DeAngelo Williams message for Maroney

[BPF]

Message for Maroney - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

TAMPA -- Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (pictured below), who is here at Super Bowl XLIII, can relate to Patriots running back Laurence Maroney's situation.

Maroney, a 2006 first-round draft choice, has not fulfilled expectations.
Williams, a 2006 first-round draft choice, fell into the same category in his first two seasons before breaking out in 2008 with 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns.

He thinks Maroney, who has battled injuries, can follow a similar path.

"He just has to keep his head up. It's his time to prove all the commentators and talking heads wrong, and I know he can," Williams said. "I'm a huge fan of Maroney. He's one of my guys."

Williams had one other message for Maroney: "Answer your phone, man. I've been trying to get in touch with you."

I was a big fan of DeAngelo Williams in college and same can be said for Maroney. I was excited when we drafted him and still think he can be a difference maker on the NFL level. Hopefully he can follow a similar career path as Williams and come through with a breakout season in '09. Thoughts?? Has everyone besides me given up on him??

 

[Kontradiction]

DeAngelo Williams is a bust and is made of glass.

 

[jays52]

It's no secret that Maroney has the physical tools. His vision, patience ect...all are sub-par. That, and I think he has a terrible case of Andy Katzenmoyer syndrome.

 

[Scouse Patriot]

Consistancy is the trouble with Maroney. He has talent it's just a case of staying healthy and hitting holes and space with more confidence and drive. Ofcourse that easy for me to say but thats what you have to expect from a good back.

This season was obviously a write off so we'll see what he comes back like next season. As he matures and progresses I'm sure we'll see positive changes in his game.

 

[stcjones]

Consistancy is the trouble with Maroney. He has talent it's just a case of staying healthy and hitting holes and space with more confidence and drive. Ofcourse that easy for me to say but thats what you have to expect from a good back.

This season was obviously a write off so we'll see what he comes back like next season. As he matures and progresses I'm sure we'll see positive changes in his game.

This guy has had an injury EVERY year since he has been here.....don't expect that to change as he gets "older". Also, as you state, his lack of consistency and being able to hit the holes with that quick timing.....just isn't there......I think that this will be his do or die year.......I really liked this kid in Minnesota.....but just don't feel that he will ever get it done consistently....and stay injury free here.....I see us bringing in a FA or going after another RB in the draft........someone on here said that there are strong rumors that Jordan is gone......Morris has had some injury problems like Maroney.....and Faulk is not an every down option. The law firm showed promise against some weaker D's......will see what he can do against a tough schedule next year if he gets the rock.....

 

[BionicPatriot]

His play isn't the problem, it's his health. He was fine in 06 before his injury, he was better last year as he healed up. You don't hit the hole one second and the enxt second forget how to do it. It's all in his health. When healthy, he's a beast. But he has never been healthy, he has always missed at least 1/4th of the season every season. 3 years, 3 troubling injuries. The jury is pretty much out at this point, I think this season is one where he makes or break his future not just with us, but anyone period.

Even still if he does have a good season, the question will remain, can he stay healthy?

 

[ausbacker]

I've not given up on LoMo by any stretch of imagination. He's shown what he is capable of in glimpses, which is the cause of much frustration.

Spice in a little consistency with his tools after a prolonged layoff due to injury and I am hoping LoMo bursts out in 2009/2010.

 

[memento]

at a total cap figure of $1.6 million for the next two years, we might as well see what he's got this season. it will be interesting.

 

[jczxohn1]

DeAngelo Williams is a bust and is made of glass.

It was my opinion that Williams was used up in college; he had more carries than any other RB every year he started. Guess he's got a few more.

 

[LuthierJr]

I've not given up on LoMo yet. It is frustrating to see, sometimes, him dancing around in the backfield. I mean he hits the hole slower than Rafael Palmeiro waiting for his viagra to kick in. That said he knows a heck of a lot more about the position than we do so I'm sure he has his reasons.

 

[LeonPowe]

His dancing is indeed very frustrating. Morris and Jordan hit the hole hard. He doesn't. But I would like them to use him as a receiver out of the backfield more. The few times they do, he's been great.

 

[mcsully]

IMHO LoMo will never smell the stats Williams put up this year. My reason is Carolina is a run 1st team where the Pats are not. Their coach's philosphy is strong defense with a power running game..

Second, Williams problems were injuries.. LoMo has injury concerns PLUS a lack of vision where to hit the hole.

 

[Sicilian]

I think this season is one where he makes or break his future not just with us, but anyone period.

Unless he has a disastrous season, I think someone will take a chance on a back who's still somewhat young and has potential when splitting time. This will definitely decide his future with us, but I don't think he's been so bad the last few years that NO ONE will want him. They just wouldn't bring him in as a feature back I'm sure.

 

[BPF]

IMHO LoMo will never smell the stats Williams put up this year. My reason is Carolina is a run 1st team where the Pats are not. Their coach's philosphy is strong defense with a power running game..

Second, Williams problems were injuries.. LoMo has injury concerns PLUS a lack of vision where to hit the hole.

If LoMo can get his act together the Pats will run the ball enough to get those same type of numbers eventhough we are not a run 1st team.
Defining the Patriots' offense - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

"The unique part about that is I know a lot of people associate what we did in New England with the passing game, but we were sixth in the league in rushing this year," McDaniels told the Post.

 

[mayoclinic]

I loved DeAngelo Williams coming out of college in 2006 and badly wanted him ahead of Maroney at #21. Thought he was a tougher more aggresive runner who would do well in the Pats' scheme. Then it looked like it was a bust his first 2 years and I figured I had been mistaken. It was nice to see him do well this year. Carolina looks to be well set up at RB between Williams and Stewart.

I haven't given up on LoMo, but I'm not 100% sure he has the desire, motivation and toughness to be more aggressive and stop dancing in the backfield. Obviously injuries have been a factor, so I'm hopeful that I'm wrong again and he will be a different player this year, but that's where I was this time last year as well. He clearly has the physical ability. If he had Marion Barber's toughness he would be a potential all pro.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

We've all seen what Maroney is capable down the stretch of last season. He may not hit the hole every time but if you remember in the AFCC last year, alot of his big runs were going where the plays weren't designed. Gotta take the good with the bad, fact remains on any play he can take it to the distance and if healthy he's going to prosper in this offense.

 

[mcsully]

If LoMo can get his act together the Pats will run the ball enough to get those same type of numbers eventhough we are not a run 1st team.
Defining the Patriots' offense - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

When brady comes back, we'll be a pass 1st.. And a lot of those runs were from delay handoffs from shotgun formation.. Teams were playing the pass..

 

[mcsully]

LoMo would be better suited with a team that using a FB.. Someone he can follow.

 

[skri65]

I mean he hits the hole slower than Rafael Palmeiro waiting for his viagra to kick in.

Propppssssss

 

[Disco Volante]

Encouraging words from a great back.

I hope to one day have the same awesome feeling about Maroney that I had first seeing him in 2006 as Dillon's compliment.

I remember being so excited about his future after his 27 yard run against the Bills in his first game in the league.