A few trends I don't like
 

The Patriots are almost only bringing Maroney into the game when they plan on using him to run. He was only in on 23 out of a possible 58 offensive snaps, and NE used him on 15 of those 23 snaps. I don't like this as it's basically telling the opponent "Maroney's in the game, so he's going to run"

That being said I thought he did a good job for the amount of carries NE gave him, and he ran much better against that Colts D, than he did in the AFCCG.
For comparison, if he had run the ball 24 to 25 times Sunday, his projected rushing totals would have equaled out to something like 93-97 yards rushing.

Anyways, I think the Patriots need to start using Maroney more, and not just as a RB. He can catch the ball out of the backfield just fine, and has the ability to get extra yards after the catch, so hopefully they start using the full extent of his ability.

Re: A few trends I don't like
 

I'm confused, do you mean throw to him more because I could have sworn he was in there for a few play actions which is the point isn't it?

Re: A few trends I don't like
 

i agree, maroney is a 1st round pick, he should be a star, give him the opportunity to show so...

i wish the pats start doing a little like the colts are...all power...

just have maroney in the back field, not next to Brady, and have him do pass protection, and run...

and when u run with maroney, just go straight down the field, use the power NE has, dont just try and confuse the Defense...

i believe we are capable of doing that...so hopefully we will start to implement maroney more...

Re: A few trends I don't like
 

You don't get it? He's in the game for only 23 snaps, and out of those 23 snaps he's rushing the ball 15 times. That means the majority of the time he was in the game NE was using him.

Now, I would like to see him get more rushes each game, but I'd also like to see him get more looks as a receiver, and more snaps on offense. I just don't like having an offensive talent like Maroney sitting on the bench for 35 out of 58 offensive snaps, and I don't like that NE's not using his pass catching ability. Basically, some of the snaps Faulk is getting could have very easily gone to Maroney, and there's more of a surprise to this as well.

Re: A few trends I don't like
 

I agree, but the coaching staff must see something in Faulk or maybe the trust factor comes into play in those passing situations.. Think about it? How many times since 2001 have Faulk bailed them out?

Re: A few trends I don't like
 

Faulk was in there a lot because we were passing a lot and Faulk EXCELS in pass-protection while Maroney is okay at it, and still learning. In addition, for some reason Kyle Brady wasn't in for pass-protection/help-out-the-OTs-duty so it was wise to have the more experienced blocker, Faulk, in there.

On a side note, I thought Maroney did a terrific job running the ball yesterday.

Re: A few trends I don't like
 

With Morris out, Maroney is the only guy capable of carrying the load successfully. It's vital that we keep him fresh. Faulk can handle more passing snaps because he is usually releasing into a route which is less taxing than getting hit by big guys. Also, Faulk has become an exceptional pass blocker. When the weather turns and we need that 30 carry game from Maroney everyone will be happy that he's nice and fresh.

Re: A few trends I don't like
 

It is not a sprint, it is a marathon.. cold weather is coming, much rather have a fresh running back instead of a beat up one for the stretch.

Re: A few trends I don't like
 

Good point, what a luxury the Patriots have had of working players into the games (Seymour, Harrison, Maroney, etc.). As others have said I don't think we will see any of Maroney on 3rd downs with Faulk around. Faulk is too good at receiving, blocking and is clutch, why fix what is clearly not broken.

maroney must continue to improve his blocking, teams seem to blitz when he is in the game, either to disrupt the QB or to stuff the run. If he stands a few guys up and opens up a deep play action pass then the Safeties and LBs will have to play back a bit more.

We plays a series of very physical run oriented teams, I expect the team to focus on run defense fundamentals and getting a more consistent rushing attack.

Re: A few trends I don't like
 

I am shocked that they didn't throw to him yesterday but maybe the shallow playing Mike basically took that away.