the night practice Monday, Patriots RB Laurence Maroney still wore his red, non-contact jersey, but participated in contact drills for the first time, making some nice cuts. Maroney is trying to come back from a shoulder injury.

Analysis: This is a good sign for Fantasy owners who are hoping Maroney can be the featured back for the Patriots. If he continues to improve, you should have no doubts drafting him in the second round and using him as a starting Fantasy option.

 

[Warpig]

Per CBS:

Maroney goes through contact drills

Laurence Maroney, RB NE

News: According to the Boston Herald, at the night practice Monday, Patriots RB Laurence Maroney still wore his red, non-contact jersey, but participated in contact drills for the first time, making some nice cuts. Maroney is trying to come back from a shoulder injury.

Analysis: This is a good sign for Fantasy owners who are hoping Maroney can be the featured back for the Patriots. If he continues to improve, you should have no doubts drafting him in the second round and using him as a starting Fantasy option.

Seriously...2nd round?!?!

 

[Deuce'sWild]

Per CBS:

Maroney goes through contact drills

Laurence Maroney, RB NE

News: According to the Boston Herald, at the night practice Monday, Patriots RB Laurence Maroney still wore his red, non-contact jersey, but participated in contact drills for the first time, making some nice cuts. Maroney is trying to come back from a shoulder injury.

Analysis: This is a good sign for Fantasy owners who are hoping Maroney can be the featured back for the Patriots. If he continues to improve, you should have no doubts drafting him in the second round and using him as a starting Fantasy option.

Seriously...2nd round?!?!

I don't get it? Do you think he should be taken earlier even with a shoulder injury similar to Portis's last year? I have these RBs ahead of him....Tomlinson 215.2 1.01

L Johnson 185.1 1.03

Jackson 180.9 1.02

Addai 151.6 1.06

Gore 145 1.04

Parker 142 1.08

Westbrook 146.1 1.07

R Johnson 139.7 1.1

Alexander 137.4 1.05

Henry 128 2.05

Maroney 10 130.5 1.09

 

[ImTheScientist]

Per CBS:

Maroney goes through contact drills

Laurence Maroney, RB NE

News: According to the Boston Herald, at the night practice Monday, Patriots RB Laurence Maroney still wore his red, non-contact jersey, but participated in contact drills for the first time, making some nice cuts. Maroney is trying to come back from a shoulder injury.

Analysis: This is a good sign for Fantasy owners who are hoping Maroney can be the featured back for the Patriots. If he continues to improve, you should have no doubts drafting him in the second round and using him as a starting Fantasy option.

Seriously...2nd round?!?!

I don't get it? Do you think he should be taken earlier even with a shoulder injury similar to Portis's last year? I have these RBs ahead of him....Tomlinson 215.2 1.01

L Johnson 185.1 1.03

Jackson 180.9 1.02

Addai 151.6 1.06

Gore 145 1.04

Parker 142 1.08

Westbrook 146.1 1.07

R Johnson 139.7 1.1

Alexander 137.4 1.05

Henry 128 2.05

Maroney 10 130.5 1.09

 

[Deuce'sWild]

Per CBS:

Maroney goes through contact drills

Laurence Maroney, RB NE

News: According to the Boston Herald, at the night practice Monday, Patriots RB Laurence Maroney still wore his red, non-contact jersey, but participated in contact drills for the first time, making some nice cuts. Maroney is trying to come back from a shoulder injury.

Analysis: This is a good sign for Fantasy owners who are hoping Maroney can be the featured back for the Patriots. If he continues to improve, you should have no doubts drafting him in the second round and using him as a starting Fantasy option.

Seriously...2nd round?!?!

I don't get it? Do you think he should be taken earlier even with a shoulder injury similar to Portis's last year? I have these RBs ahead of him....Tomlinson 215.2 1.01

Jackson 180.9 1.02

L Johnson 185.1 1.03

Addai 151.6 1.06

Gore 145 1.04

Parker 142 1.08

Westbrook 146.1 1.07

R Johnson 139.7 1.1

Alexander 137.4 1.05

Henry 128 2.05

Maroney 10 130.5 1.09

Ok, maybe it's a different shoulder issue. I think Maroney had labrum surgery, and Portis had a slight dislocation (can't remember), but my point is they both had shoulder issues and are a major risk considering the beating they take on those shoulders.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Ok, maybe it's a different shoulder issue. I think Maroney had labrum surgery, and Portis had a slight dislocation (can't remember), but my point is they both had shoulder issues and are a major risk considering the beating they take on those shoulders.

The main problem w/ Maroney is everyone is guessing what his injury was and IF it will be a problem in season. I doubt BB uses him during preseason at all because the Patriots are the Superbowl favorites with out a good back up RB. They need Maroney healthy all year if they want to win it all. So we will not know the extent of his injury until 1) Season Starts or 2) Bill comes out and tells us....which he won't because thats not his style.If the shoulder was not an issue Maroney would be drafted at 1.05-1.07 IMO. The injury and questionable status has him at 1.11-1.12. Anyone who drafts him is taking a huge risk which will either pay off (he's a top 10 rb) or he will be a bust due to injury.

 

[Warpig]

Ok, maybe it's a different shoulder issue. I think Maroney had labrum surgery, and Portis had a slight dislocation (can't remember), but my point is they both had shoulder issues and are a major risk considering the beating they take on those shoulders.

The main problem w/ Maroney is everyone is guessing what his injury was and IF it will be a problem in season. I doubt BB uses him during preseason at all because the Patriots are the Superbowl favorites with out a good back up RB. They need Maroney healthy all year if they want to win it all. So we will not know the extent of his injury until 1) Season Starts or 2) Bill comes out and tells us....which he won't because thats not his style.If the shoulder was not an issue Maroney would be drafted at 1.05-1.07 IMO. The injury and questionable status has him at 1.11-1.12. Anyone who drafts him is taking a huge risk which will either pay off (he's a top 10 rb) or he will be a bust due to injury.

Exactly! There is no way he drops to the 2nd round unless you are in a 10 team league. Just about every mock I've seen has him going at #11. I took him at #11 in a 16 teamer.Your assessment is par for the course.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Maroney Article

 

[mt-wabo]

So after reading this article in a non ppr league after rudi parker and westy are gone would you take him or Reggie Bush?

6pts per rushing and passing td

1 pt per 10yrds rushing and receiving

 

[ImTheScientist]

So after reading this article in a non ppr league after rudi parker and westy are gone would you take him or Reggie Bush?6pts per rushing and passing td1 pt per 10yrds rushing and receiving

Non-PPR I take Maroney all the way.

 

[Biabreakable]

Posted: 08/22/2007

Maroney cleared for contact, expected to play Friday

Associated Press

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The return to health of running back Laurence Maroney could not have come at a better time for the New England Patriots.

The team has just 160 yards rushing in two preseason games, both losses, and is averaging 3.1 yards per carry.

Wideout woes

While the Patriots offense received good news with the return of RB Laurence Maroney, the wide receiver corps is still banged up. A look at who's hurt and how seriously:

Physically unable to perform:

» Troy Brown (knee surgery)

» Chad Jackson (torn ACL)

Day-to-day:

» Randy Moss (leg)

» Jabar Gaffney (leg)

Maroney, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, practiced for a second straight day Tuesday without wearing the red "non-contact" jersey he wore for the first three weeks of camp. He is expected to make his preseason debut Friday at Carolina.

Game seasoning is critical for the second-year player who expected to be the team's primary back following the offseason release of Corey Dillon.

"You can't simulate game speed out there in practice, no matter how fast you go," he said. "I need the games."

The team's 2006 first-round draft pick, Maroney rushed for 745 yards as a rookie while sharing time with Dillon.

Maroney had 125 yards against Cincinnati in Week 4 and appeared poised for a big season. However, he battled injuries, did not run for more than 82 yards the rest of the season and averaged only 2.8 yards per carry in the playoffs.

"He's taken another step. He's a step closer," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "He's closer to being ready to play now than he was a week ago. I know he's anxious to get in there and get some reps this week. I'm sure he'll get some."

Elsa / Getty Images

Laurence Maroney rushed for 745 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season last year.

Despite the risk of injury, Belichick said holding Maroney out of the entire preseason isn't feasible.

"I think an individual player's situation varies from player to player," Belichick said, "but I think in general, players need to practice and play to get ready to play. I think if we just want to save everybody, we would just be sitting around here for six weeks and not do anything, but I don't think we'd have a very good football team."

Maroney said he wants to make quicker decisions in his second season. "You know you have to get in and get out of the hole," he said. "You have to be more decisive, you've got pick a hole and run. I can't sit here and try to shake and make something happen."

Playing without Maroney, and without wide receiver Randy Moss, the Patriots have struggled during two preseason losses. Quarterbacks Tom Brady and backup Matt Cassel have combined for one touchdown pass and four interceptions.

Moss missed practice again on Tuesday, as did receiver Jabar Gaffney, who appeared to be limping during last Friday's game against Tennessee. Receivers Troy Brown and Chad Jackson remain on the physically unable to perform list.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8...mplate=without-

 

[WarRedbirds]

My heart tells me to to take Maroney this year. I like the guys without alot of buzz.

My head is telling me something different...I have the 6th draft pick, too early to go with him there.

 

[captbly]

Exactly! There is no way he drops to the 2nd round unless you are in a 10 team league. Just about every mock I've seen has him going at #11. I took him at #11 in a 16 teamer.Your assessment is par for the course.

He dropped to the second round in my 12 team league... I took him at 2.01

 

[ImTheScientist]

Maroney:His Post Game Thoughts - The Shoulder

 

[zoonation]

Maroney:His Post Game Thoughts - The Shoulder

If he stays healthy those of us who picked 12 have a good shot this year. That offence will put up 25-30 a game and Maroney will get his.

 

[redman]

Maroney:His Post Game Thoughts - The Shoulder

“I really didn’t feel it. I didn’t feel nothing in my shoulder at all,” Maroney said. “It does boost my morale a little bit. I thought I’d feel a little bit, (I thought) it might hurt a little bit. I didn’t know how bad it’d hurt, but it felt good. It gave me a little more confidence.”

It seems our doubts were pretty well founded. When in doubt, believe your eyes. If he's wearing a non-contact jersey, it's for a reason - they didn't want to risk reinjury of that shoulder during preseason before they absolutely had to.

 

[Silver & Black]

Maroney:His Post Game Thoughts - The Shoulder

Excellent, excellent news.Major to the Patriots for keeping him on the shelf and in a red jersey until they had to. I watched that last Pats game and he absolutely did not shy away from contact. If he really did feel good after the game, I think he is ready to carry the load in NE and is going to have a great year.