Will Maroney be with the Patriots in 2010?

[emoney_33]

Maroney-bashing is going to last a little longer before he's off the team.

Getting benched in a playoff game is about as final as it can ever get.

When was he "benched" in a playoff game? I mean aside from a game that got to 24-0, thus removing the value of playing Maroney?

 

[emoney_33]

I agree and hope he is the feature back next year. I think he would benefit from getting the majority of the carries and not have to worry about someone else coming in and taking some of his carries.

I doubt you will ever see a "feature" back on the Brady-led Patriots.

 

[Sicilian]

I doubt you will ever see a "feature" back on the Brady-led Patriots.

Corey Dillon in 2004 was just that. But your point stands, it's a rare occurrence, and perhaps the fact that Dillon was pretty much done after the next year has made them shy away from putting too much load on a RB.

 

[emoney_33]

Corey Dillon in 2004 was just that. But your point stands, it's a rare occurrence, and perhaps the fact that Dillon was pretty much done after the next year has made them shy away from putting too much load on a RB.

Right, I should have said "ever again". I do think Dillon's '05 breakdown influenced their philosophy of what they wanted out of their RBs. Plus the greatness of Brady puts less need on a highly paid feature back.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Define feature back? A RB that will see 300+ carries? I would agree most likely not.

I don't think it's out of the relm of possibility that you could see BB acquire a RB and he'll get b/t/w 200-225 carries in this offense.

I think the key quality that I'd be interested in seeing is faith in a RB to pick up a 3rd and 2 on their own. That type of talent I don't think BB would chase and commit big dollars to.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Corey Dillon in 2004 was just that. But your point stands, it's a rare occurrence, and perhaps the fact that Dillon was pretty much done after the next year has made them shy away from putting too much load on a RB.

Plus I think we were able to afford Dillon just because after 2003 the team didn't really have alot of needs. He was more of a luxury. This team has many needs, too many IMO to get someone that caliber.

 

[emoney_33]

Define feature back? A RB that will see 300+ carries? I would agree most likely not.

I don't think it's out of the relm of possibility that you could see BB acquire a RB and he'll get b/t/w 200-225 carries in this offense.

I think the key quality that I'd be interested in seeing is faith in a RB to pick up a 3rd and 2 on their own. That type of talent I don't think BB would chase and commit big dollars to.

By feature back I mean a back that gets 60-70% of the carries. 200-225 carries is pretty much what Maroney gets now (~13 carries a game).

 

[RobertWeathers]

Plus I think we were able to afford Dillon just because after 2003 the team didn't really have alot of needs. He was more of a luxury. This team has many needs, too many IMO to get someone that caliber.

I agree.

Its an interesting issue. With one of the greatest QBs even behind center it doesn't make sense to lock up big dollars for a Dillon-type where as you point out there are many other needs that the team needs to address. Also, with the advantages passing offenses have now, teams need to take advanage of them by throwing the ball.

By all accounts, the Pats did have a respectable running game last year (10 in carries, 12th in yards, 19th in average, 6th in rushing TDs, 7th in 1st downs) but it didn't feel like it. Do they keep Maroney? Not sure. I think they are 50/50 on him. You could see a Hobbs-type situation where they grab a RB that they like and rather lose him for nothing, they dish LoMo off for a pick. Then again, BB may decide to let him play out his deal as he does have talent and his salary is reasonable. I do believe that BB was down on him but who knows for sure.

However, with a new deal for big dollars, it does make sense for the Pats to protect their investment in fortifying the O-line and RB dept with quality personnel and that may include picking a kid from the draft or maybe a mid-FA who will be cut by another team as they have the opportunity to take a one-time capt hit in a potential uncapped season.

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

I've always been a fan of Maroney, but after the Choice-Cromartie rumor I'm just throwing this out there if the team is interested in moving on.

What would you think about a trade with SD for Cromartie? He's been rumored to be on the block and SD needs a guy that can carry the load with LT washed up and most likely being cut. Both guys are considered to be underachieving for their respective teams and might benefit from a change of scenary. SD is very high on Cason, and I would have to think the memory of LoMo running all over SD in the playoffs a few years ago is still etched in their minds. :rocker:

Both are in the last year of their contracts. Cromartie is only due $1.225 milliion this year. That's a very cost effective price for a CB that has been outstanding at times. He was banged up in 08 and has seen his play slip during the last 2 years, but he was amazing for the most part in 07. With the Pats potentially losing Bodden due to $, Cromartie could come in and replace him. Cro, Butler, Springs, Wilhite, Wheatley isn't too shabby at CB. If he comes in and produces and plays well, you can extend him. If not, you let him walk after the year is over. Maroney has had his ups and downs as a Pat, but he's still very young and doesn't have a lot of NFL mileage on him. He's shown flashes of being that stud RB we thought we were getting (07-08 playoffs, 09 at times), but has also had his share of problems (injuries, fumbles, indecisiveness). Both teams may feel they are getting a chance to buy low on a guy who has the talent but is underachieving b/c of the situation he's in.

Personally, I like Maroney as RB and still have faith in him, but I don't have any problem seeing him shipped out. I'd like to see us add some fresh legs via the draft or free agency. I wouldn't mind seeing Maroney stay either thoguh. As for Cro, I think it's an intriguing idea. I think the talent is there for him to be great. Maybe coming in and working with a great defensive mind like BB would help him realize his potential and develop. I also like the fact that he's a big corner at 6'2" and still moves very well unlike some other big corners. I can't see us going $7 million per year on Bodden, so I'd take the shot on Cromartie to replace him especially at such a low salary. He could also probably help out in the return game if necessary like Hobbs did.

 

[satz]

If released he will be with the saints replacing Mike Bell ..... I would not be a bit suprised.

 

[JackBauer]

YouTube - Antonio Cromartie WTF are you doing?

Just say no to Cromartie. The very definition of a one-year wonder.

 

[RobertWeathers]

YouTube - Antonio Cromartie WTF are you doing?

Just say no to Cromartie. The very definition of a one-year wonder.

A tremendous talent if he can turn it around. He needs the cash too. Apparently he is paying child support to the 6 mothers of his 7 kids.

 

[JFK]

I would trade Maroney for Cromartie in a second. If Maroney leaves, we won't miss him so why not trade for someone who may be a 1 hit wonder but is also a good returner? I'll even throw a 4th round pick in the deal.

 

[oldskool138]

Will Maroney be with the Patriots in 2010?

I would think so considering he's the only RB besides BJGE on the team under the age of 30 and he's still under contract.

I don't expect Maroney to be resigned by the Pats after this year.

 

[JackBauer]

A tremendous talent if he can turn it around. He needs the cash too. Apparently he is paying child support to the 6 mothers of his 7 kids.

Sounds like a budding Travis Henry.

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

I'd take the chance on Cromartie. He's a great talent and I think he'd benefit from playing with Belichick. I thought he bounced back this year and played better. I mean he did say that in 08 he played with a broken hip the whole season after getting hurt in week 1. In 2007, he was simply amazing. He shut down Moss in the midst of the greatest season ever by a WR in the AFCCG holding him to one catch for 18 yards.

I think with the Pats he could perform close to 07 form. He'd be a good, cheap replacement for Bodden and is still only 25 and has room for improvement. At the very least he'd be a big upgrade in the return game. People talk about his tackling, or lack there of, but Asante was never really a big tackler but you deal with it when he's a great corner. I love Cromartie's frame because at 6'2" he's big enough to get a good jam on WR's and be physical at the line, but is also very fluid with great quickness, closing speed, and a nose for the ball. It would be like a lower profile Champ Bailey for Clinton Portis deal