Taylor helping Maroney

[jmt57]

Former 'Fragile Fred' Helps Maroney Shed Similar Label by Jeff Howe of NESN

“From his perspective, he’s been through a lot,” Maroney said of Taylor. “He’s been through his fair share of injuries. [He can relay] how he took it, how he made it out of it, how he kept everything positive, and [he] is still labeled as one of the greatest backs to ever play the game.”

Taylor hasn’t just helped Maroney in that area. The 33-year-old is working with Maroney on gap vision and attack techniques to perfect his vision and instincts, with the idea of improving his ability to break long runs.

While Taylor has used the pay-it-forward mentality -- a way of thanking running back James Stewart for mentoring him as a rookie in 1996 -- he has also taken a liking to Maroney, who has been receptive to Taylor’s advice, according to the elder back. Maybe -- just maybe -- Maroney’s career could face a similar upswing to that of Taylor’s.

 

[wahwho]

Not to be pessimistic about it or anything, but didn't we see a lot of these stories when Dillon was here? Didn't seem to do Maroney a lot of good...

 

[Deus Irae]

Not to be pessimistic about it or anything, but didn't we see a lot of these stories when Dillon was here? Didn't seem to do Maroney a lot of good...

Maroney was having a hell of a rookie season before he got banged up. People who bash Maroney tend to ignore the reality that he's produced when healthy.

 

[ScrewDrvr]

His mentoring seems to have worked amazinbg on Maurice Jones Drew.

 

[jmt57]

Former Jaguar Taylor a good fit for Patriots

An outside viewpoint - ironically, with a Corey Dillon comparison.

Former Jaguar Taylor a good fit for Patriots by Bob Glauber of Newsday

"I just wanted to have a job," he said. "We're in a recession."

How do you not love that attitude? In an era when athletes often experience a disconnect with reality, especially when it comes to money, Taylor gets it. Just another reason why he fits in perfectly in a veteran locker room. Belichick knows which players will be best suited to his team, and Taylor is the right guy at the right time - a solid, unselfish player who can share time with the younger, more explosive Maroney.

And just in case Taylor wants to prove a point to his old team, he'll get the chance to show the Jaguars in person on Dec. 27 in Foxborough.

 

[mgteich]

Taylor, Maroney and Morris should be fine troika for 2009 and 2010 when all their contracts end. I think it's great that Taylor is helping out the youngster.

Of course, Faulk plays a completely different position: 3rd down back, great at blitz control and as a receiver. Faulk contract is up after this year.

It would be great if Maroney really turned out to be worth extending and willing to extend.

 

[jmt57]

Old guys in new uniforms with big expectations

Another viewpoint from outside of New England: Old guys in new uniforms with big expectations by Mike Florio for the Sporting News

In past years, New England has added over-30 veterans to its defense. This year, there are two new geriatric (relatively speaking) weapons on offense.

Running back Fred Taylor and receiver Joey Galloway have landed in Foxborough, beefing up an already potent offense.

Galloway still has plenty of speed, and Taylor still has plenty of gas in the tank, even after 11 years in the league.

And so they're two of the big reasons why it makes sense to assume the 2009 edition of the Patriots offense will be scoring as many points as its record-setting counterpart from 2007.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

Maroney was having a hell of a rookie season before he got banged up. People who bash Maroney tend to ignore the reality that he's produced when healthy.

I agree. For the people that think Maroney hasn't done anything, take a look at the 2007 playoffs. In particular, the passing game struggled against the Chargers but Maroney closed out that game. In addition, he ran all over the Jaguars in the divisional round. Maroney can flat out play when he is healthy and gets enough touches.

 

[jmt57]

Patriots offer Taylor-made improvement

One more column from outside New England regarding NFL players on new teams - again focusing on Fred Taylor. Patriots offer Taylor-made improvement by Sam Farmer of the Austin American-Statesman

"Playing these guys a few times in the playoffs, you look over and say, 'We can beat that team. What do they do that we don't do? We can go and win this game,'" Taylor said.

"But then you get here and you see (Brady's) passion, you see the way he studies, you see how demanding he is of his players, the leadership. Right in front of you, it just jumps out and you see why he's a proven winner.

"This whole organization, they do the little things. They pay closer attention to detail and preparation. They know what it takes to win.''

 

[BelichickFan]

Maroney was having a hell of a rookie season before he got banged up. People who bash Maroney tend to ignore the reality that he's produced when healthy.

He finished 2007 great too. I love the guy, I just hope he stays healthy this year. We have him for this year and next, I expect a breakout before the two years are up.