Globe 10.0: Have the Patriots given up on Maroney?

I think the problem the Patriots have with Maroney is that he loses yardage so often. The other thing is that he isn't an every down back. If he could be a threat in the passing game and a good blocker, I think he might get the chance to carry the ball enough to be more effective. Hopefully he turns it around, but he looks like a bust right now.

i would not be surprised if they trade maroney for 2nd/3rd round pick in the draft and pick a young RB. Actually regardless of maroney in/out they should draft a young RB if possible since morris/taylor/faulk combo can hold the fort for a year or two

I think Maroney's biggest success came as a rookie when he had somewhat of a role-model in playing the position at a high level in Corey Dillon. From what I hear of Fred Taylor's work ethic and attitude, he would be an even better model and mentor for Maroney. Someone with skill, toughness, discipline and a strong work-ethic. I see this move as a positive for Maroney as much as it is a positive for the team. However, I wonder what it means for Sammy Morris... With no traditional FB on the roster what happens? Morris has played some FB before, Baker is an athletic blocker, Thomas or Watson may fill in a bit. Since the Pats don't rely on the traditional FB that much, perhaps they stick with Hochstein in the goaline/jumbo packages and use a lot of multi TE packages for running downs.

Understanding drafting a running is a solid idea, who would the Patriots draft and at which pick?

Of course he's a bust. Three years on and he hasn't been able to function as a feature back for the entire season. You expect more productivity from a 1st round pick. Not to say it's all his fault - injuries are mostly beyond a player's control. And I think that if he can stay healthy he'll be a solid number 1 RB.

what every happend to that little guy ben-green-jarvis -ellis - whatever?? he was a pretty good change of pace back - they stopped using him mid season and never saw again??

Maroney's problem was Josh McDaniels who never took advantage of the things that Maroney can do well, outside the tackles, slot receiver, etc, and kept attempting to run him inside, betweeen the tackles. And, of course, McDaniels rarely, if ever, used any deception with Maroney, draw, screens, etc.

IMO, Maroney can be a solid back, better than average, if not wasted, as IMO, McDaniels did with him.

because morris was back. Same wouldve happened to cassel if brady came back mid season...

Would you give up a 2nd or 3rd round pick for Maroney given his history? 5th round pick is more likely.

Nice Point Brett,

Where does Sammy Morris fit in now ? I like him as many Pats fans do. Runs, hard, hits the holes and is very effective.

Where does that put him now ?

Very talented backfield in New England these days, as it was further evidenced by last year's running game

A running back is expected to contribute from day one. He has not. Faulk took a few years to find his role, but Maroney is not showing any growth. Both physically (blocking and catching) and mentally. He just doesn't seem to be pro caliber.

A running back is expected to contribute from day one. He has not. Faulk took a few years to find his role, but Maroney is not showing any growth. Both physically (blocking and catching) and mentally. He just doesn't seem to be pro caliber.

not every 1st rd pick will be a winner.some are busts.if maroney dosent produce,or stay healthy this season,then the pats should write him off.

Mike Allen -- I totally agree. He's not an up the middle guy. Let's land a solid right tackle this off season and start pounding the rock outside. If Maroney still cannot do that I'd call him a bust...

Reiss and Maz are a great como! Globe we need to see more of these two together!

I think Maroney will be solid this year. He knows it's his last chance. More competition, Brady taking snaps again and a better tight end in the mix.

I don't think the Pats have given up on Lawrence Maroney. Mike Reiss makes a good point in factoring injuries into Maroney's performance. I think he still has the chance to be a pretty good back. I also don't believe the Pats got Fred Taylor to be a feature back. In fact, I don't think they will have a feature back. Living in Jacksonville, I have watched Taylor for years and he is at least as injury prone as Maroney. I know, he's piled up a lot of yards, but he's been around a long time. He can make some big runs, but he's lost a step or two, and he isn't half the blocker Kevin Faulk is. He's a role player at best. The Pats can throw a lot of different looks into the running game. I think it will work well with Brady back and the deep threat to Moss alive and well again.

I think Maroney is indeed abust considering when he was picked in the draft... I think injuries are outside of a player's contorl most often, but even when healthy Maroney has only shown glimpses of a top back talent set. I like Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk much more, as Sammy hits the hole and runs hard. I feel Maroney dances too much fro a back his size. He needs to lower his head and hit the hole mroe often. Id love a trade for a different young runningback but also think maroney could operate in a 4 back role with Morris, Faulk, Taylor, and himself. In fact, I like that foursome very much. He has shown he is not a number one back at this pouint...

Derryl very well said. We expect number 1 picks to break out. The fact is backs are hit or miss. He still could break out. I love drafting late round backs and there is a lot of underclassman out there

Great point about the 2006 draft, and it really hits home about just how important the draft is to teams, long term. Great piece - I think think is Maroney's last chance to make an impact. I hope he can do it, because I think he has the physical attributes (when not injured) to be a threat.

Don't forget he had a good year in 2007 (835 yards, 4.5 avg, 6 TDs) and he ran hard. Scored one of our two TDs in the SB. If healthy he will bounce back and have a good year. Our backfield is one of the best in NFL right now.

Anyone heard Bill Simmons in his podcast? He mentioned Lance Morre - a slot-receiver for the Saints. Don't know his contract-status but he looks like a great #3 receiver behind Moss and Welker...

Maroney gets injured. When he's healthy he's a tremendous change of pace to a heavyfoot slammer like Corey Dillon, Sammy Morris or LaMont Jordan. He runs wide and then he makes one cut downfield. When he's on the sidelines for the whole game the opponent's defense feels a bit more comfortable. Leave him in but use him 1/3 of the time at best.

I haven't given up on Maroney yet. He has a lot of upside. As I've said before, I think he lacks patience and run vision which is why he dances at the hole or looks to bounce it outside so often. He needs to concentrate on waiting for the hole to open (BJGE is good at that) getting what is there on the play, and not trying to take it to the house every time. He is a pretty fast and powerful runner when he is healthy (which has been too seldom I admit). Having said that, if he doesn't make some real strides this year, it will be his last in NE.

Moroney is a bust. Absolutely. He can't see the hole, by the time he finds it, he's been dancing around in the backfield for so long that it results in a loss. You either have it or you don't. There's not doubt he's fast and strong but you need more than that.

Cut him. I've been saying it for a while.

Pats have adopted a multiple RB "stable" philosophy that isn't dependent on any one "feature" back. And while Maroney's a disappointment for #1 pick, its time to reset expectations. Pats are clearly stockpiling the RB position again for 2009.

While clearing Tivo space recently I watched the 2007/8 play-off games vs. Jacksonville and San Diego. I saw a very productive, healthy Maroney who finished plays by running over defensive players to gain extra yards against two pretty good defenses. That's the Maroney we all want to see again.

Curious what they'll do if Evans moves on as he's the only pure FB in the stable.

Pats have adopted a multiple RB "stable" philosophy that isn't dependent on any one "feature" back. And while Maroney's a disappointment for #1 pick, its time to reset expectations. Pats are clearly stockpiling the RB position again for 2009.

While clearing Tivo space recently I watched the 2007/8 play-off games vs. Jacksonville and San Diego. I saw a very productive, healthy Maroney who finished plays by running over defensive players to gain extra yards against two pretty good defenses. That's the Maroney we all want to see again.

Curious what they'll do if Evans moves on as he's the only pure FB in the stable.

From day one they had concerns that he was a straight up runner and in the NFL
this could lead to injuries if he hit the middle of the line. History has proved them correct. Shoulder and hip problems. Can we afford just an outside threat when he has trouble being a receiver.

Part ways now before you have to deal with a larger salary. I am sure the Doctors
can evaluate his shoulers and other injuries.
Maybe time to part ways. Keep in mind in college he shared running with Dallas
featured running back who also is tough but also has had some injuries but not
like our guy.
I am sure BB is had enough and will evaluate at camp.

We need to draft Chris "Beanie" Wells out of Ohio State...I see him as the next Adrian Peterson...they surely are built the same way and have the same power back, breakaway speed style.

The Patriots need to improve the right side of their O-line. The Neal/Yates/Hochstein/Kazcur/Britt pu-pu platter struggles to consistently open holes, which diminishes Maroney's production. I expect Bill to grab a right tackle in the 3rd round, and if Maroney stays healthy all year (for the first time in his career) he will put up solid numbers. He's still dangerous when he get into the open field.

Mike Allen, you bring up a fair point. Maroney was used in almost the exact same way as other RB's on the team and he has a very different style. My only opposition to your statement would be that he still couldn't hit the hole.

Moroney's an embarrasment. He absolutely sucked in the Super Bowl. It was always second and long after his carries. And he was dressed like an idiot at the press conferences and in the lobby. 3 years is an eternity to watch a guy and still be on the fence about him. He's a moron in person. I bet Brady wants some more intelligence in the huddle. Moroney's an embarrasment. Not Patriots' material.

Maroney was a good pick, but he's dealing with what appears to be a chronic shoulder injury. You can't blame Belichick for that. When healthy, Laurence has shown good size/speed and been productive. It's obvious that he's a health risk. Getting Fred Taylor is a smart (and lucky) move for the team.

I would have preferred that the tone of the piece have been more focused on what Taylor brings to the Patriots, but Boston writers do have that hardcore negativity about them. It's like the Globe sends them to a negative Dale Carnegie program and advises them that readers like to read about the bad in situations.... :) We don't need a Callahan over here...

Maroney is on the bubble. But, even when in college remember--he shared the ball w/Marion Barber. He is not an every down back. I agree w/the sentiment that he has not always been used to his strength. Here is what I envision 1st and 2nd quarters you pound w/Taylor and Morris, 3rd and 4th when defense is tiring you change it up and feature Maroney--at that point, his speed will kill defenses. In the red zone you stick w/Morris and Faulk--and Faulk primarily on passing 3rd downs. I think w/this group you have a bunch of professionals and they could legitimately go for 2000 yds between those three (Taylor/Maroney/Morris)--and the passing game --they literally could have a better offense than in 2007/08.

While Maroney's a disappointment for a #1 pick, its time to reset expectations. Pats have adopted a multiple RB "stable" philosophy that isn't dependent on any one "feature" back. They are clearly stockpiling the RB position again for 2009.

While clearing Tivo space recently I skimmed the 2007/8 play-off games vs. Jacksonville and San Diego. There was a very productive Maroney who finished plays by running over defensive players to gain extra yards against two pretty good defenses. That's the Maroney we all want to see again, but BB & co. aren't counting on it and don't need to.

I highly doubt that 2009 play-calling for Maroney will change simply because of Josh McD's departure.
My biggest position question is who replaces H. Evans should he sign with elsewhere?

I'm not sure Maroney is a bust. He does have 3 postseason TDs, not many players can say that. He just hasn't been the player we thought we drafted, yet. I remember people telling me how good of a draft pick he was and that the guy could really carry the load for the team. In his Senior year, Maroney had 7 games where he carried the ball more than 20 times, including a game vs Purdue where he had 46 rushes! In 3 years with the Pats, he has carried the ball more than 20 times just three times, and 2 of those 3 were in the 2007 AFC Playoffs. Bringing in Fred Taylor, means two things, either Maroney is expendable or Taylor can be a Mentor like Brett said. Few know how to recover from injuries better than the guy we used to call Fragile Fred.

Maroney was a bust before Fred Taylor got here. Toast.

I think our backfield is DEEP, but I don't think our backfield is TALENTED. I'd probably say that SKILLED is the better word here. Fred Taylor is a veteran who knows the ropes. Same for Sammy Morris. And Kevin Faulk is incredibly skilled with his pass-blocking and pass-catching. I think you take a running-back if there's good value on the board when the Patriots pick in the second or third round.

As for Maroney, I'd say anything you can get out of him is a bonus. I'd only cut him if it helped for salary cap reasons and only after training camp and preseason when you've gotten a chance to see if he's turning the corner or not.

The Patriots have to be considering drafting OLB, ILB, CB, or S with their first round pick, though, especially in this draft with such a wealth of LB talent.

TRADE FOR CHAD OCHO CINCO! He only had 540yds and 3td's last season and was a locker room enigma much akin to Corey Dillon and Randy Moss. I think even the Bengals must realize by now that they'll never field a competitive team during Ocho Cinco's career - therefore, they have to wonder whether he'll ever truly be committed to playing hard for what seems like a hopeless cause (Palmer might miss next season, too, and hasn't been the same since Kimo Von Ol Hoeffen took out his knee). Having said that, he might have to change his name back before being traded to the Patriots...

Maroney is butter soft.......no toughness. I got pop warner players who run harder than him

I think you have to consider him a bust. There are different factors that play into being a bust and injuries are one of them. When you consider that Maroney was the second back (reggie bush take first, also a bust) taken in the 2006 draft and has only played in 20 games and rushed for 1,983 total yds and 13 total touchdowns in 3 seasons, there is no other way to categorize him. If you compare him with Deangelo Williams who was picked 6 slots after him, the numbers don't look good. While splitting carries with Jonathan Stewart, Williams still rushed for 1,515 yds and had 20 total touchdowns in 2008 alone (3,342 total yds 27 touchdowns over career). A few other running backs:

Reggie Bush- 3,149 total yds 20 touchdowns
Joseph Addai- 3,592 total Yds 30 total touchdowns
Maurice Jones Drew- 3,941 total Yds 38 total touchdowns
Lendale White- 2,317 total Yds 22 rushing touchdowns
Leon Washington- 5,473 all-purpose yds (including return) and 19 total touchdowns

When compared to the rest of the running backs in that draft class he's the only one to have not passed 2,00 total yds and has the least amount of touchdowns. That list has Leon Washington on it... and Lendale White.... MARONEY=BUST

think Maroney is an excellent kick returner and in his rookie year had good sucess as a reciever as well so I think he can still be valuable in those areas at Min. They have to take the heat off of Hobbs on returns, the kid is going to kill himself.

Stick a fork in Phony Maroney because he is all done as the starting Pat's RB. Maybe they can groom him as a 3rd down back. Or maybe they can trade him for a headless bird and a sack of marbles. Regardless, this guys days are numbered in NE!

The Maroney experiment has run its course if you ask this Pats fan. Not only has he been injured(which I'm ok with b/c injuries happen), but more than once Maroney has quit on his team or at the very least not given his full effort. I think it's time to look elsewhere. If we can trade him for a 3rd or 4th round pick, we could still go out there and draft a decent RB. How bout the kid Johnson from Boise State? He's been a winner in college, good character guy, great team player, would fit perfect in our system. He can play some RB and FB. All I'm sayin is that we should just take a knee on Maroney and call it a day.

Nick C - you cannot be serious about "Ocho Cinco!" NO way would we trade for him or sign him. he's an idiot. he'll want millions upon millions, and we already have the two best at their position - Randy, hall of famer Moss, and Wes Welker. I like the Lance Moore talk, not sure how legit that it, I saw the Saints signed Henderson back so ya gotta figure they'll sign Moore too.. If not, let's get him - he's fast, and young. Running backs aren't the problem, we have 4 decent time-splitters that will work well. We need a third reciever on offense more than anything.

I don't think it's fair to call him a bust. He ran very well in the AFC Championchip Game against the the Chargers in 2008. He has been hobbled by injuries and has been more willing to run between the tackles than say Reggie Bush. He is an excellent receiver and a threat in the passing game as well as a returner. Having Fred Taylor as a power back will help. However, I think the Pas still should have tried to hang on to to Lamont Jordan and let Sammy Morris (who seems to be injured every year) go. Then they would have an unstoppable running game. I still think Maroney due for a big year, especially when it comes to all important TD's.

yo, mr alexpats....come on....morris had the most productive year out of all runningbacks on the roster not named kevin faulk...lamont jordon was the back that was injured all season long, if you kindly remember...sorry, but i definitly agree with your assessment of maroney. hes overdue for a huge season, especially if hes used late in games

Maroney is terrible. Trade every pick the Pats have for Knowshon Moreno. Or if spousal abuse is tolerated by Bob Kraft, trade with KC for the inmate known as Larry Johnson.

I have not given up hope on Maroney yet, sure his injuries are a major disappointment but lets look at the facts:
His career average is 4.3 yards a carry, not bad for a guy who "dances" a lot. The Patriots as a team have only averaged 4 yards or better what 3 times in the last 20 years.
His career receiving average is 11.9 yards per reception which is as good or better than a possession receiver.
His kick off return average is 28 yards per return which would have ranked him 4th in the league last season
Sure, his health is disappointing but he needs another season really before he can be written off. I am still laughing at all the people who call him a bust then want a second or third round draft pick for him..really!

David Silva, I was DEAD SERIOUS about kicking the tires on Chad Ocho Cinco / Johnson. Why not? It's at least worth checking to see if he's available. He wants money to compensate for the fact that he has to play for a hopeless team. He wouldn't want as much money to play in a winning environment where he respected the quarterback (Tom Brady) and the coach (Bill Belichick). His value is also down because of recent incidents (conflict with Marvin Lewis) and decreased production (540yds, 3tds).

Sound familiar? His production and blowups almost mirror another Patriots receiver who seems to be doing alright for himself (Rnady Moss).

My point is: If you can get him for cheap enough, why not take the risk?

Randy Moss
Wes Welker
and a fully engaged Chad Johnson / Ocho Cinco

There's no defense for that receiver corps.

Having suggested proverbial enigma Chad Ocho Cinco / Johnson, I have a much better idea:

Host Torry Holt for a visit if he's released. He's much quieter and much more consistent.

Maroney doesn't have a lot of mileage on him for a young 4th year back. If he can stay healthy, and he's used the time to get stronger to run tougher, then he's a keeper.

If he goes down again this year, then they'll likely look to trade him for picks next year. I'd give him another year and see what happens.

If maroney stays healthy he could be one of the better backs in the league, the past two seasons he has gotten injured a bit but remember what he did in the playoffs a year ago against the jaguars and charrgers. if he uses more explosiveness which he has he could certainly be a top 10 running back.

I will agree that Maroney has not played to his standards, but the addition of Fred Taylor will really do him some good. Taylor can help carry the load for a few years and also serve as an excellent mentor for the still young Maroney. I think that by the time Fred Taylor calls it quits, Maroney will have learned so much from him and explode into the great running back that he has the potential to be. Just give him time people and watch the magic that is Fred Taylor shape Maroney into a top back.