Who is the starting RB for the playoffs?

[rsd]

After another Mauroney fumble on the goal line, I don't believe he played the rest of the day. I think it's unfortunate because he has been running well, his fumble issues aside.

He has 4 lost fumbles this year including today's. This is actually a bit lower than I thought, but still more than he had before. Fred Taylor is back and Morris is running pretty well.

So who do you start at RB moving forward?

 

[363839]

I like Sammy.

 

[bam15]

TBH I don't really think it matters, since the Pats have a stable of RBs that get playing time. Faulk, Morris, Maroney, and Taylor are a deadly combination.

 

[upstater1]

If not Maroney, it would be Morris.

Taylor hasn't played enough, but I like him best. if we see Taylor get a good week next week, they may consider him, but how well is he in sync with the playbook?

 

[rsd]

I guess a related question is, do you trust Mauroney in the playoffs? I like him overall, but I'm concerned about the fumbles and in the playoffs that is what will kill you against a good team.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Truthfully, I've been happiest with Taylor out of all 3. Maroney's been great lately but the fumbles are worrisome, plus I just think Taylor has been more consistent on his carries so long as he's been healthy. But I'd be happy with any of the 3 getting the bulk of the carries.

 

[363839]

I guess a related question is, do you trust Mauroney in the playoffs? I like him overall, but I'm concerned about the fumbles and in the playoffs that is what will kill you against a good team.

Yeah, I remember when Cory killed us in Denver in 06, I think.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Yeah, I remember when Cory killed us in Denver in 06, I think.

That was Faulk

 

[ALP]

until this game i excuses maroney for the fumbles...not anymore

i didnt see the game today, but it seemed fred was getting consistently getting 4-6 yds....

start fred if he contines this, otherwise maroney

 

[jagkho]

One mistake can end your season in the playoffs --- I'm more comfortable with Morris or Taylor than Maroney

 

[pwes]

I like Maroney and i'm not worried about the fumbles

 

[TheComeback]

I'd go with Morris. Maroney has fumbled too much in the red area and Taylor hasn't played enough this year. Still, it would be hard to take it away from Maroney after he carried the load for the team for so long and did a good job. I think they'll stay with him.

 

[ausbacker]

Laurence Maroney.

 

[Rob0729]

I actually think Maroney is running the best, but he won't play if he continues to turnover the ball.

 

[lostjumper]

It has to be morris. You can't have your team drive 80 yards for your running back to fumble at the goal line. It seems like Maroney does fine out in the open field, but struggles mightily in the red zone. Could you use Maroney for the majority of the field, and then use Morris in the red zone?

 

[jbb9s]

so did LM get benched or was the plan to phase him out to get Morris and Taylor back in the groove?

There is evidence for both sides. We have seen LM get benched for long periods of time, especially in the 2nd half of games but we also know Taylor needed to get as many reps as possible.

 

[Dragda]

I think today's benching of Maroney was punitive for the fumble. They'll give him another chance to be the starter.

 

[stcjones]

I think today's benching of Maroney was punitive for the fumble. They'll give him another chance to be the starter.

I think maroney's fumbling on the goal line on several occasions is very troubling. As many have said it's a shame because he has been running well. If healthy Taylor will be starting rb in playoffs....can't chance it with maroney

 

[Pats fan in Vikes land]

I think today's benching of Maroney was punitive for the fumble. They'll give him another chance to be the starter.

Agreed.

I think they may use next week to help Maroney atone/re-gain some confidence and to get Taylor some reps while resting many of the banged-up guys.

(and if it keeps the Steelers out? win/win.)

 

[doesntmatter1]

I really hope that Taylor is the starter come playoffs. Especially after the Atlanta game. Taylor is the most consistent rb besides faulk. You never know what your going to get out of maroney and that is what i hate about him. Today's fumble wasnt that bad because it didn't change the outcome of the game but his game against the colts was his worst game ever and i rather see taylor as the rb for the rematch in the playoffs.