Maroney's benching

[BelizePats]

Maroney's recent fumbling problems are directly tied to his new hard running style. They have gone hand in hand. As he has become more aggressive and decisive in his running style, he has become more prone to dropping the rock.
I've always supported Maroney and have been really impressed with how he's been playing the last 2 months. But the fumbles are unacceptable and fumbles in the red zone inexcusable. While the one yesterday did not come back to bite us in the ass, the one in Indy sure did.
The coach absolutely did the right thing in sitting him the rest of the game. There have to be consequences for this kind of mistake on the field. Its a team game and others are impacted by his fumbles, from team mates to coaches. BB told him, by sitting him, that there are negative consequences (no more playing time) for these kind of mistakes.
Its hard for us as fans because he was running really well before it happened and replays showed that it actually was a touchdown.
If we like how hard Lawrence has been running in terms of hitting the holes and initiating contact, the fumbles have been an unwanted bu product of this. Hopefully he can get it figured out and soon.
The coach was 100% right in sitting him.

 

[ScrewDrvr]

Yep, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Maroney will continue to be the starting RB as he has been every game he's been healthy. Although I can see Maroney getting rest and not playing much, if at all, next week. In the playoffs though I fully expect a healthy Maroney to be starting.

the first 4 games of the season Maroney was healthy and Taylor was the starter.

through the first 4 games:
Taylor was 45 for 201
Maroney was 27 for 78


Taylor will be the starter in the playoffs, and rightfully so.

 

[emoney_33]

the first 4 games of the season Maroney was healthy and Taylor was the starter.

through the first 4 games:
Taylor was 45 for 201
Maroney was 27 for 78


Taylor will be the starter in the playoffs, and rightfully so.

They split carries (as was and is always going to be expected) and the only game Taylor got significantly more carries was the ATL game that Maroney got INJURED in the first quarter and sat the rest of the game. So in the 3 games they were both healthy for it was 24 carries to Taylor, 23 carries to Maroney (8 for Morris).

I'll stop using the "starting" term as that's pretty meaningless in this discussion. I fully expect Maroney and Taylor to split and get the bulk of the carries in the playoffs. I expect Morris to get in the action as well although less than those 2.

Having all the running backs healthy for the playoffs is exciting and it will benefit greatly to have both Maroney and Taylor running well for a superbowl push.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

If I were to guess I'd think Taylor gets the most carries of the backs, but you never know who BB decides to stick with.

As always I'd like to see Maroney doing KR and pass catching.

 

[The Dynasty]

I dont understand people when talking about Maroney. Over the past few weeks everyone was loving him, then just because of one fumble on the goal line, he is back to being hated on. To be fair, I think Maroney was actually in the end zone but there was just no clear visual evidence to over turn that. If that play was overturned and was a TD everyone would be praising him again.

I think that this team will be most effective by using all 4 of their backs. Maroney is a good 1st down back, Morris and Taylor are good short yardage backs that can get that quick 4 or 5 yards up the middle. Faulk is an excellent 3rd down back. I hope we see more of Maroney this year and that he isnt benched.

 

[JMarr]

i've defended Maroney out here a lot (a lot!), especially against some of the more ridiculously unfair and ill-informed attacks he got earlier this year.

but, ball security anywhere on the field and especially in the red zone is another matter.

you just can't turn the ball over in the red zone, especially in December and January when a play like that could cost your team its season. there have to be consequences for doing it and sitting out the rest of the half in a game the Pats were dominating is fair in my book; unless you're Tom Brady and have earned the right to a few "Get Out of Jail Free" cards over the years.

Bingo. I agree with the poster that said that Maroney's now smashmouth running style makes him more susceptible to fumbling. However, not wrapping up the ball at the goal line when you still have more downs to get the TD is inexcusable. And whether or not it was actually a touchdown and a blown call is completeley IRRELEVANT to this issue.

Maroney's a bit of a head case at times (a lot of it having to do with fan and media expectations of a top draft pick) but I still think he's going to get a new contract and be a big part of this team in the future.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

Sorry, I didn't read the whole thread, so if it's been said.. excuse me.

Maroney's fumbling issues coincide with his "new-ish" aggressive, running with abandon style that appears MUCH more effective then his "style points" old way of running that frustrates us all. I think BB is trying to coach him up and this all part of the "lumps" he's going through to get there. There is a very good back in there, and it's trying to emerge. If it will remains to be seen.

Yesterday, was Bill's mean daddy way of saying "we don't have all day, get your sh!t with the program".

Plus 2 of his RZ fumbles are at the goal line. He is FAR to small a back to be pounding it in there from 1 yd out. IMO.

 

[MaxVonDoom]

I'd rather see Maroney, since he's our best RB.

I will be happy when that is not the case

 

[RayClay]

He needs to get real compact and hold the ball in short yardage.

No excuse for running erect and letting teams stand him up and swipe at the ball. Just shows how much he had to learn to transition to the NFL. He had a short yardage specialist with him in college and the pros.

If he doesn't pick it up quickly, he doesn't run short yardage, because we're going to the playoffs.

Faulk learned, he will too, but not in the playoffs.

 

[MassPats38]

I dont understand people when talking about Maroney. Over the past few weeks everyone was loving him, then just because of one fumble on the goal line, he is back to being hated on. To be fair, I think Maroney was actually in the end zone but there was just no clear visual evidence to over turn that. If that play was overturned and was a TD everyone would be praising him again.

I think that this team will be most effective by using all 4 of their backs. Maroney is a good 1st down back, Morris and Taylor are good short yardage backs that can get that quick 4 or 5 yards up the middle. Faulk is an excellent 3rd down back. I hope we see more of Maroney this year and that he isnt benched.

Give them a break. It's a lean week for criticism after that win.

I am not sure if Maroney was limited because of the fumble or for other reasons. The other backs have less wear on the tires at this point in the season, and Taylor needed some touches to see how he feels after his injury. I did not see Belichick's expressions after the fumble, which probably would be a good indicator if the lack of carries was part of a plan or a response to the turnover.

And I agree. All those running backs have a role if the team is to play its best football in the playoffs. Given varying capabilities, age and injury status, I doubt any one can carry the full load himself with any success.

 

[Deus Irae]

the first 4 games of the season Maroney was healthy and Taylor was the starter.

through the first 4 games:
Taylor was 45 for 201
Maroney was 27 for 78


Taylor will be the starter in the playoffs, and rightfully so.

According to the NFL, Fred Taylor has only 1 start all season.

Fred Taylor

As for Taylor being the starter in the playoffs, time will tell. I don't know why the Patriots would start him instead of starting their best running back, but nothing this team does this season is likely to surprise me at this point.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I dont understand people when talking about Maroney. Over the past few weeks everyone was loving him, then just because of one fumble on the goal line, he is back to being hated on. To be fair, I think Maroney was actually in the end zone but there was just no clear visual evidence to over turn that. If that play was overturned and was a TD everyone would be praising him again.

I think that this team will be most effective by using all 4 of their backs. Maroney is a good 1st down back, Morris and Taylor are good short yardage backs that can get that quick 4 or 5 yards up the middle. Faulk is an excellent 3rd down back. I hope we see more of Maroney this year and that he isnt benched.

Since the TN game, LoMo has put together a nice comeback season. That's the big-picture.

The problem is that (since) including the Indy game he is putting the ball on the ground every 28 times w/ 3 in the opponents red zone and one at the NYJ 34. Any way you slice it that is completely unacceptable.

In comparison, in 2004, Dillon put the ball on the ground every 69 carries.

For his career, Fred Taylor averages a fumble every 96 carries Having Tom Coughlin teach him about ball security in JAX when he first got there helped him.

Most of the league leaders are around the same fumble frequency as Dillon w/ Adrian Peterson around coughing it up every 45 carries.

IMO Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris are your RBs in the playoffs. Maroney can't be trusted to carry the mail in the playoffs. It is what it is.

My .02$

 

[MaxVonDoom]

According to the NFL, Fred Taylor has only 1 start all season.

Fred Taylor

As for Taylor being the starter in the playoffs, time will tell. I don't know why the Patriots would start him instead of starting their best running back, but nothing this team does this season is likely to surprise me at this point.

Actually a "healthy" Fred Taylor is our best running back, but thats like saying unicorns give the best milk.

 

[The Dynasty]

Since the TN game, LoMo has put together a nice comeback season. That's the big-picture.

The problem is that (since) including the Indy game he is putting the ball on the ground every 28 times w/ 3 in the opponents red zone and one at the NYJ 34. Any way you slice it that is completely unacceptable.

In comparison, in 2004, Dillon put the ball on the ground every 69 carries.

For his career, Fred Taylor averages a fumble every 96 carries Having Tom Coughlin teach him about ball security in JAX when he first got there helped him.

Most of the league leaders are around the same fumble frequency as Dillon w/ Adrian Peterson around coughing it up every 45 carries.

IMO Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris are your RBs in the playoffs. Maroney can't be trusted to carry the mail in the playoffs. It is what it is.

My .02$

I agree that fumbling is an issue especially in the red zone, but you cannot completely give up on Maroney and not have him be apart of our offense.

He does things that Taylor, Morris and Faulk cannot do, but on the flip side those backs do things that Maroney cannot do. This team will be most effective by using all 4 of their backs. Each of the backs have their roles and strengths and all 4 should be used. One advantage the Pats have over other teams is that all of our backs have not played a full season and therefore will be at full strength in the playoffs. I dont see BB taking Maroney out of the playoff offense, with all the time he puts in with him I cant see him just completely ignoring him.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

According to the NFL, Fred Taylor has only 1 start all season.

Fred Taylor

As for Taylor being the starter in the playoffs, time will tell. I don't know why the Patriots would start him instead of starting their best running back, but nothing this team does this season is likely to surprise me at this point.

When healthy Fred Taylor is our best running back BY FAR

A healthy Taylor probably would have already easily surpassed 1,000 yards by now...even in a RB committee and at his age he still can produce those 100 yard games we all desire to see since Dillon left.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I agree that fumbling is an issue especially in the red zone, but you cannot completely give up on Maroney and not have him be apart of our offense.

He does things that Taylor, Morris and Faulk cannot do, but on the flip side those backs do things that Maroney cannot do. This team will be most effective by using all 4 of their backs. Each of the backs have their roles and strengths and all 4 should be used. One advantage the Pats have over other teams is that all of our backs have not played a full season and therefore will be at full strength in the playoffs. I dont see BB taking Maroney out of the playoff offense, with all the time he puts in with him I cant see him just completely ignoring him.

I agree 100%. No question Maroney has value and can make plays. I certainly don't want to see him grabbing pine throughout the playoff run (optimistic ) Right now I just don't think you give it too him 15-20 times a game or near the goaline in the playoffs. It's too bad. He was outstanding in the 07 run and for his career hes averaging a fumble once every 112 carries- which is excellent. Ball security was NEVER an issue with him. It could be the same kind of challenge with Faulk early in his career and they figured it out by limiting his touches. With him, the more he got the ball, the more frequently he put the ball on the ground.

Wish I could put my finger on it but because turnovers are such a momentum killer in playoff games and Maroney for the most part has been pretty solid this year. However if given a choice, I'd rather have ball security than playmaking (thinking long and hard about that statement ) and let Taylor and Morris split the carries and of course give Faulk his customary 6-10 touches a game.

 

[Deus Irae]

When healthy Fred Taylor is our best running back BY FAR

A healthy Taylor probably would have already easily surpassed 1,000 yards by now...even in a RB committee and at his age he still can produce those 100 yard games we all desire to see since Dillon left.

Interesting claim and theory.... I've already dealt with the "100 yard games" comment in another thread, but the "best running back BY FAR" is an interesting take.

 

[JAYHAWKS34]

I did notice that, and it felt to me like that was a big setback. I had thought Maroney was really getting into a groove.

ya getting into the groove of fumbling

 

[SpiderFox53]

When healthy Fred Taylor is our best running back BY FAR

A healthy Taylor probably would have already easily surpassed 1,000 yards by now...even in a RB committee and at his age he still can produce those 100 yard games we all desire to see since Dillon left.

Those of you think Taylor is our best RB need to stop living in the past. He's had the best career out of any of our RB's, but he is no longer the same RB he used to be.

As for seeing 100 yard games, we've seen plenty of them by our RB committee. From the looks of things, that's likely to be the norm for this team until BB retires.

 

[emoney_33]

Since the TN game, LoMo has put together a nice comeback season. That's the big-picture.

The problem is that (since) including the Indy game he is putting the ball on the ground every 28 times w/ 3 in the opponents red zone and one at the NYJ 34. Any way you slice it that is completely unacceptable.

In comparison, in 2004, Dillon put the ball on the ground every 69 carries.

For his career, Fred Taylor averages a fumble every 96 carries Having Tom Coughlin teach him about ball security in JAX when he first got there helped him.

Most of the league leaders are around the same fumble frequency as Dillon w/ Adrian Peterson around coughing it up every 45 carries.

IMO Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris are your RBs in the playoffs. Maroney can't be trusted to carry the mail in the playoffs. It is what it is.

My .02$

Maroney has fumbled once every 116 carries for his career. He had one fumble in 400+ carries prior to this stretch starting at Indy that you refer to. He had a stretch of 3 games where he fumbled, then a stretch of 3 he didn't. Then the last game where he coughed it up at the goalline again (but only had 5 attempts and it is unlikely he would have fumbled again).

Maroney never was fumble prone and I'm not buying that this isn't more of an abberation due to dumb luck or something easily correctable.

You can find a 7 game stretch where Taylor fumbled once every 34 carries in 2003. Same can be said for Dillon in 2002 for example.

Your once every 28 attempts stat is disingenuous at best. He definitely needs to hold on to the rock, but I think people are overly stating the issue. He has 4 fumbles on the year, that is not an eye-popping number for a running back in the NFL. He had always been EXTREMELY good at not coughing the ball up over his career. So he dropped it a few times this year, I still don't see it as being a problem and I don't worry about it when he gets the ball.