Q: NE Running Back Updates? (1 Viewer)

[Texican]

Maroney and Jordan were both questionable and doubtful respectively in their last game.

Just curious if there are any updates on their conditions. I believe I saw where Maroney practiced last week - just wondering how he looked, contact, etc?

 

[Dreamer]

Just say no!

 

[David Yudkin]

Just say no!

That should be a given by now, but for those brave enough to think about wanting to actually play a NE back, last I heard was that the whole contingent practiced last Thursday but I haven't followed up since then. I will see what I can dig up.I suspect we will have to reassess this whole situation again in a few weeks when the O'Connell era begins . . .

 

[Devilsden2001]

David,

Do you really think that NE will switch to O'Connel in the near future? I watched him all preseason and thought he looked like the best of the back-ups. I think that he will take over evenutally, but what are you hearing as far as how soon?

 

[David Yudkin]

David,Do you really think that NE will switch to O'Connel in the near future? I watched him all preseason and thought he looked like the best of the back-ups. I think that he will take over evenutally, but what are you hearing as far as how soon?

It depends on if the team is winning or losing and how anemic the offense is. I think it's a little unfair to pin the lack of offense all on Cassel and certainly he didn't allow all those points to the Dolphins. But the team only scoring in the teens each week is definitely an issue given the talent base on the team.If I had to guess, Cassel stays through the Chargers game and the team will start considering a move to O'Connell as early as the Broncos at home, especially if the team returns from the west coast 2-3. Another factor is how well the Bills do. If Buffalo keeps winning, that puts pressure on the Pats, as I doubt the AFC East will have a wildcard team (but that's way down the road).I was told even just a couple days ago that there is no evidence that NE is talking to other teams about a trade. Just so people know, I could probably hear if they were but I would not be told who the team(s) would be or the players involved. So if something was getting serious discussion, I might catch wind that something was brewing. Not the case at the moment. Maybe the upper brass is really stonewalling people on this one, who knows.

 

[kd1]

David,Do you really think that NE will switch to O'Connel in the near future? I watched him all preseason and thought he looked like the best of the back-ups. I think that he will take over evenutally, but what are you hearing as far as how soon?

It depends on if the team is winning or losing and how anemic the offense is. I think it's a little unfair to pin the lack of offense all on Cassel and certainly he didn't allow all those points to the Dolphins. But the team only scoring in the teens each week is definitely an issue given the talent base on the team.If I had to guess, Cassel stays through the Chargers game and the team will start considering a move to O'Connell as early as the Broncos at home, especially if the team returns from the west coast 2-3. Another factor is how well the Bills do. If Buffalo keeps winning, that puts pressure on the Pats, as I doubt the AFC East will have a wildcard team (but that's way down the road).I was told even just a couple days ago that there is no evidence that NE is talking to other teams about a trade. Just so people know, I could probably hear if they were but I would not be told who the team(s) would be or the players involved. So if something was getting serious discussion, I might catch wind that something was brewing. Not the case at the moment. Maybe the upper brass is really stonewalling people on this one, who knows.

nobody has even seemed to mention him in these threads, but is it just me, or is trading for jeff garcia a no-brainer of a move for them?

 

[David Yudkin]

nobody has even seemed to mention him in these threads, but is it just me, or is trading for jeff garcia a no-brainer of a move for them?

All the names that people could think of have been brought up and for whatever dismissed. Garcia, Huard, Culpepper, Carr, Plummer, Brunell, et al apparently are not of interest to NE. Can't tell you why, but it does not appear they are pushing to acquire them.

 

[David Yudkin]

I am pretty sure that all the RBs are practicing as I type (Monday afternoon). Will see if I can get an update after practice.

 

[Devilsden2001]

David, as a homer are you seeing that father time may have affected Sammy Morris this year? He does not appear to have the same explosion that he had last year or is that more a product of the offensive line being patch worked this year?

 

[David Yudkin]

David, as a homer are you seeing that father time may have affected Sammy Morris this year? He does not appear to have the same explosion that he had last year or is that more a product of the offensive line being patch worked this year?

He looked fine early on and then did very little the past two games. The general malaise of the offense is not helping anyone, as teams understand that they can stack the line for both runs and short passes and get away with it.

 

[David Yudkin]

All New England running backs are all fully expected to play and practicing (barring any new injuries between now and Sunday).

 

[SleeperPix]

All New England running backs are all fully expected to play and practicing (barring any new injuries between now and Sunday).

I'm not sure if that is good or bad news

 

[Texican]

Just say no!

My name is Texican, and I have a problem.....Dave - Do you ever get a feel for the gameplan on a week to week basis? For instance if it looks like they are going to push Maroney this week? Of feature Jordan more, etc?

 

[GoBirds]

David,Do you really think that NE will switch to O'Connel in the near future? I watched him all preseason and thought he looked like the best of the back-ups. I think that he will take over evenutally, but what are you hearing as far as how soon?

It depends on if the team is winning or losing and how anemic the offense is. I think it's a little unfair to pin the lack of offense all on Cassel and certainly he didn't allow all those points to the Dolphins. But the team only scoring in the teens each week is definitely an issue given the talent base on the team.If I had to guess, Cassel stays through the Chargers game and the team will start considering a move to O'Connell as early as the Broncos at home, especially if the team returns from the west coast 2-3. Another factor is how well the Bills do. If Buffalo keeps winning, that puts pressure on the Pats, as I doubt the AFC East will have a wildcard team (but that's way down the road).I was told even just a couple days ago that there is no evidence that NE is talking to other teams about a trade. Just so people know, I could probably hear if they were but I would not be told who the team(s) would be or the players involved. So if something was getting serious discussion, I might catch wind that something was brewing. Not the case at the moment. Maybe the upper brass is really stonewalling people on this one, who knows.

When is trade deadline again? Next week?

 

[AnonymousBob]

Maroney was dumped a week ago in my 10 team league...nobody has touched him.

 

[GDogg]

David, it doesn't sound like you have any faith whatsoever in Maroney. Would you not want him on your roster at all or simply not as a reliable RB1 (and, apparently, RB2)? If he's on your WW, would you not even bother to pick him up?

I've got to admit that he has name value, which is probably what is making me consider him, but your statements have me wondering if it's worth it at all to bother rostering him (over Deuce or other players). I like your Nancy Reagan campaign with the NE RB's, though.

 

[David Yudkin]

David, it doesn't sound like you have any faith whatsoever in Maroney. Would you not want him on your roster at all or simply not as a reliable RB1 (and, apparently, RB2)? If he's on your WW, would you not even bother to pick him up?I've got to admit that he has name value, which is probably what is making me consider him, but your statements have me wondering if it's worth it at all to bother rostering him (over Deuce or other players). I like your Nancy Reagan campaign with the NE RB's, though.

IMO, Maroney should be rostered as depth in most leagues and as a borderline flex/bye week fill in. As outlined in a ton of threads, he's not getting a ton of carries, has not been used very often at the goal line, does not get many passes thrown his way, has a reputation for being soft, and has battled injuries in his NFL career. Also as outlined in other threads, the Pats are not a great run blocking team and have suffered offensively with Brady out. That won't help running the ball, as teams have compressed the defense a lot closer to the LOS. The Pats also use a contingent of RBs, which again won't help Maroney. His running style does not seem to fit with what the Pats want him to do.The good news is that I expect the Pats will have to do something different, as they can't continue on never scoring 20 points against far inferior teams. However, I think that spark needs to come from throwing the ball downfield . . . which would help the running game.I would probably pick him up if he were on the waiver wire, as the offense will get better (although probably not a ton better). I suppose everything is relative, so I wouldn't drop Reggie Bush to claim Maroney.

 

[everydayj]

Would you stay away from him for this week?

 

[Dreamer]

Would you stay away from him for this week?

 

[LarryAllen'sJockstrap]

Maroney is IMO the most frusturating player in all of fantasy. Every time he has been given a decent workload, he has performed as a #1 RB. Granted, I haven't watched a ton of Pats games, but the nationally televised games I have seen, and last year's playoff games, he looked like a real good RB. It's perplexing why Belicheck doesn't give him the ball more. I understand last year what they were doing worked to the tune of 16-0. But between weeks 15 and the SuperBowl, Maroney proved his worth. Now, with Brady done, I would think the logical thing to do would be to feed it to Maroney 20 times a game.

 

[Garts]

...also, they don't use LM much at the GL...but when he has ran there he seemed to have done OK....

 

[AnonymousBob]

Would you stay away from him for this week?

Yes. And every week hereafter.

 

[everydayj]

Would you stay away from him for this week?

It might seem like a stupid question here (and it likely is) but I'm curious to others opinions regarding Maroney's production considering that this site has him projected as my Flex starter this week. Not sure that it's beating your head against the wall worthy. I'm in the camp that while I drafted Maroney, I can't ever foresee starting him unless I'm either absolutely desperate or somebody might have some inside information that I don't.

 

[JamesTheScot]

nobody has even seemed to mention him in these threads, but is it just me, or is trading for jeff garcia a no-brainer of a move for them?

All the names that people could think of have been brought up and for whatever dismissed. Garcia, Huard, Culpepper, Carr, Plummer, Brunell, et al apparently are not of interest to NE. Can't tell you why, but it does not appear they are pushing to acquire them.

I think the simplest explanation is the correct one...because none of these guys is a clear upgrade over Cassell.That's not saying a whole lot about Cassell, BTW. It's just a recognition of how marginal those guys are. Once you add in the fact that they have no clue as to the Patriot playbook, I can see BB saying no thanks.

Garcia has experience but hasn't shown that he has anything physically left to contribute. He'd actually minimize Moss as a deep threat. Cassell by most accounts has a strong arm though the jury is still out on his touch.

Huard hasn't ever shown anything to anyone. Cassell is still more of a question mark in comparison so why not gamble on the unknown with Cassell?

Culpepper can't play or run an offense under pressure, he's all physical ability...and who knows how much he has left in the tank? I think BB likes a cerebral QB who can handle pressure and be a field general. That is isn't Culpepper in my mind. And if BB isn't letting Cassell simply chuck it long to Moss, I see no reason to think he'd decide to bring Culpepper in to do that.

Carr is actually the most intriguing one of the group. Still young and has phsyical tools. It's just hard for me to say what he might do in a good offense versus the poor ones he's been on before. Still, can we say he'd be better than Cassell? I can't.

Plummer has a knack for giving games away, something that BB would NEVER tolerate from his QB. Plus, who knows how much of the phsyical tools he still has. So far Cassell hasn't shown the same proclivity for turnovers and is probably the better athlete as well.

Brunnel is a class act and good guy. But he clearly doesn't have the arm or legs anymore. His record as a game manager is mixed at best.

BB is stubborn and I think he's a true believer in his own system. I suspect he doesn't think any of these guys can come in a run his system better than he can through Cassell and Cassell is by all accounts a pretty good athlete.

 

[David Yudkin]

nobody has even seemed to mention him in these threads, but is it just me, or is trading for jeff garcia a no-brainer of a move for them?

All the names that people could think of have been brought up and for whatever dismissed. Garcia, Huard, Culpepper, Carr, Plummer, Brunell, et al apparently are not of interest to NE. Can't tell you why, but it does not appear they are pushing to acquire them.

I think the simplest explanation is the correct one...because none of these guys is a clear upgrade over Cassell.That's not saying a whole lot about Cassell, BTW. It's just a recognition of how marginal those guys are. Once you add in the fact that they have no clue as to the Patriot playbook, I can see BB saying no thanks.

Garcia has experience but hasn't shown that he has anything physically left to contribute. He'd actually minimize Moss as a deep threat. Cassell by most accounts has a strong arm though the jury is still out on his touch.

Huard hasn't ever shown anything to anyone. Cassell is still more of a question mark in comparison so why not gamble on the unknown with Cassell?

Culpepper can't play or run an offense under pressure, he's all physical ability...and who knows how much he has left in the tank? I think BB likes a cerebral QB who can handle pressure and be a field general. That is isn't Culpepper in my mind. And if BB isn't letting Cassell simply chuck it long to Moss, I see no reason to think he'd decide to bring Culpepper in to do that.

Carr is actually the most intriguing one of the group. Still young and has phsyical tools. It's just hard for me to say what he might do in a good offense versus the poor ones he's been on before. Still, can we say he'd be better than Cassell? I can't.

Plummer has a knack for giving games away, something that BB would NEVER tolerate from his QB. Plus, who knows how much of the phsyical tools he still has. So far Cassell hasn't shown the same proclivity for turnovers and is probably the better athlete as well.

Brunnel is a class act and good guy. But he clearly doesn't have the arm or legs anymore. His record as a game manager is mixed at best.

BB is stubborn and I think he's a true believer in his own system. I suspect he doesn't think any of these guys can come in a run his system better than he can through Cassell and Cassell is by all accounts a pretty good athlete.

That's all well and good, but it's looking more likely that O'Connell is going to become Plan A sooner rather than later and Cassel will go back to being a fill-in QB and NOT a starting QB.We can debate if that is wise or unwise, but that's the direction things are looking.

 

[ourmanflint]

nobody has even seemed to mention him in these threads, but is it just me, or is trading for jeff garcia a no-brainer of a move for them?

All the names that people could think of have been brought up and for whatever dismissed. Garcia, Huard, Culpepper, Carr, Plummer, Brunell, et al apparently are not of interest to NE. Can't tell you why, but it does not appear they are pushing to acquire them.

I think the simplest explanation is the correct one...because none of these guys is a clear upgrade over Cassell.That's not saying a whole lot about Cassell, BTW. It's just a recognition of how marginal those guys are. Once you add in the fact that they have no clue as to the Patriot playbook, I can see BB saying no thanks.

Garcia has experience but hasn't shown that he has anything physically left to contribute. He'd actually minimize Moss as a deep threat. Cassell by most accounts has a strong arm though the jury is still out on his touch.

Huard hasn't ever shown anything to anyone. Cassell is still more of a question mark in comparison so why not gamble on the unknown with Cassell?

Culpepper can't play or run an offense under pressure, he's all physical ability...and who knows how much he has left in the tank? I think BB likes a cerebral QB who can handle pressure and be a field general. That is isn't Culpepper in my mind. And if BB isn't letting Cassell simply chuck it long to Moss, I see no reason to think he'd decide to bring Culpepper in to do that.

Carr is actually the most intriguing one of the group. Still young and has phsyical tools. It's just hard for me to say what he might do in a good offense versus the poor ones he's been on before. Still, can we say he'd be better than Cassell? I can't.

Plummer has a knack for giving games away, something that BB would NEVER tolerate from his QB. Plus, who knows how much of the phsyical tools he still has. So far Cassell hasn't shown the same proclivity for turnovers and is probably the better athlete as well.

Brunnel is a class act and good guy. But he clearly doesn't have the arm or legs anymore. His record as a game manager is mixed at best.

BB is stubborn and I think he's a true believer in his own system. I suspect he doesn't think any of these guys can come in a run his system better than he can through Cassell and Cassell is by all accounts a pretty good athlete.

- Carr is shellshocked. He can't even see his receivers because he's too busy looking at the guys rushing him.- Plummer is retired. Why can't anyone see this?

- Culpepper will show up on the injury report 10 minutes after he signs and on the IR after the 1st game. Noone will sign this guy. Why would you sign him just to sit on your IR and make you look stupid for signing him?

- Garcia isn't for sell. Gruden has a playoff caliber team and he is one sack away from Luke McCown for the rest of the season. As much as he hates Garcia he still values his season more than that.

 

[creeps1313]

I got McClain off waivers....and am thinking of dumping Maroney to make room. I really cant believe it...but his 6 points this year is a waste of space. Of course as soon as I drop him he will have a sick game.

 

[kd1]

garcia has led 2 different teams to the playoffs in the past 2 years, was a probowler last year, and was able to hit galloway on several bombs last season. there's no chance he wouldnt be a huge upgrade over cassel, and that isn't even necessarily a knock on cassel.

those other qbs named dont belong in the same group as garcia.

 

[Bri]

IMO Maroney has looked the worst of em' all.

Seems like the others bring a spark of hustle that might be extra helpful after a big loss and QB struggles

(sad maroney owner)

 

[two_dollars]

nobody has even seemed to mention him in these threads, but is it just me, or is trading for jeff garcia a no-brainer of a move for them?

All the names that people could think of have been brought up and for whatever dismissed. Garcia, Huard, Culpepper, Carr, Plummer, Brunell, et al apparently are not of interest to NE. Can't tell you why, but it does not appear they are pushing to acquire them.

I think the simplest explanation is the correct one...because none of these guys is a clear upgrade over Cassell.That's not saying a whole lot about Cassell, BTW. It's just a recognition of how marginal those guys are. Once you add in the fact that they have no clue as to the Patriot playbook, I can see BB saying no thanks.

Garcia has experience but hasn't shown that he has anything physically left to contribute. He'd actually minimize Moss as a deep threat. Cassell by most accounts has a strong arm though the jury is still out on his touch.

Huard hasn't ever shown anything to anyone. Cassell is still more of a question mark in comparison so why not gamble on the unknown with Cassell?

Culpepper can't play or run an offense under pressure, he's all physical ability...and who knows how much he has left in the tank? I think BB likes a cerebral QB who can handle pressure and be a field general. That is isn't Culpepper in my mind. And if BB isn't letting Cassell simply chuck it long to Moss, I see no reason to think he'd decide to bring Culpepper in to do that.

Carr is actually the most intriguing one of the group. Still young and has phsyical tools. It's just hard for me to say what he might do in a good offense versus the poor ones he's been on before. Still, can we say he'd be better than Cassell? I can't.

Plummer has a knack for giving games away, something that BB would NEVER tolerate from his QB. Plus, who knows how much of the phsyical tools he still has. So far Cassell hasn't shown the same proclivity for turnovers and is probably the better athlete as well.

Brunnel is a class act and good guy. But he clearly doesn't have the arm or legs anymore. His record as a game manager is mixed at best.

BB is stubborn and I think he's a true believer in his own system. I suspect he doesn't think any of these guys can come in a run his system better than he can through Cassell and Cassell is by all accounts a pretty good athlete.

Plummer won't return. He even stated that he didn't like Football, it was just his job.