Hi Chris,
I read your point #3 on Maroney ranking #5 of 5 RBs. I saw it differently when I watched my recording of the game - Maroney got 7 of his 8 carries on the first two offensive series - NE scored on both. I would argue that Maroney working against a fresh Jets defense forced the Jets to play the run first and trust putting the ball in Cassel's hands would work in their favor (oops!).
After Maroney left the game, Morris took over as the feature back and faired even worse - the Pats did not score again until Meriweather's interception and return gave them a short field.
By the time Jordan came in the NYJ defense was getting tired (you can see D-linemen are slow to get up) and was a bit shell shocked following the interception and a quick NYJ three and out.
If you define Maroney's role purely in terms of yardage gained he did poorly. If you redefine his role as a lightening rod for the defense, used to take pressure off a young QB, he looks a lot better.
Using the NFL.com play-by-play.
Maroney had 8 rushs:
5 times he was handed the ball on 1st and 10
Once on 2nd and 1 for a first down
Once on 2nd and 5 to kill the clock
Once on 3rd and goal from the NY 2
Josh called a pretty conservative game and Maroney wasn't in there to run pass routes.
Morris had 8 rushes:
Once on 1st and 10
Once on 1st and goal from the NY 8
Once 2nd and 4
Once on 2nd and 6
Once on 2nd and 10 after an incomplete pass
Once on 2nd and 12 after a sack
Once on 3rd and goal from the NY 1 for a TD
Once on 3rd and 6
5 of 8 came on "running" downs.
Faulk had 3 rushes:
2nd and goal draw from the NY 5
2nd and 15 from the shotgun
3rd and 8 (red zone)
The Pats #1 all time receiving back as you pointed out, is he there to run or receive?
Jordan had 11 rushes:
5 times he was handed the ball on 1st and 10
Twice on 2nd and 10 after an incomplete pass
Twice on 2nd and 7
Once on 2nd and 5
Once on 3rd and 2 for a 1st down
Clock killing time
Evans had 1 rush with 1:13 left in the game.
