frankiesfly

Is Stallworth capable?

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"I also apologize to Patriots fans and would like to thank them for their support during the past few days and throughout my career." BB after NFL ruling on video scandal

everlong

I watched Maroney on play action fakes a few times on Sunday and he blew up the Bills blitzers which is a really encouraging sign that he will be involved in the pass game in weeks to come because if the defense rushes a base 4 he'll slide out into the pattern.

I didn't feel he read the blitz pickups well last year so I think this is a big step.

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"When Peyton Manning was a kid he used to go to bed at night and dream about throwing the winning touchdown for the Saints in the Superbowl. And on Sunday he did."

There's only two conclusions for Patriots fans on rookies. They are either a bust or being fitted for their bust in Canton.


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patsox23

Pass receiving may be "new" to LoMar but the guy showed a surprising talent for it FROM THE BEGINNING last year and did a great job catching the ball last season - he was a real weapon in that role. I don't think he's a one-dimensional runner at all - he catches well, has high-end speed, can run up the gut and take punishment, gets yards after breaking tackles, and his pass-protect isn't nearly as deficient as some here would have it.

I'd say, in fact, that he is as well-rounded a RB we've had since Curtis Martin was here.

Patsfanin Philly

True but few rookies do well at blitz pickups initially......most not having had to do it in college, or at least not as often...

everlong

I agree. I wasn't being critical of him not being able to do it last year, it was praise for picking it up this year. Some backs never get it, Cobbs comes to mind, and some take longer than 2 years.

__________________
"When Peyton Manning was a kid he used to go to bed at night and dream about throwing the winning touchdown for the Saints in the Superbowl. And on Sunday he did."

There's only two conclusions for Patriots fans on rookies. They are either a bust or being fitted for their bust in Canton.


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Oswlek

When you win games as handily as NE has, you have the ability to leave a few bullets in the revolver.

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"They have one objective," said Washington cornerback Shawn Springs. "They whoop people's [backsides]. If you understand that, it answers all your questions. They might not lose [this year]."

cstjohn17

He could be the most rounded since Curtis Martin, Edwards was looking pretty good until that damn beach volleyball game. I like Maroney and hope he does well, coming of his injury the Pats are doing a nice job working him in. I was encouraged to see a couple blocks in the Bills game because against SD he looked lost.

But pass receiving is new to him... I can't call him great when he only caught 22 passes last year and 21 in three years of college. 43 catches in 4 years, about 10 per year is not a lot.

I think he will show steady progress and end up with about 25-30 catches this year, next year the number will increase as he plays more on 3rd downs.

patsox23

It's disingenuous to use his college stats against him - that offense didn't throw the ball to its backs much (or much at all, IIRC). Also, by all accounts LoMar surprised the staff with his receiving skills from Day One, like a duck to water. Finally, considering he split time (and, frankly, even if he hadn't), 22 catches for a potential-stud RB is really solid.

Also, if you have KEVIN FAULK on your team, why would you not take advantage? And why wouldn't you understand that, as a result of having an elite pass-catching RB as your 3rd down back, Maroney's receiving #s would be less, through no fault or limitation of his own?

Oswlek

Excellent point.

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"They have one objective," said Washington cornerback Shawn Springs. "They whoop people's [backsides]. If you understand that, it answers all your questions. They might not lose [this year]."

cstjohn17

Why is it disingenuous? His stats are his stats aren't they? The run first offense in Minn. has put him behind other RBs. Again (I LIKE THE KID), it sucks that every time someone doesn't ballwash or adore a Pats player they need to put a disclaimer in their post.

Faulk - I think I said the exact same thing at least twice in this thread. Maroney is the 3rd best receiving RB on the team and it is quite a drop-off from Faulk. Until #39 plays more on 3rd downs he won't catch a lot of passes.(which won't happen until he improves pass protection or Faulk is not in the lineup)

IMO he is an average receiver by NFL running back standards, but he is improving and could prove to be solid option in the passing game.