The Official Laurence Maroney Bandwagon thread (1 Viewer)

[Sabertooth]

Laurence Maroney is going to be a heck of a back this season. With Moss on a roster that boasts Ben Watson, Donte Stallworth, Chad Jackson, Wes Welker, and Reche Caldwell, Maroney will not face 8 men in the box very often.

So let's discuss this situation a little bit. A question for the New England watchers.

Who would you compare Maroney to that is a recent NFLer? I'd say a circa 2002 Ahman Green. Punishing runner with very a good burst and enough speed to take it to the house. Green wasn't real big but was a punishing runner and looked to deliver the blow.

Is this a fair assessment of Maroney's game?

 

[Silver & Black]

I think you are absolutely correct, he is a special talent that likes to punish defenders at the end of a run.

Only problem is the freaking injury thing. I am a bit concerned about his shoulder, especially because of his style of running. Everything I have heard indicates that he should be fine and good to go by the start of training camp....only it still makes me a bit jittery.

If he can stay healthy, I think he can have a very solid season. I would say top 5 rb type of season, but NE likes to throw in the red zone so he is going to lose a bunch of td's in that regard, IMO.

 

[LawFitz]

Laurence Maroney is going to be a heck of a back this season. With Moss on a roster that boasts Ben Watson, Donte Stallworth, Chad Jackson, Wes Welker, and Reche Caldwell, Maroney will not face 8 men in the box very often.

So let's discuss this situation a little bit. A question for the New England watchers.

Who would you compare Maroney to that is a recent NFLer? I'd say a circa 2002 Ahman Green. Punishing runner with very a good burst and enough speed to take it to the house. Green wasn't real big but was a punishing runner and looked to deliver the blow.

Is this a fair assessment of Maroney's game?

Maroney = Steven Jackson light. Tho smaller, he's faster/quicker than SJax. BUT, he tries to punish defenders and ends up punishing himself - injury prone. This plus BB's shady injury reports = sketchy pick. But then again, there are a lot of good RBs this season, so you might be able to get him in Rd 2, where he would be a steal if he lasts a full season. That's the $$$ question with this guy. He was nicked up in college and has been in the pro's too.

 

[Da Guru]

I thought I heard he has shoulder problems right now.

 

[noneother]

I thought I heard he has shoulder problems right now.

that was the rumor.. but the pats went WR with trades, no progress (so far) on another back,

 

[Jason Wood]

Barring the shoulder problems...I think the sky is the limit. But those shoulder problems need to be resolved via an impressive camp before I would spend an early pick on him.

 

[phthalatemagic]

I thought I heard he has shoulder problems right now.

that was the rumor.. but the pats went WR with trades, no progress (so far) on another back,

Sammy Morris is a pretty decent backup.

 

[Keith Lewis]

but NE likes to throw in the red zone so he is going to lose a bunch of td's in that regard, IMO.

Between Maroney/Dillon last year they had 20 TDS. You should expect at least 15 from Maroney this season.

 

[phthalatemagic]

but NE likes to throw in the red zone so he is going to lose a bunch of td's in that regard, IMO.

Between Maroney/Dillon last year they had 20 TDS. You should expect at least 15 from Maroney this season.

Ohh cmonThere are very few RBs you should expect 15 TDs from and Maroney isn't one of them.

 

[Routilla]

I like his potential but I think someone will draft him higher than I would come draft day.

 

[bostonfred]

but NE likes to throw in the red zone so he is going to lose a bunch of td's in that regard, IMO.

Between Maroney/Dillon last year they had 20 TDS. You should expect at least 15 from Maroney this season.

Ohh cmonThere are very few RBs you should expect 15 TDs from and Maroney isn't one of them.

You're mostly right:Antowain Smith 2001: 12 rush, 1 rec TDAntowain Smith 2002: 6 rush, 2 rec TDMike Cloud 2003: 5 rush, 0 rec TDCorey Dillon 2004: 12 rush, 1 rec TDCorey Dillon 2005: 12 rush, 1 rec TDCorey Dillon 2006: 13 rush, 0 rec TDThe Patriots highest scoring running back of the season has had 13 TDs four times in the last six years, but has not had 15 once. New England does like to throw in the end zone, but they also like to run the ball. Once thing I don't know how to read is the loss of Daniel Graham. This makes it harder for them to run block in a goal line unit, but also gives them one fewer target in the red zone. I'm not sure if that's a net positive or negative for Maroney. I think that the Moss acquisition should get them yards in gulps. I like them to get more goal line opportunities this year than they have in the past, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Moss get a bunch of them.

 

[tombonneau]

Barring the shoulder problems...I think the sky is the limit. But those shoulder problems need to be resolved via an impressive camp before I would spend an early pick on him.

As a die hard Pats fan, I have to agree 100% with Wood. If LM makes it through pre-season and looks good, he is easily a late 1st round pick with Top 5 potential.As a Pats fan, I've seen every carry, and when healthy, the guy is silly good. If he is 100%, he will rip it up. I obviously love the guy, but, if he is gimpy during the preseason, I will avoid at all costs.

 

[BLOX]

There are going to be a heck of a lot of potential top 5 backs next year.

LT

LJ

S. Jax

possibly Maroney and

SA

Addai

FWP

T. Henry

Gore

Westbrook (PPR)

Portis

Bush (PPR)

I'm thinking the value in the 1st round is in picks 10-12.

 

[jwb]

I obviously love the guy, but, if he is gimpy during the preseason, I will avoid at all costs.

I like Maroney (had him last year in a redraft as a late flyer, and he won me a few games due to KR getting points in the league I was in), but won't pick him in dynasty for a few reasons. He was nicked up last year despite a fairly light workload. Now I realize you can get hurt on any one play, it still doesn't say much for his durability, especially when we started to hear about his shoulder last month. In addition, I don't want to spend a first round pick only to be frustrated by BB's "will he or won't he play" injury report every week. I may miss out on some reward, but I'll avoid that headache and let someone else draft him.

 

[Giggity]

I obviously love the guy, but, if he is gimpy during the preseason, I will avoid at all costs.

I like Maroney (had him last year in a redraft as a late flyer, and he won me a few games due to KR getting points in the league I was in), but won't pick him in dynasty for a few reasons. He was nicked up last year despite a fairly light workload. Now I realize you can get hurt on any one play, it still doesn't say much for his durability, especially when we started to hear about his shoulder last month. In addition, I don't want to spend a first round pick only to be frustrated by BB's "will he or won't he play" injury report every week. I may miss out on some reward, but I'll avoid that headache and let someone else draft him.

Agreed.18 for 69 5 for 5 8 for 13Ended the year coming up very short, with concerns of injuries. Top 10 RB based on what?Don't get cute, go take Rudi and be happy with 1,200 and 12.

 

[redman]

but NE likes to throw in the red zone so he is going to lose a bunch of td's in that regard, IMO.

Between Maroney/Dillon last year they had 20 TDS. You should expect at least 15 from Maroney this season.

Ohh cmonThere are very few RBs you should expect 15 TDs from and Maroney isn't one of them.

You're mostly right:Antowain Smith 2001: 12 rush, 1 rec TDAntowain Smith 2002: 6 rush, 2 rec TDMike Cloud 2003: 5 rush, 0 rec TDCorey Dillon 2004: 12 rush, 1 rec TDCorey Dillon 2005: 12 rush, 1 rec TDCorey Dillon 2006: 13 rush, 0 rec TDThe Patriots highest scoring running back of the season has had 13 TDs four times in the last six years, but has not had 15 once. New England does like to throw in the end zone, but they also like to run the ball. Once thing I don't know how to read is the loss of Daniel Graham. This makes it harder for them to run block in a goal line unit, but also gives them one fewer target in the red zone. I'm not sure if that's a net positive or negative for Maroney. I think that the Moss acquisition should get them yards in gulps. I like them to get more goal line opportunities this year than they have in the past, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Moss get a bunch of them.

Yes, but . . . Maroney is by far the most explosive starting RB they've had. He figures to get a handful of long TD's that guys like Dillon or Cloud or Smith couldn't get.

 

[kensat30]

New England has proven itself to be a sutdly situation for RBs in recent years. They are a run first team around the goalline. For that reason alone, a washed up RB in Corey Dillon (who can't even sign with a team anymore) has been a viable fantasy option for the past two years. The guy literally must have been running 5.2 40s out there, yet he still was pounding in 10 TDs. Just ridiculous.

Maroney is primed to do big things this year and for many years the way things are looking. New England is a fantasy RB goldmine. Now that NE has WR talent... the ceiling has really just come off the house. This guy is one of the few I could see as the #1 RB come season end.

 

[nygiants56]

New England has proven itself to be a sutdly situation for RBs in recent years. They are a run first team around the goalline. For that reason alone, a washed up RB in Corey Dillon (who can't even sign with a team anymore) has been a viable fantasy option for the past two years. The guy literally must have been running 5.2 40s out there, yet he still was pounding in 10 TDs. Just ridiculous.

Maroney is primed to do big things this year and for many years the way things are looking. New England is a fantasy RB goldmine. Now that NE has WR talent... the ceiling has really just come off the house. This guy is one of the few I could see as the #1 RB come season end.

wow. big praise for a guy who's never started a full NFL season or shown anything remotely CLOSE to being the #1 RB in football.. Even Sjax showed us something in 2005 that would lead us to think he *might* breakout in 2006, but I didn't see anything special from Maroney to make me think that he's even going to be better than MJD, let alone better than Tomlinson, L. Johnson, S. Jackson, Rudi.

an injury prone RB who fizzled towards the end of last season, does not a #1 RB make..

 

[darmani]

With all the talent they have on offense now, I kind of think he's in a Rudi Johnson situation.

They've got explosive potential in the passing game, and they'll mix him in appropriately.

He'll probably have 2 or 3 huge games and the rest will be tier 2 rb type stats ; 70-100 yds with a touchdown every other game or so.

 

[BGP]

On my 3-player keeper team, I have Julius Jones, Kevin Jones, Lawrence Maroney, and Tom Brady. So the Maroney question is interesting to me. I had Antowain Smith in 2001 and he helped lead me to my fantasy title, so I've watched Patriot RBs go crazy before. This offense excites me. But I am worried about Maroney being injury-prone. I'll have to make a decision in a few weeks though, long before camp. I'll probably keep Maroney, but it may not work out.

 

[Assani Fisher]

New England does like to throw in the end zone, but they also like to run the ball.

Inside info like this is what makes the Shark Pool my #1 source for fantasy info!

 

[kensat30]

With all the talent they have on offense now, I kind of think he's in a Rudi Johnson situation.They've got explosive potential in the passing game, and they'll mix him in appropriately.He'll probably have 2 or 3 huge games and the rest will be tier 2 rb type stats ; 70-100 yds with a touchdown every other game or so.

345/1635/12, 15/103/1 Stats from the 30 year old Corey Dillon.

 

[madoka]

Colin Dowling, care to explain why you rank Maroney as your 21st ranked RB, whereas you have:

- Cedric Benson 4th!

- Marion Barber 13th

- Reggie Bush 14th

- Adrian Peterson 15th

You've got guys who split carries ranked way higher than Maroney, who is now the main RB for one of the most potent offensives in the league. I'd like to know your reasoning. (Sorry if you expained it elsewhere, I wasn't able to find it.)

 

[bostonfred]

New England has proven itself to be a sutdly situation for RBs in recent years. They are a run first team around the goalline. For that reason alone, a washed up RB in Corey Dillon (who can't even sign with a team anymore) has been a viable fantasy option for the past two years. The guy literally must have been running 5.2 40s out there, yet he still was pounding in 10 TDs. Just ridiculous.

Maroney is primed to do big things this year and for many years the way things are looking. New England is a fantasy RB goldmine. Now that NE has WR talent... the ceiling has really just come off the house. This guy is one of the few I could see as the #1 RB come season end.

wow. big praise for a guy who's never started a full NFL season or shown anything remotely CLOSE to being the #1 RB in football.. Even Sjax showed us something in 2005 that would lead us to think he *might* breakout in 2006, but I didn't see anything special from Maroney to make me think that he's even going to be better than MJD, let alone better than Tomlinson, L. Johnson, S. Jackson, Rudi.

an injury prone RB who fizzled towards the end of last season, does not a #1 RB make..

I don't think he's that far off. The guy appears to be very talented, doesn't have any serious competition for the goal line work, and is on a much improved offense. That's a good formula for possible #1 at the end of the year. Jones-Drew does not have that formula. He may be talented, but he does have serious competition for the goal line work, and he is on an offense that hasn't really improved. Unless you assume that he'll improve on his already abnormally high yards per carry from last year, I can't think of many reasons to think he's got #1 overall potential.

Rudi doesn't really have #1 overall potential, either. Rudi is not as talented as some of the guys ahead of him - he's a very good runner, but he's not great. He also lost a stud offensive guard, which cuts him back.

You're right that Tomlinson and Jackson have #1 potential. I think Addai does, too - great (and improved) situation, all purpose back with no competition, and he appears to have the talent, too. If Turner were still in SF, I might consider Gore; if KC wasn't falling apart, I might consider Johnson. But when it comes to guys who have a serious chance at that #1 overall spot, there aren't many, and right now, Maroney and Addai are two of the guys I think are on that short list.

 

[bostonfred]

New England does like to throw in the end zone, but they also like to run the ball.

Inside info like this is what makes the Shark Pool my #1 source for fantasy info!

lol. You're the reason I keep coming back too, GB. Not really my best writing, but in my mind I was contrasting it with the old Mike Holmgren/Brett Favre offense. In the last five years, the Patriots have passed the ball 119 times from inside the ten, for 70 TDs. They've run it 201 times, for 57. So yes, the Patriots like to pass the ball inside the ten, and they've been more successful there. But they run the ball more often once they get close. And Maroney does have the speed to make the long TD run, which is important.

 

[bostonfred]

There are going to be a heck of a lot of potential top 5 backs next year.LTLJS. Jaxpossibly Maroney andSAAddaiFWPT. HenryGoreWestbrook (PPR)PortisBush (PPR)I'm thinking the value in the 1st round is in picks 10-12.

I don't think Gore, Parker, Henry or Portis have a real chance at #1 overall. I'm not sure about Bush, either. FWIW I'm high on Henry, fairly high on Portis, and would love to have Bush; I'm not high on Gore and Parker due to coaching changes. I just don't think any of them have #1 overall potential. I'm not that high on Alexander, Westbrook, or Larry Johnson, either, but I guess I can see them doing it.

 

[David Yudkin]

I follow the Pats, and I'm not sure they view Maroney as a 300+ carry guy. I suspect they will try to get him 15 carries a game, sometimes a few more, and will trickle down the rest of the carries to their other backs. And I also don't think they are done signing wise and I would guess they will bring in someone else between now and when the season starts. (They've been talking to Chris Brown for one).

As for the rushing TDs, they've been somewhat hard to predict since Brady got there (15, 9, 9, 15, 16, 20). One would think Maroney would see a bick chunk of the TDs they do get, it's just a matter of how many opportunities they'll see.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

I follow the Pats, and I'm not sure they view Maroney as a 300+ carry guy. I suspect they will try to get him 15 carries a game, sometimes a few more, and will trickle down the rest of the carries to their other backs. And I also don't think they are done signing wise and I would guess they will bring in someone else between now and when the season starts. (They've been talking to Chris Brown for one).As for the rushing TDs, they've been somewhat hard to predict since Brady got there (15, 9, 9, 15, 16, 20). One would think Maroney would see a bick chunk of the TDs they do get, it's just a matter of how many opportunities they'll see.

David - what rationale do you have for suggesting the Pats view Maroney as a 15-carry a game RB? It's pretty far from the consensus view, thus I find it interesting. Is it the addition of Sammy Morris? The potential threat of a Chris Brown signing? Seriously, there has to be more to your comment.....because guys like this don't worry me.....

 

[Jercules]

but NE likes to throw in the red zone so he is going to lose a bunch of td's in that regard, IMO.

Between Maroney/Dillon last year they had 20 TDS. You should expect at least 15 from Maroney this season.

Ohh cmonThere are very few RBs you should expect 15 TDs from and Maroney isn't one of them.

You're mostly right:Antowain Smith 2001: 12 rush, 1 rec TDAntowain Smith 2002: 6 rush, 2 rec TDMike Cloud 2003: 5 rush, 0 rec TDCorey Dillon 2004: 12 rush, 1 rec TDCorey Dillon 2005: 12 rush, 1 rec TDCorey Dillon 2006: 13 rush, 0 rec TDThe Patriots highest scoring running back of the season has had 13 TDs four times in the last six years, but has not had 15 once. New England does like to throw in the end zone, but they also like to run the ball. Once thing I don't know how to read is the loss of Daniel Graham. This makes it harder for them to run block in a goal line unit, but also gives them one fewer target in the red zone. I'm not sure if that's a net positive or negative for Maroney. I think that the Moss acquisition should get them yards in gulps. I like them to get more goal line opportunities this year than they have in the past, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Moss get a bunch of them.

They signed Kyle Brady, supposedly the best blocking TE in the AFC last year (but certainly no significant redzone threat - not like Mike Vrabel ). IMO, the only downside to Maroney is NE's general aversion to giving any one player the kind of workload necessary for huge fantasy success (as in, top 5 fantasy success, for those of you thinking really big. He should still be a justifiable 2nd rounder).Another key with Maroney is how to interprete the Morris signing. If he's a guy they grabbed because he's a great special teamer than that might be a red flag, because then NE is likely to grab a guy to fill the Corey Dillon role in June (or July, or whenever those cuts are that some generally decent veterans become available). If Morris is there to be the #2 back then it shows that Belichick has confidence in Maroney and is making him the bellcow.

 

[David Yudkin]

I follow the Pats, and I'm not sure they view Maroney as a 300+ carry guy. I suspect they will try to get him 15 carries a game, sometimes a few more, and will trickle down the rest of the carries to their other backs. And I also don't think they are done signing wise and I would guess they will bring in someone else between now and when the season starts. (They've been talking to Chris Brown for one).As for the rushing TDs, they've been somewhat hard to predict since Brady got there (15, 9, 9, 15, 16, 20). One would think Maroney would see a bick chunk of the TDs they do get, it's just a matter of how many opportunities they'll see.

David - what rationale do you have for suggesting the Pats view Maroney as a 15-carry a game RB? It's pretty far from the consensus view, thus I find it interesting. Is it the addition of Sammy Morris? The potential threat of a Chris Brown signing? Seriously, there has to be more to your comment.....because guys like this don't worry me.....

I have nothing to cite as anything official other than following the team, comments from the staff, and what's reported in the local media. Sports Talk around these parts last year kept harping on the Pts brass being disappointed in Maroney's durability and his lack of effectiveness later in the year. Wether that carries over into 2007 is the question.If you look at the highlight reel plays Maroney had, you'd think he was the next Barry Sanders. However, if you look at the stat sheet, Dillon was probably more productive than Maroney was even with Dillon hamped by his own injuries and no longer having much speed.Almost everyone expected Maroney to take over for Dillon halfway through the season and for him to be a force late in the year and in the post season. Had that been the case, the Pats would have won another title. In 11 games after the halfway point last year (regular and post season), Maroney only got 99 carries.Prior to the draft, most sports and media outlets around here had slotted the Pats for taking another RB in the draft--potentially as early as the first round if someone like Lynch fell. Obviously that didn't happen, but it's clear that the team is still looking at signing additional RB help. While it's probably for depth purposes, I think the team will try to keep Maroney fresh.Last year in the playoffs, when the team needed a short first down, the majority of the time they opted to pass rather then run. Whether Maroney continued to have lingering issues from his shoulder injury or whether there was more to it than that is anyone's guess (we all know the team is hardly forthcoming about injuries).So to get back to your question, I have no source to point to for why I think the Pats will try to limit Maroney's workload to some extent, but I think they may have learned the last couple years with Dillon and Maroney that it may be wise to spread the ball to some other guys to keep them fresher. I am not sure whether they will sign Brown, but I think once the June 1st cuts come they will add someone.Another factor which has not really been addressed is whether the Pats will try to throw more given that they seem to have added a lot more talent in the receiving game. Other than 2004 when Dillon went crazy, the Pats running totals have ranged from above average to below average in the Brady era.Maybe I'm putting 2 and 2 together to get 5, but last year Dillon really was not ever fully healthy and painstakingly slow with very few moves. Even so, Maroney never really stepped up consistently and only had more than 15 carries once in the last 12 games with a season high of 19.I've heard Belichick discuss and praise Morris. While Morris never really was a full time RB, he did have games of 86, 73, and 162 total yards against the Pats including a game with 2 TD. It would not shock me if Morris had around 100 carries next year. IMO, if the Pats build up a big lead early, why put more wear on Maroney if the game is pretty much decided?So if the Pats had 450 rushing attempts by RB next year, I might project Maroney at 250, Morris at 75, Faulk at 50, 25 for Evans, and maybe 50 for whomever else they bring in. Of more interest to me is how the team plans on getting in the end zone, whether it be by pushing the pile in or going over the top to receivers.Hopefully for the Pats Maroney comes in and does so well that they have to keep feeding him the ball and the other less talented guys struggle and he goes on for 350-375 if healthy. But bear in mind the Pats play 8 games against Top 10 defenses from 2006 in terms of points allowed.Hope that helps . . .

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

I have nothing to cite as anything official other than following the team, comments from the staff, and what's reported in the local media. Sports Talk around these parts last year kept harping on the Pts brass being disappointed in Maroney's durability and his lack of effectiveness later in the year. Wether that carries over into 2007 is the question.If you look at the highlight reel plays Maroney had, you'd think he was the next Barry Sanders. However, if you look at the stat sheet, Dillon was probably more productive than Maroney was even with Dillon hamped by his own injuries and no longer having much speed.Almost everyone expected Maroney to take over for Dillon halfway through the season and for him to be a force late in the year and in the post season. Had that been the case, the Pats would have won another title. In 11 games after the halfway point last year (regular and post season), Maroney only got 99 carries.Prior to the draft, most sports and media outlets around here had slotted the Pats for taking another RB in the draft--potentially as early as the first round if someone like Lynch fell. Obviously that didn't happen, but it's clear that the team is still looking at signing additional RB help. While it's probably for depth purposes, I think the team will try to keep Maroney fresh.Last year in the playoffs, when the team needed a short first down, the majority of the time they opted to pass rather then run. Whether Maroney continued to have lingering issues from his shoulder injury or whether there was more to it than that is anyone's guess (we all know the team is hardly forthcoming about injuries).So to get back to your question, I have no source to point to for why I think the Pats will try to limit Maroney's workload to some extent, but I think they may have learned the last couple years with Dillon and Maroney that it may be wise to spread the ball to some other guys to keep them fresher. I am not sure whether they will sign Brown, but I think once the June 1st cuts come they will add someone.Another factor which has not really been addressed is whether the Pats will try to throw more given that they seem to have added a lot more talent in the receiving game. Other than 2004 when Dillon went crazy, the Pats running totals have ranged from above average to below average in the Brady era.Maybe I'm putting 2 and 2 together to get 5, but last year Dillon really was not ever fully healthy and painstakingly slow with very few moves. Even so, Maroney never really stepped up consistently and only had more than 15 carries once in the last 12 games with a season high of 19.I've heard Belichick discuss and praise Morris. While Morris never really was a full time RB, he did have games of 86, 73, and 162 total yards against the Pats including a game with 2 TD. It would not shock me if Morris had around 100 carries next year. IMO, if the Pats build up a big lead early, why put more wear on Maroney if the game is pretty much decided?So if the Pats had 450 rushing attempts by RB next year, I might project Maroney at 250, Morris at 75, Faulk at 50, 25 for Evans, and maybe 50 for whomever else they bring in. Of more interest to me is how the team plans on getting in the end zone, whether it be by pushing the pile in or going over the top to receivers.Hopefully for the Pats Maroney comes in and does so well that they have to keep feeding him the ball and the other less talented guys struggle and he goes on for 350-375 if healthy. But bear in mind the Pats play 8 games against Top 10 defenses from 2006 in terms of points allowed.Hope that helps . . .

Thanks David, thoughtful response. Honestly, as a Maroney owner I was thrilled to see Morris join the team. Everything you mention above is valid - fair to be concerned about Maroney's ability to handle a full workload. Until he proves it, there will continue to be questions.Interesting that Lynch is another RB who has been in RBBC his whole career, yet he doesn't face these same questions for some reason.Back to Maroney: when you watched him last year, did you feel defenses were really zoning in on Maroney and trying to stop the run with him in the game? Watching him play the 2nd half of the year, it sure seemed that way. Almost like he was the only explosive offensive player on the team, and defenses realized it. But he'll have a lot more help than Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney this year. Moss and Stallworth will both stretch the field AND keep defenses honest. IF Maroney can stay healthy, then I see big things for him. If not, then all Maroney owners like me will be deeply disappointed.

 

[David Yudkin]

I have nothing to cite as anything official other than following the team, comments from the staff, and what's reported in the local media. Sports Talk around these parts last year kept harping on the Pts brass being disappointed in Maroney's durability and his lack of effectiveness later in the year. Wether that carries over into 2007 is the question.If you look at the highlight reel plays Maroney had, you'd think he was the next Barry Sanders. However, if you look at the stat sheet, Dillon was probably more productive than Maroney was even with Dillon hamped by his own injuries and no longer having much speed.Almost everyone expected Maroney to take over for Dillon halfway through the season and for him to be a force late in the year and in the post season. Had that been the case, the Pats would have won another title. In 11 games after the halfway point last year (regular and post season), Maroney only got 99 carries.Prior to the draft, most sports and media outlets around here had slotted the Pats for taking another RB in the draft--potentially as early as the first round if someone like Lynch fell. Obviously that didn't happen, but it's clear that the team is still looking at signing additional RB help. While it's probably for depth purposes, I think the team will try to keep Maroney fresh.Last year in the playoffs, when the team needed a short first down, the majority of the time they opted to pass rather then run. Whether Maroney continued to have lingering issues from his shoulder injury or whether there was more to it than that is anyone's guess (we all know the team is hardly forthcoming about injuries).So to get back to your question, I have no source to point to for why I think the Pats will try to limit Maroney's workload to some extent, but I think they may have learned the last couple years with Dillon and Maroney that it may be wise to spread the ball to some other guys to keep them fresher. I am not sure whether they will sign Brown, but I think once the June 1st cuts come they will add someone.Another factor which has not really been addressed is whether the Pats will try to throw more given that they seem to have added a lot more talent in the receiving game. Other than 2004 when Dillon went crazy, the Pats running totals have ranged from above average to below average in the Brady era.Maybe I'm putting 2 and 2 together to get 5, but last year Dillon really was not ever fully healthy and painstakingly slow with very few moves. Even so, Maroney never really stepped up consistently and only had more than 15 carries once in the last 12 games with a season high of 19.I've heard Belichick discuss and praise Morris. While Morris never really was a full time RB, he did have games of 86, 73, and 162 total yards against the Pats including a game with 2 TD. It would not shock me if Morris had around 100 carries next year. IMO, if the Pats build up a big lead early, why put more wear on Maroney if the game is pretty much decided?So if the Pats had 450 rushing attempts by RB next year, I might project Maroney at 250, Morris at 75, Faulk at 50, 25 for Evans, and maybe 50 for whomever else they bring in. Of more interest to me is how the team plans on getting in the end zone, whether it be by pushing the pile in or going over the top to receivers.Hopefully for the Pats Maroney comes in and does so well that they have to keep feeding him the ball and the other less talented guys struggle and he goes on for 350-375 if healthy. But bear in mind the Pats play 8 games against Top 10 defenses from 2006 in terms of points allowed.Hope that helps . . .

Thanks David, thoughtful response. Honestly, as a Maroney owner I was thrilled to see Morris join the team. Everything you mention above is valid - fair to be concerned about Maroney's ability to handle a full workload. Until he proves it, there will continue to be questions.Interesting that Lynch is another RB who has been in RBBC his whole career, yet he doesn't face these same questions for some reason.Back to Maroney: when you watched him last year, did you feel defenses were really zoning in on Maroney and trying to stop the run with him in the game? Watching him play the 2nd half of the year, it sure seemed that way. Almost like he was the only explosive offensive player on the team, and defenses realized it. But he'll have a lot more help than Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney this year. Moss and Stallworth will both stretch the field AND keep defenses honest. IF Maroney can stay healthy, then I see big things for him. If not, then all Maroney owners like me will be deeply disappointed.

From Week 10 on, the Pats had:377, 357, 269, 363, 189, 230, 359, 414, 358, 327, and 319 yards each week for a total of 3562 yards. Maroney accounting for 465 of them (13%). No, I don't think teams schemed to take Maroney out of the game. He just wasn't that great at getting out of the backfield and breaking tackles like he was early on.That may change with the new WR corps, but late last year Maroney seemed to disappear for last parts of games when the Pats had the ball. Against SD and IND--the two biggest games of the year, Maroney mustered a total of 13 carries for 18 yards. We can debate on WHY he only got the ball so few times, but he certainly didn't do much when he got it.New England certainly should be an interesting team to watch this year . . .

 

[bostonfred]

One thing that has to be mentioned in contrast to David's analysis is that the Pats are looking to move to a zone blocking schem to take advantage of Maroney's skillset, which is very different from Dillon's power running skillset. That says to me that they are pretty committed to him as their running back, because I would normally expect their desire to protect Brady to dictate their blocking schemes and their running scheme to be a distant #2.

 

[bonesman]

Barring the shoulder problems...I think the sky is the limit. But those shoulder problems need to be resolved via an impressive camp before I would spend an early pick on him.

As a die hard Pats fan, I have to agree 100% with Wood. If LM makes it through pre-season and looks good, he is easily a late 1st round pick with Top 5 potential.

As a Pats fan, I've seen every carry, and when healthy, the guy is silly good. If he is 100%, he will rip it up.

I obviously love the guy, but, if he is gimpy during the preseason, I will avoid at all costs.

It seems like I see "If's" regarding Maroney more than most players this year. I think I'm detecting a consensus of pessimism towards his chances of actually staying healthy. But thats judging from the FF community, not the Pats organization.

 

[David Yudkin]

I follow the Pats, and I'm not sure they view Maroney as a 300+ carry guy. I suspect they will try to get him 15 carries a game, sometimes a few more, and will trickle down the rest of the carries to their other backs. And I also don't think they are done signing wise and I would guess they will bring in someone else between now and when the season starts. (They've been talking to Chris Brown for one).As for the rushing TDs, they've been somewhat hard to predict since Brady got there (15, 9, 9, 15, 16, 20). One would think Maroney would see a bick chunk of the TDs they do get, it's just a matter of how many opportunities they'll see.

David - what rationale do you have for suggesting the Pats view Maroney as a 15-carry a game RB? It's pretty far from the consensus view, thus I find it interesting. Is it the addition of Sammy Morris? The potential threat of a Chris Brown signing? Seriously, there has to be more to your comment.....because guys like this don't worry me.....

Citing the highly reliable "inside sources," the Pats appear to be looking at adding another RB. I was told that they would be looking to add depth and insurance more so than direct competition to Maroney. Apparently some of this is related to Maroney's surgery and recovery. I have no names to offer as possibilities, but the Pats appear to be looking to add someone else. Do not take this that Maroney is not healthy, take this as they want to make sure they have someone in case Maroney has lingering issues. Clearly no one will know how he responds to getting whacked around however many times and they are just taking ample precautions just in case.

 

[mbuehner]

Positives:

Talent- undeniable. Splitting time last season he was putting up starter caliber numbers at the beginning of the season. He can play.

Opportunity- NE running backs do well because the offense is so dynamic. He has the chance to break off some big plays every game.

Timing- Nobody else on the roster at the moment is challenging for time outside the usual Patriots crazy playbook and making sure Kevin Faulk gets his touches, but that happens every season. Moss should open up some running room, or at least make sure every eye isnt on Maroney.

Downside-

Injury bug- Its worse when your guy is in New England with the injury report games they play. I cant count the number of times that has screwed me. Have a backup ready you feel comfortable pulling the trigger on if there is any doubt in your mind.

Randy Moss- Will eat up goalline touchdowns. Or will sulk about it, which cant help either.

 

[Warpig]

Why is Sammy Morris suddenly a threat? Has he become Superman since his days in Miami/Buffalo? The most carries he ever had was 132 in 2004 when he became the starter for a few games. The most receptions he ever had was 37 all the way back in 2000 with the Bills!

Sammy Morris is just a veteran presence that can give Maroney a blow every now and then and he seems to fit the Patriot mold.

If Dillon can get 345 carries with over 1600 yards and 10+ TD's I can certainly see Maroney getting that. Especially if he is no longer returning kicks.

Maroney is far more explosive and agile than Dillon was and is a better receiver out of the back field.

Like Moss says: "You NEVER take your playmakers off the field!"

 

[Warpig]

 

[Sabertooth]

Over/Under on this thread, if it remains the active thread on Maroney, is 240 posts.

 

[greggorymac]

New England has proven itself to be a sutdly situation for RBs in recent years. They are a run first team around the goalline. For that reason alone, a washed up RB in Corey Dillon (who can't even sign with a team anymore) has been a viable fantasy option for the past two years. The guy literally must have been running 5.2 40s out there, yet he still was pounding in 10 TDs. Just ridiculous.Maroney is primed to do big things this year and for many years the way things are looking. New England is a fantasy RB goldmine. Now that NE has WR talent... the ceiling has really just come off the house. This guy is one of the few I could see as the #1 RB come season end.

Your assessment of Dillon is way off. He might not have the speed he once had, but he still punishes people. This reminds me of Hearst and Barlow a couple years ago in SF. Once Hearst (the aging back) left town, people assumed that their previous year's combined TD total would transfer to Barlow (the up and coming back) by default. Keep drinking the Maroney kool-aid, he will be break down for a multiple-game stretch at least once this season

 

[Sabertooth]

New England has proven itself to be a sutdly situation for RBs in recent years. They are a run first team around the goalline. For that reason alone, a washed up RB in Corey Dillon (who can't even sign with a team anymore) has been a viable fantasy option for the past two years. The guy literally must have been running 5.2 40s out there, yet he still was pounding in 10 TDs. Just ridiculous.Maroney is primed to do big things this year and for many years the way things are looking. New England is a fantasy RB goldmine. Now that NE has WR talent... the ceiling has really just come off the house. This guy is one of the few I could see as the #1 RB come season end.

Your assessment of Dillon is way off. He might not have the speed he once had, but he still punishes people. This reminds me of Hearst and Barlow a couple years ago in SF. Once Hearst (the aging back) left town, people assumed that their previous year's combined TD total would transfer to Barlow (the up and coming back) by default. Keep drinking the Maroney kool-aid, he will be break down for a multiple-game stretch at least once this season

predicting injuries is the ff equivalent of sour grapes

 

[Bull Dozier]

Positives: Talent- undeniable. Splitting time last season he was putting up starter caliber numbers at the beginning of the season. He can play.Opportunity- NE running backs do well because the offense is so dynamic. He has the chance to break off some big plays every game.Timing- Nobody else on the roster at the moment is challenging for time outside the usual Patriots crazy playbook and making sure Kevin Faulk gets his touches, but that happens every season. Moss should open up some running room, or at least make sure every eye isnt on Maroney.Downside-Injury bug- Its worse when your guy is in New England with the injury report games they play. I cant count the number of times that has screwed me. Have a backup ready you feel comfortable pulling the trigger on if there is any doubt in your mind.Randy Moss- Will eat up goalline touchdowns. Or will sulk about it, which cant help either.

I agree with just about everything here except for your last line. I wouldn't personally predict Moss to sulk about not getting goalline looks. Moss will want his targets, and will want red zone looks, but as selfish and desireous to be in the gameplan Moss is, I don't believe he's ever complained about not getting a throw on a 3rd and goal from the 1. Number one, Moss wants to win. He wants, I would imagine, to resurrect his career so he can get one more payday. Complaining about something as silly as that can't help him, and as nutty as he is, I think he even knows that.