Patriots RB Depth: A serious issue?

[VJCPatriot]

So both Maroney and Faulk got hurt in this game.
The Patriots were down to a rushing attack of Heath Evans and Kyle Eckel.
Against the overmatched Bills, this was more than enough to run out the clock.
But do you really want to rely on these 2 down the stretch?

I think the Patriots seriously need to consider drafting a RB in 2008.
Maroney got dinged yet again, and right now the guy he reminds me of is Robert Smith of the Vikings. A guy who was guaranteed to miss at least 2 or 3 games each season, and sometimes more.

I've already talked about McFadden, and I understand the cap implications. Let's put that aside for now, even though I believe he will be the best RB in the 2008 draft, period.

The Pats can still address the RB need early in round 2 if they trade down.
Some candidates that I've heard discussed include Felix Jones (McFadden's platoon mate) [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170926], Mike Hart of Michigan [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=160897], or maybe even Steve Slaton of WVU [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174468].

Who would your candidate be for runningback 1B? I think we're gonna need one. I'm just not comfortable using Heath Evans as the Pats starting tailback.

 

[The Predator]

Na, I wouldnt want to draft one high. Morris had a freak accident and is signed next year. He and Maroney make a great 1-2 punch. If you want a RB, go get Marion Barber. He is a beast and a FA.

 

[Patriots Nation NY]

I'm on board.. As much as it will hurt some folks on this board.. Maroney just isn't the answer..

 

[VJCPatriot]

Na, I wouldnt want to draft one high. Morris had a freak accident and is signed next year. He and Maroney make a great 1-2 punch. If you want a RB, go get Marion Barber. He is a beast and a FA.

If HEALTHY. Morris was lost to IR for the year and who knows how he'll be in 2008. Marion Barber, I really love what he can do as a RB but I think the Cowboys will either lock him up or he will command big FA dollars.

Why not spend at least a 2nd round pick on a RB?
The Patriots spent a 1st round pick on Maroney, and they have spent 2nd round picks on receivers in multiple years.

I think a 2nd round pick is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
The Pats spent a 2nd rounder on Welker, and I think it is safe to say now that the price has been more than worth it.

So this is your chance draftniks. Convince me who should be our 1b runningback in the 2008 draft, assuming we don't end up taking McFadden that is.

 

[SoonerPatriot]

So both Maroney and Faulk got hurt in this game.
The Patriots were down to a rushing attack of Heath Evans and Kyle Eckel.
Against the overmatched Bills, this was more than enough to run out the clock.
But do you really want to rely on these 2 down the stretch?

I think the Patriots seriously need to consider drafting a RB in 2008.
Maroney got dinged yet again, and right now the guy he reminds me of is Robert Smith of the Vikings. A guy who was guaranteed to miss at least 2 or 3 games each season, and sometimes more.

I've already talked about McFadden, and I understand the cap implications. Let's put that aside for now, even though I believe he will be the best RB in the 2008 draft, period.

The Pats can still address the RB need early in round 2 if they trade down.
Some candidates that I've heard discussed include Felix Jones (McFadden's platoon mate) [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170926], Mike Hart of Michigan [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=160897], or maybe even Steve Slaton of WVU [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174468].

Who would your candidate be for runningback 1B? I think we're gonna need one. I'm just not comfortable using Heath Evans as the Pats starting tailback.

Robert Smith is a terrible comparison. He was an extremely productive player. If he was injured all the time, his stats didn't show it. I'm not sure who Maroney compares to. He reminds me a little bit of Fred Taylor early in his career, but again, not as productive as Taylor.

 

[bbabin]

"If Healthy." That's the key for any player at any positions. Who's to say that our 1st, 2nd, or nth round stud running back from the 2008 draft won't injure himself in training camp and be out for the entire season. I don't think the quality of our backs is the problem, only the health.

 

[patsfan55]

i would LOVE to see mcfadden in a Pats uni
i just dont think its gonna happen
we really NEED a young linebacker
of course if we dont value one at that point we wont take one
we will take whoever we feel is worth the pick, thats just what we do, that or trade

 

[Kdo5]

Sorry but I am doubtful about Maroney as a feature back. I would love to get McFadden. Get a real star running back on this team.

 

[TommyD4207]

Sorry but I am doubtful about Maroney as a feature back. I would love to get McFadden. Get a real star running back on this team.

A Maroney and McFadden rotation, however, would be sick.

 

[VJCPatriot]

"If Healthy." That's the key for any player at any positions. Who's to say that our 1st, 2nd, or nth round stud running back from the 2008 draft won't injure himself in training camp and be out for the entire season. I don't think the quality of our backs is the problem, only the health.

Well that's simply a facetious argument. Why draft ANYBODY, they could get hurt!!! That's why you have team doctors, and that's why you research the player's injury history before you draft them.

Maroney has demonstrated a tendency to get hurt thus far in his career. It's more than a statistical anomaly and is cause for concern. He got hurt yet AGAIN in tonight's blowout win. Yes the injury gets minimized in the blowout but the fact remains that the Patriots were reliant on 2, not to be mean but.. 2 scrub running backs to run out the remainder of the game against Buffalo.

Buffalo's spirit had already been crushed, so it's not a big deal. But to be smart the Pats should plan for the future. How awful was it when Brady had to rely on Caldwell, Gaffney, and Brown in the AFCCG and just couldn't seal the deal because in part of lack of ability in that group?

The Patriots RB depth has been exposed against Buffalo imo. Hopefully Maroney and Faulk can bounce back quickly, but who knows for sure? And Faulk is getting long in the tooth too. These among other factors are why I feel the Patriots need to target a RB in the upcoming 2008 draft. It's early to talk about the draft, but this is a need that CAN be addressed fairly painlessly. The real question is who should be targetted?

Robert Smith is a terrible comparison. He was an extremely productive player. If he was injured all the time, his stats didn't show it. I'm not sure who Maroney compares to. He reminds me a little bit of Fred Taylor early in his career, but again, not as productive as Taylor.

Actually Robert Smith is a GREAT example when talking about backs with injury issues. Perhaps your memory is short so I'll refresh it for you.
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/SmitRo00.htm

Robert Smith never had a season where he played all 16 games until his final season, the one before he retired.
In his first 4 seasons he had games played of: 10, 14, 9, and 8. He did have productive, 1000 yard+ seasons in years 5, 6, and 7 but he missed 2, 2, and 3 games each in those respective seasons.
By year 5, when Smith was healthy he was quite productive, but that doesn't change the fact that he left his team hanging without a starting tailback for several games in each year.

Maroney is starting to follow the Robert Smith pattern, which NECESSITATES having a good 1b runningback. If he follows Smith's pattern in year 3 and 4. Well... I really shudder at the thought of having Heath Evans as the lead back in years 3 and 4 of Maroney's career for about HALF of those seasons. Have I made my point clear concerning the depth issue yet?

 

[The Predator]

If HEALTHY. Morris was lost to IR for the year and who knows how he'll be in 2008. Marion Barber, I really love what he can do as a RB but I think the Cowboys will either lock him up or he will command big FA dollars.

Why not spend at least a 2nd round pick on a RB?
The Patriots spent a 1st round pick on Maroney, and they have spent 2nd round picks on receivers in multiple years.

I think a 2nd round pick is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
The Pats spent a 2nd rounder on Welker, and I think it is safe to say now that the price has been more than worth it.

So this is your chance draftniks. Convince me who should be our 1b runningback in the 2008 draft, assuming we don't end up taking McFadden that is.

Morris will be ready to play at 100% in 2008. It was just a broken bone that needs time to heal. So you cant just ignore him like you are trying to do.

Why not spend a 2 rounder on a rb? Maybe because we have larger needs. Who are our starting CBs next year? Hobbs and who? What is our DB depth? What about out LB crew? Did you know we have the oldest defenses in the NFL as an average?

Since when do the Pats draft players for a peace of mind? It doesn't sound like you know this team very well. As far as your Welker comparison, it is a foolish point. Did you know that Pats didn't draft Welker in the second round? He was a proven player they traded for. There is a massive difference between that and a unknown draftee.

I really am not sure what you are refering to when you use the term "1b". This usually indicates the team has a second pick in the first round. I hope that is not what you mean.

As far as people convincing you, you are the one trying to plead your case, which you have not made as of yet.

 

[sieglo]

I don't think we should be panicking here. Players get dinged up. BFD. We've got Morris and Maroney next year, a proven, solid one-two punch. Plus Evans, Faulk, Eckel. How many backs do you want on the 53? Six? Maybe seven just to be on the safe side.

Maroney was rarely injured in college. It doesn't seem like his "foot injury" tonight was a big deal. Let's see how he performs down the stretch.

 

[SoonerPatriot]

Well that's simply a facetious argument. Why draft ANYBODY, they could get hurt!!! That's why you have team doctors, and that's why you research the player's injury history before you draft them.

Maroney has demonstrated a tendency to get hurt thus far in his career. It's more than a statistical anomaly and is cause for concern. He got hurt yet AGAIN in tonight's blowout win. Yes the injury gets minimized in the blowout but the fact remains that the Patriots were reliant on 2, not to be mean but.. 2 scrub running backs to run out the remainder of the game against Buffalo.

Buffalo's spirit had already been crushed, so it's not a big deal. But to be smart the Pats should plan for the future. How awful was it when Brady had to rely on Caldwell, Gaffney, and Brown in the AFCCG and just couldn't seal the deal because in part of lack of ability in that group?

The Patriots RB depth has been exposed against Buffalo imo. Hopefully Maroney and Faulk can bounce back quickly, but who knows for sure? And Faulk is getting long in the tooth too. These among other factors are why I feel the Patriots need to target a RB in the upcoming 2008 draft. It's early to talk about the draft, but this is a need that CAN be addressed fairly painlessly. The real question is who should be targetted?



Actually Robert Smith is a GREAT example when talking about backs with injury issues. Perhaps your memory is short so I'll refresh it for you.
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/SmitRo00.htm

Robert Smith never had a season where he played all 16 games until his final season, the one before he retired.
In his first 4 seasons he had games played of: 10, 14, 9, and 8. He did have productive, 1000 yard+ seasons in years 5, 6, and 7 but he missed 2, 2, and 3 games each in those respective seasons.
By year 5, when Smith was healthy he was quite productive, but that doesn't change the fact that he left his team hanging without a starting tailback for several games in each year.

Maroney is starting to follow the Robert Smith pattern, which NECESSITATES having a good 1b runningback. If he follows Smith's pattern in year 3 and 4. Well... I really shudder at the thought of having Heath Evans as the lead back in years 3 and 4 of Maroney's career for about HALF of those seasons. Have I made my point clear concerning the depth issue yet?

Yeah, well, when Maroney starts producing the kinds of numbers Robert Smith did, I'll be ******* elated. Until then, it's still a shaky (at best) comparison.

 

[DaBruinz]

So both Maroney and Faulk got hurt in this game.
The Patriots were down to a rushing attack of Heath Evans and Kyle Eckel.
Against the overmatched Bills, this was more than enough to run out the clock.
But do you really want to rely on these 2 down the stretch?

I think the Patriots seriously need to consider drafting a RB in 2008.
Maroney got dinged yet again, and right now the guy he reminds me of is Robert Smith of the Vikings. A guy who was guaranteed to miss at least 2 or 3 games each season, and sometimes more.

I've already talked about McFadden, and I understand the cap implications. Let's put that aside for now, even though I believe he will be the best RB in the 2008 draft, period.

The Pats can still address the RB need early in round 2 if they trade down.
Some candidates that I've heard discussed include Felix Jones (McFadden's platoon mate) [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170926], Mike Hart of Michigan [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=160897], or maybe even Steve Slaton of WVU [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=174468].

Who would your candidate be for runningback 1B? I think we're gonna need one. I'm just not comfortable using Heath Evans as the Pats starting tailback.

There are several good RBs who will be available next off-season. Justin Fargas. Michael Turner.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Morris will be ready to play at 100% in 2008.

And you can guarantee this because you are a medical doctor or have talked to the team phsyician? I think not.

Why not spend a 2 rounder on a rb? Maybe because we have larger needs. Who are our starting CBs next year? Hobbs and who? What is our DB depth? What about out LB crew? Did you know we have the oldest defenses in the NFL as an average?

Every team has multiple needs. Just because the Patriots select a runningback in the draft does not mean they will ignore their other needs. I don't recall recommending the Patriots pick runningbacks in every single round. You are being disingenous here. Tell, me, were you one of the several people denying that we needed WR help after the 2006 AFCCG. You sure sound like one.

Since when do the Pats draft players for a peace of mind? It doesn't sound like you know this team very well. As far as your Welker comparison, it is a foolish point. Did you know that Pats didn't draft Welker in the second round? He was a proven player they traded for. There is a massive difference between that and a unknown draftee.

The Welker trade simply shows that the Patriots recognized a NEED, WR, and expended a 2nd round draft pick to address that need. The Patriots, probably unlike yourself, realized that WR was a thin position in 2006 that needed to be addressed. They did not do as the linebacker fanatics demanded and draft a LB simply to make a popular choice.

The RB corps is THIN in 2007. Maroney is constantly injured, Faulk is aging, and Morris is out for the year. Our TWO starting RBs in the second half against the Bills were Evans and Eckel. If that does not smack of Caldwell and Gaffney, I don't know what does.

I really am not sure what you are refering to when you use the term "1b". This usually indicates the team has a second pick in the first round. I hope that is not what you mean.

As far as people convincing you, you are the one trying to plead your case, which you have not made as of yet.

I'll explain the terminology, in a platoon you have a 1A back and a 1B back.
Please refer to say Jacksonville with Fred Taylor and Maurice Drew Jones.
If Fred Taylor goes down with an injury, the Jags have 'peace of mind' because they know that MDJ is a quality back who can fill in if Fred goes down.
But the benefit of the platoon is more than that because when both are healthy the Jags can also play both at once while still keeping each player rested. (Leading to the NFL's #3 overall team rushing offense btw).

If 'peace of mind' avoids having to use Evans or Eckel as the starting tailback, then it is HIGHLY DESIRABLE and conducive to WINNING, which I should remind you is the Patriots ultimate goal.

I actually have no intention of trying to convince you of anything. Although I am happy to 'school' you in what I'm talking about. My main questions is directed towards the draftniks who frequent this site to point out some likely targets in the 2008 draft for the role as Patriots RB 1b.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Yeah, well, when Maroney starts producing the kinds of numbers Robert Smith did, I'll be ******* elated. Until then, it's still a shaky (at best) comparison.

Like I said, I am comparing the health/injury patterns NOT the productivity. If Maroney could be as productive as Robert Smith that would be great but of course Maroney has not proven he can put up those kinds of numbers.

The main point is that Maroney's injury history is disturbingly reminiscent of Smith's and therefore it would be SMART to draft a 1b quality RB in 2008.

Free agency is also a possibility as some have mentioned but I have the feeling that hot commodities like Turner and Barber will price themselves out of the Patriots range. A draft pick is probably a more economically feasible solution.

 

[The Predator]

And you can guarantee this because you are a medical doctor or have talked to the team phsyician? I think not.

It is totally foolish to try to imply we won't have Morris. You are trying to make a point from a straw man. There is no promise that any player will play next year, so do we draft a QB in round 1 because it is peace of mind? Give me a break. Morris will be fine. Your point is stupid? I think so.

Every team has multiple needs. Just because the Patriots select a runningback in the draft does not mean they will ignore their other needs. I don't recall recommending the Patriots pick runningbacks in every single round. You are being disingenous here. Tell, me, were you one of the several people denying that we needed WR help after the 2006 AFCCG. You sure sound like one.

Wow I don't remember suggesting you claimed we pick a RB with every pick. Do you always make up things people say then yell at them for it? That is pretty weak. Oh look, straw man #2.

Straw man #3: Now your stupid WR to RB comparison. I was in full support of getting new WRs for one reason. We could not we win with what we had. We lost the AFCCG in part because our WR were not good enough. Yet you now make up what i believe so you can try to make yourself sound educated? Ummmm nope, it didn't work. I never said anything about our WR last year. You just put words in people's mouths and then argue with them as if they said it. Getting dumber.

The Welker trade simply shows that the Patriots recognized a NEED, WR, and expended a 2nd round draft pick to address that need. The Patriots, probably unlike yourself, realized that WR was a thin position in 2006 that needed to be addressed. They did not do as the linebacker fanatics demanded and draft a LB simply to make a popular choice.

What the heck is this? Why didn't I think the Pats needed help at WR? Where did I say this? You are a total idiot and making even more crap up as you go along. Unlike myself? What? are you psychic? If you are you suck because I never thought or said that. You are pathetic.

The RB corps is THIN in 2007. Maroney is constantly injured, Faulk is aging, and Morris is out for the year. Our TWO starting RBs in the second half against the Bills were Evans and Eckel. If that does not smack of Caldwell and Gaffney, I don't know what does.

This is so ridiculous. BB thought they were good enough, but they are no because you don't. Oh mighty VJCGod, you command all.

There is no way the Morris injury could be predicted. It was a freak accident.

For some reason, unknown to all, you seem to think that this team and this offense is a running based system. Ummmmm wrong. The running game does what BB wants it to do. We are a pass first team. Our RBs are sufficient to compliment our game until BB changes it.

I'll explain the terminology, in a platoon you have a 1A back and a 1B back.
Please refer to say Jacksonville with Fred Taylor and Maurice Drew Jones.
If Fred Taylor goes down with an injury, the Jags have 'peace of mind' because they know that MDJ is a quality back who can fill in if Fred goes down. But the benefit of the platoon is more than that because when both are healthy the Jags can also play both at once while still keeping each player rested.

That is fine, but we are not the Jags who don't have any WR. We are pass first. Our offense is nothing like the Jags, it never will be. For some darn reason you want it to be.

If 'peace of mind' avoids having to use Evans or Eckel as the starting tailback, then it is HIGHLY DESIRABLE and conducive to WINNING, which I should remind you is the Patriots ultimate goal.

I, and many others on this board, understand that we would be 10-0 with Evans and Eckel as out RBs. We won a SB with Smith and Faulk. This offense does not demand the elite rb.

I actually have no intention of trying to convince you of anything. Although I am happy to 'school' you in what I'm talking about. My main questions is directed towards the draftniks who frequent this site to point out some likely targets in the 2008 draft for the role as Patriots RB 1b.

You can't school a bunch of gold fish. Your logic sucks and you run around screaming the sky is falling. Yet again you create straw men. Maroney was standing on the sideline and Faulk was laughing near the end of the game. You don't have the ability to convince anyone of anything because your logic is stupid.

 

[SoonerPatriot]

Like I said, I am comparing the health/injury patterns NOT the productivity. If Maroney could be as productive as Robert Smith that would be great but of course Maroney has not proven he can put up those kinds of numbers.

The main point is that Maroney's injury history is disturbingly reminiscent of Smith's and therefore it would be SMART to draft a 1b quality RB in 2008.

Free agency is also a possibility as some have mentioned but I have the feeling that hot commodities like Turner and Barber will price themselves out of the Patriots range. A draft pick is probably a more economically feasible solution.

Fine. But I don't think a high pick should be used on a RB. Samuel is gone after this year. I'd rather deal with Maroney's health issues than line up with Hobbs as our No. 1 corner next season.

 

[The Predator]

Fine. But I don't think a high pick should be used on a RB. Samuel is gone after this year. I'd rather deal with Maroney's health issues than line up with Hobbs as our No. 1 corner next season.

there is no way he will grasp that. it is too complex. we have to have a rb because none are on the roster next year.

 

[PatsFanVancouver]

NE's strength now is in the air. I think the most important quality for an RB in this offense is blocking. Evans blocks very well. Also, I think he caught everything thrown to him.

Has a new injury to Maroney been confirmed? Maybe he's only slightly nicked. This was a good game to see how the other backs handle the work.