Maroney - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

Uncle Rico · 08-20-2010, 08:32 AM

I agree that it makes sense and it's unusual approach. I'm just curious how this translates into regular season.

I'm reasonably sure that Maroney, Morris and Taylor all make this team (and Faulk of course, but he's not really part of this discussion). How do they handle their snaps when real games start? Does Maroney get a half then Taylor, then Morris and Maroney the next game?

Seems unlikely, but at the same time BB is feeling out the value of letting RBs stay in for longer stretches. If that approach has value now, does it have value come regular season?

cloud34 · 08-20-2010, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Rico

I agree that it makes sense and it's unusual approach. I'm just curious how this translates into regular season.

I'm reasonably sure that Maroney, Morris and Taylor all make this team (and Faulk of course, but he's not really part of this discussion). How do they handle their snaps when real games start? Does Maroney get a half then Taylor, then Morris and Maroney the next game?

Seems unlikely, but at the same time BB is feeling out the value of letting RBs stay in for longer stretches. If that approach has value now, does it have value come regular season?

This is more about running with the 1st team at this point during the pre-season. Once the regular season starts and the 1st team is playing the entire game, I think you see Taylor and Maroney splitting carries, with Morris in short yardage and Faulk on 3rd down.

***DaBruinz*** · 08-20-2010, 08:57 AM

The Pats, as a whole, were below average on short yardage situations where they didn't have Brady do a QB Sneak. Taylor, Morris and Maroney all had issues last year. Hopefully, that will change this year.

cloud34 · 08-20-2010, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBruinz

The Pats, as a whole, were below average on short yardage situations where they didn't have Brady do a QB Sneak. Taylor, Morris and Maroney all had issues last year. Hopefully, that will change this year.

I think the short yardage problems last year are on the OL, who had pass blocking as a mindset as a unit, much more than a a grind it out, get down and dirty OL. It seems they (the coaching staff)are making a concerted effort to change that mindset this year.

patsox23 · 08-20-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloud34

Many people are questioning why he didn't play last night, that he might be in trouble for a roster spot, or he is slipping down the depth chart. I thought it was made very clear last week that the RB's were each going to get their turn with the #1 offense each week during pre-season. Rather than getting 5 or 6 carries each week apiece, they are getting 10-15 each, a chance to get into a rhythm, with the 1st team offense. Last week, it was Benny while the 1's played about a quarter. Last night, it was Taylor playing with the 1's for almost a half. Next week, it will be Maroney with the 1's for the entire 1st half and a series or two in the third quarter. That was the plan. Sounds pretty simple to me....Morris and Faulk aren't doing this because they are simply playing their roles as short yardage and 3rd down back respectively.

You are completely right, and anyone reading into the carries last night and having a hissy fit needs to actually pay attention, even slightly, to the Patriots, Belichick and things that get said during the week. In other words, be ACTUAL fans.

Patspsycho · 08-20-2010, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garbanza

The rb's will be Maroney, Taylor, Morris, Faulk and BJGE. They will carry five. Depth is key since you are pretty much guranteed an injury stint by Taylor and Morris.

That is the sensible approach I am going with.

WhiZa · 08-20-2010, 09:57 AM

Saints: BJGE with the 1s, Maroney with the 2s.

Falcons: Taylor with the 1s, Morris with the 2s.

Rams: Maroney with the 1s, BJGE with the 2s?

Giants: Morris with the 1s, Clayton with the 2s?

5 Rings for Brady!! · 08-20-2010, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shmessy

BTW. Sammy Morris - - I love that guy. He PUNISHES defenders.

Ha, it was painful watching that safety take a helmet to the chest twice in a row.

5 Rings for Brady!! · 08-20-2010, 10:21 AM

The last couple years, BB sometimes had his running backs each playing a quarter during a game. Maybe he wants each back to play three quarters during a game this year and then take a couple games 'off', i.e. with reduced work load.

That would in theory keep everybody fresh and still allow each back the chance to pick up a head of steam during a game, instead of being rotated out every 15 minutes.

And of course you can match the running back versus the opponent's particular weaknesses.

I think Maroney is still an equal role player to the other backs, if not outright number one, but perhaps the whole concept of having a number one back is moot this year.

Dagg · 08-20-2010, 01:33 PM

From RB perspective its hard to get into the game with only 10 or 12 carries. I played in college as a time share rb and carrying the entire load and it always took 5 to 7 carries to get a feel for a def and get in rythm with OL.

On the flip side I was very motivated during the time share year to distinguish myself but ulitmaetly my stats (ypc) were always better (and it makes sense)when I had 20 plus. Its hard to explain but you just get in a zone physically and mentally after a certain amount of carries its more of a felling than anything else really hard to describe.

That said I like our RBs alot IMO I would start Taylor (but i dont think bb will deviate from committee) I like the way he hits the holes and hes a good pass blocker. That said we are in good shape if injuries occur. I love me some Sammy as well.