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Thomas talks Taylor

Email|Link|Comments (6) Posted by Christopher L. Gasper, Globe Staff March 19, 2009 12:28 PM

Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas shares some friends and financial advisers with running back Fred Taylor. Now, he shares a team with him.

During an interview earlier this week, Thomas was asked for his impression of Taylor.

"Fast," said Thomas. "It seems like he's been around a whole lot. I don't think that he's gotten the respect that he's deserved, until he went to the Pro Bowl the year before last. I think he still has a lot left. I think it will be interesting to see how he does here because you don't have to carry the load by yourself, barring any injuries."

Thomas said that he doesn't envy defenses that have to deal with the Patriots' deep backfield, which now includes Taylor, Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

"I'd hate to be on the other side," said Thomas. "You got Kevin, you got Sammy, you got Laurence, you got BenJarvus Green-Ellis and you got Fred. If all the guys are up, by the fourth quarter nobody is really tired. You're kind of fresh. It might not play off the first game, but when you get to Week 10, 11 or 12 and people are starting to wear down I think that, barring injury, that can definitely be a great asset with the different ways you can use them."

Morris, who was the team's leading rusher last season with 727 yards, said that he agrees that the addition of Taylor should allow the Patriots to be able to have some fresh legs late in games.

"I think that is one of the benefits to doing it by committee," said Morris. "Each guy has their role or will have their role. I think each guy brings a little something different to the table. Like [Adalius] said, it will hopefully evoke some kind of fear to opposing teams."

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6 comments so far...

Dude, its gonna be scary if Brady's back to his old self! The back field alone is gonna a major plus. Just dont have MORRIS in the game on passing downs.

Posted by patsFAN401 March 19, 09 02:26 PM

Could Sammy have done a better job protecting Brady? He'd be the first to say "yes", but Morris made the right read on Pollard's safety blitz and put him the ground. Pollard had to crawl before driving his helmet into Brady's plant leg at the exact moment of greatest vulnerability.

My point is Morris didn't do such a bad job: I blame mostly bad luck and the savagery of football.

Fred Taylor actually upgrades the RB stable that did a such great job last year. Curious to see who's the dedicated FB and if Maroney can perform consistently in the system. AD doesn't exaggerate: with Brady back, weapons everywhere.

Posted by mikeinNH March 19, 09 04:30 PM

I would imagine Green-Ellis would be used as the fullback in most situations that require one as he fits the FB body type better than any other Patriots HB and he's also probably going to get the least carries.

Posted by Dave (Montreal) March 19, 09 06:38 PM

Fred Taylor is a great pickup. Experienced vet, solid running back. I see him splitting time with Morris. Maroney might be out. Carl Parisien Natick MA

Posted by Carl Parisien Natick MA March 19, 09 06:56 PM

How about Maroney and the 34th pick for Peppers?

Posted by Bobc March 19, 09 10:06 PM

Carolina doesnt need Maroney. I would think Deangelo Williams and Stewart are plenty good and they're looking to fill other positions.

Posted by Dave (Montreal) March 20, 09 02:06 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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