Comments on RB S. Morris and Pats Backfield Situation

[Ghost of Ben Dreith]

If we do sign S. Morris, our backfield will look like Maroney/Faulk/Evans/Morris....hmmmm.....how many defensive coordinators will lie awake at night figuring out how to stop that. I don't think any will.

As I stated in other threads, I like Maroney but he hasn't proven he can handle the load for a season or even proved he can "get it done" as "The Man" at RB. His rookie season raised more questions than provided answers. I haven't drank the kool aid yet, but I'm really watching/hoping he comes through this year.

I like Faulk as a 3rd down back. Hard worker, good character guy who gives me the heebie jeebies every time he touches the ball in a tight game. That said, I'm fine with Kevin.

Evans I like a lot for what he does, especially with his versatility. Real happy he's back.

In my opinion, Morris is JAG. I don't think this is a signing that really helps the Patriots enough. If we have enough money to throw about 5M at K. Brady, I would rather think of paying more and looking at Duckett instead of Morris or even going and trying to get Travis Henry. That would excite me. What about Dominick Rhodes? Morris just doesn't add enough to really think his signing would make a difference. Even if Morris comes at a good price, this would be a ho-hum JAG signing and a big downgrade to our backfield over Dillon last year.

I would rather invest a solid day 1 draft pick in a RB than sign Morris.

 

[BelichickFan]

Morris may be a JAG, I think he's SLIGHTLY better but whatever, but Maroney isn't. Get him more carries after an NFL weight training offseason, a full season on the field turf and a little more familiarity with the blocking schemes and his OL and he will be just fine.

 

[RobertWeathers]

The Pats want LM to put on 10lbs this offseason and carry 250 times in 07. Morris does nothing for me. Duckett is lazy. My money is that they draft another RB in the mid rounds

 

[drew4008]

In my opinion, Morris is almost the same as Dillon at this stage in both their careers. In case you don't remember the Miami drubbing, he was a real horse to bring down. I would really like this signing.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I like the signing of Morris. The Pats were looking at him before he decided to go to Miami. Duckett is always injured. Henry is a bad seed who will complain about carries and Rhodes will cash in somewhere plus he can't control his bodily functions. Morris and Rhodes are similar. I think Rhodes benefited form a good line and good wr's. Plus the Colts get away with holding.

 

[Remix 6]

If we do sign S. Morris, our backfield will look like Maroney/Faulk/Evans/Morris....hmmmm.....how many defensive coordinators will lie awake at night figuring out how to stop that. I don't think any will.

As I stated in other threads, I like Maroney but he hasn't proven he can handle the load for a season or even proved he can "get it done" as "The Man" at RB. His rookie season raised more questions than provided answers. I haven't drank the kool aid yet, but I'm really watching/hoping he comes through this year.

I like Faulk as a 3rd down back. Hard worker, good character guy who gives me the heebie jeebies every time he touches the ball in a tight game. That said, I'm fine with Kevin.

Evans I like a lot for what he does, especially with his versatility. Real happy he's back.

In my opinion, Morris is JAG. I don't think this is a signing that really helps the Patriots enough. If we have enough money to throw about 5M at K. Brady, I would rather think of paying more and looking at Duckett instead of Morris or even going and trying to get Travis Henry. That would excite me. What about Dominick Rhodes? Morris just doesn't add enough to really think his signing would make a difference. Even if Morris comes at a good price, this would be a ho-hum JAG signing and a big downgrade to our backfield over Dillon last year.

I would rather invest a solid day 1 draft pick in a RB than sign Morris.

you realize Duckett is a bust right? he got cut traded from the Falcons b/c he wasnt as good as he was supposed to be..yes he got the TDs early but he didnt do jack **** in DC either

we dont need the best option out there..we just need a body to replace Dillon. remember Morris ran all over us in the 2nd meeting.

BB brought him in a few years ago..he clearly likes soemthing in him so lets give him a chance.

 

[carolinatony]

Morris may be a JAG,

What is a JAG?
thanks

 

[patfanken]

If he signs for more than the Vet Minimum then I won't like this signing AT ALL. The Pats need some beef back there. I'd be looking at Labrandon Toefield, who is lost in a numbers game in Jacksonville. There has to be a better RB out there for what the Pats need, than Sammy Morris. THIS is the deal that I hope falls through JMHO.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Morris may be a JAG,

What is a JAG?
thanks

Just Another Guy

 

[BelichickFan]

Morris may be a JAG,

What is a JAG?
thanks

Just A Guy
Just Another Guy

Take your pick, I've heard them both.

 

[Remix 6]

If he signs for more than the Vet Minimum then I won't like this signing AT ALL. The Pats need some beef back there. I'd be looking at Labrandon Toefield, who is lost in a numbers game in Jacksonville. There has to be a better RB out there for what the Pats need, than Sammy Morris. JMHO.

Toefield is not anywhere near better than Morris

hes had better OL and still hasnt produced anything and even when Taylor has been hurt pre-MJD days


Morris
-plays both RB spots..RB/FB
-plays ST
^thats enough to get you on BB's mind..versatility

-hes lined up in slot before
-good power
-good burst
-receives out of backfield
-willing blocker
-good between the tackle

my only issue is he was supposed for 4 games b/c steroid policy :\

 

[Remix 6]

i just read a post from a dolphin fan at Dolphin Heaven

something like "he makes good runs when he touches the ball and hes OUR BEST SPECIAL TEAM PLAYER"

 

[DaBruinz]

If we do sign S. Morris, our backfield will look like Maroney/Faulk/Evans/Morris....hmmmm.....how many defensive coordinators will lie awake at night figuring out how to stop that. I don't think any will.

As I stated in other threads, I like Maroney but he hasn't proven he can handle the load for a season or even proved he can "get it done" as "The Man" at RB. His rookie season raised more questions than provided answers. I haven't drank the kool aid yet, but I'm really watching/hoping he comes through this year.

When you say that Maroney's rookie season raised more questions than provided answers, can you be more specific? What "QUESTIONS" were raised by Maroney's performance?

 

[Remix 6]

When you say that Maroney's rookie season raised more questions than provided answers, can you be more specific? What "QUESTIONS" were raised by Maroney's performance?

people here think he isnt a good RB and that he doesnt hit the hole because of the postseason

dotn listen to them

 

[PatDaPatriot]

Maroney is obviously going to see the bulk of the carries. Henry complained his way out of Buffalo, because he didn't want to split time with Willis Mcgahee. Plus, he's likely to receive a decent payday from some team that needs him as a starter...

For their needs, Morris provides more versatility than the other "names" out in free agency. He'll carry the ball 5-7 times a game for a decent average. He's a solid receiver out of the backfield. He's a special teams standout. He simply adds more than guys like TJ Duckett and Ron Dayne. Morris will provide more bang for their buck...

 

[Remix 6]

Maroney is obviously going to see the bulk of the carries. Henry complained his way out of Buffalo, because he didn't want to split time with Willis Mcgahee. Plus, he's likely to receive a decent payday from some team that needs him as a starter...

For their needs, Morris provides more versatility than the other "names" out in free agency. He'll carry the ball 5-7 times a game for a decent average. He's a solid receiver out of the backfield. He's a special teams standout. He simply adds more than guys like TJ Duckett and Ron Dayne. Morris will provide more bang for their buck...

henry will be resigned by Titans..he had a 8 mill cap that needed to go ..either he resigns but he'll never be here..hes a quality starter

 

[Ghost of Ben Dreith]

When you say that Maroney's rookie season raised more questions than provided answers, can you be more specific? What "QUESTIONS" were raised by Maroney's performance?

Throughout the year, not just post season, Maroney exhibited a maddening tendency to "dance" behind the line and turn a 1 yard gain into a 2 yard loss. This was not just a now and then tendency and was discussed in quite a few threads throughout the year. It especially showed up in the 2nd half of the season. This seems to be the main reason, as far as I know, the Pats are going to a zone blocking scheme this year since Maroney is a better fit/more familiar with that type of blocking scheme. (I don't remember if it is more like Minnesota's scheme or if they think it just fits Maroney better).

Beyond the dancing, he didn't carry the load this year and got banged up and missed time. As was mentioned earlier by another poster, if he puts on 10 pounds and beefs up in the weight room, this will help out immensely I think. We will see.

These are the two big questions raised. But if you are projected as "The Man" at RB, these two questions are huge.

This is why many, far from all, Pats fans are still not on the Maroney bandwagon as the next great NFL RB. He has to show more this year, and I hope he does.

 

[Remix 6]

Throughout the year, not just post season, Maroney exhibited a maddening tendency to "dance" behind the line and turn a 1 yard gain into a 2 yard loss. This was not just a now and then tendency and was discussed in quite a few threads throughout the year. It especially showed up in the 2nd half of the season. This seems to be the main reason, as far as I know, the Pats are going to a zone blocking scheme this year since Maroney is a better fit/more familiar with that type of blocking scheme. (I don't remember if it is more like Minnesota's scheme or if they think it just fits Maroney better).

Beyond the dancing, he didn't carry the load this year and got banged up and missed time. As was mentioned earlier by another poster, if he puts on 10 pounds and beefs up in the weight room, this will help out immensely I think. We will see.

These are the two big questions raised. But if you are projected as "The Man" at RB, these two questions are huge.

This is why many, far from all, Pats fans are still not on the Maroney bandwagon as the next great NFL RB. He has to show more this year, and I hope he does.

dancing..thats what all rookies do. go tell Reggie Bush, Steven Jackson and so many other good RBs that they arent good b/c they danced rookie year

10 more pounds doesnt really need to..hes strong enough as it is and i was suprised by his strength..he didnt dance b/c he wanted to..OL was very solid blocking and he didnt learn to take whats given instead of trying to make a big play..hes anxious and impatient as a rookie..simple as that..every rookie has that

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I thought Maroney weighs like 220-225. I think that's good size. Next we'll hear he bulked up too much and he's slowed down.

Maybe we should ask why he was being tackled 3 yards in the backfield. Maybe the defenders weren't being blocked.

 

[DaBruinz]

Throughout the year, not just post season, Maroney exhibited a maddening tendency to "dance" behind the line and turn a 1 yard gain into a 2 yard loss. This was not just a now and then tendency and was discussed in quite a few threads throughout the year. It especially showed up in the 2nd half of the season. This seems to be the main reason, as far as I know, the Pats are going to a zone blocking scheme this year since Maroney is a better fit/more familiar with that type of blocking scheme. (I don't remember if it is more like Minnesota's scheme or if they think it just fits Maroney better).

Beyond the dancing, he didn't carry the load this year and got banged up and missed time. As was mentioned earlier by another poster, if he puts on 10 pounds and beefs up in the weight room, this will help out immensely I think. We will see.

These are the two big questions raised. But if you are projected as "The Man" at RB, these two questions are huge.

This is why many, far from all, Pats fans are still not on the Maroney bandwagon as the next great NFL RB. He has to show more this year, and I hope he does.

See, I have to disagree with this.

1) Why are you knocking him for not carrying the load last year? He was a rookie and we had Corey Dillon. The Patriots have done this A LOT with other positions. Bring in a rookie to learn behind an experienced vet.

2) Playing in 19 games is a bit different than playin in 11 or 12 games in college. So, I expected a late season fall off of sorts. Even with splitting carries.

3) A rib injury like he had is a slow healing thing. Yes, he danced some after the injury, but he still played well.

4) From my perspective, Maroney had 4 bad games. Denver, Miami #1, NYJ #2 and Chicago. But, I also try to put it in perspective. Denver, Miami, and Chicago all have stout run defenses. The field for the Jets game was just a disaster. I don't know why the Pats players were slipping all over the place but the Jets players weren't. But I also know that in those games, a cut back runner, like Maroney, is going to have problems.

Now, out of curiosity, why would you say that the Pats are going to a ZONE BLOCKING scheme? Especially when they have road-graders like Mankins, O'Callaghan and to a lesser extent, Neal on the line?