RussFrancis
Third String But Playing on Special Teams
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- Nov 10, 2007
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I hear alot of talk about drafting Darren McFadden with SF's pick in next year's draft. Sounds exciting, but give it up. Its not happening. And I dont need to bash McFadden to make the point. I'll just pump up Maroney instead.
Here's the deal with Laurence, imo. In watching him play last year, I liked most of what I saw from him, but he played hurt, and seemed to need a little more strength and bulk to his frame. Not nessecarily more weight, though another 5 or 10 lbs probably wouldnt hurt. But he's got the wiggle. He's got the moves. He has the speed. I like his vision. He sees the cutback when its there. But I thought he needed to improve his strength and durability. He's not great in short yardage, and doesnt break enough tackles. He needed to spend all offseason working out with the guys in the offseason conditioning program. I mean hit the weights HARD. But he couldnt do it. The off season shoulder surgery prevented that from happening. Everytime I saw him prior to camp, it seemed like his arm was in a sling. Tough to lift weights like that. Tough to do anything like that. Instead of coming into this season with more strength, he came in with the same or possibly LESS strength than he played with last year. Now, its tough to blame groin problems on a lack of strength. That's just an injury that will occur with backs from time to time. But there isnt a doubt in my mind that if after this season, he's able to put in the time in the strength and conditioning areas, that he'll come back next year and be the back we all know he can be. Imagine Maroney with his present skill set, but with added power. That's the RB Im looking forward to seeing in this offense.
The Pats always draft well. I have full faith in whatever the front office will do to improve the team. They'll no doubt add players that will be difference makers. But its not always nessecary to bring in new guys to strengthen a position. In the case of Laurence Maroney, we have the RB in place. He just needs to put in the time to continue to become a better player. Wait and see. Next year, he'll be the stud this team has expected him to be. The man is a team player with a great attitude. Let him work out with Richard Seymour and Ty Warren for about 6 months. You'll see what Im talking about.
Here's the deal with Laurence, imo. In watching him play last year, I liked most of what I saw from him, but he played hurt, and seemed to need a little more strength and bulk to his frame. Not nessecarily more weight, though another 5 or 10 lbs probably wouldnt hurt. But he's got the wiggle. He's got the moves. He has the speed. I like his vision. He sees the cutback when its there. But I thought he needed to improve his strength and durability. He's not great in short yardage, and doesnt break enough tackles. He needed to spend all offseason working out with the guys in the offseason conditioning program. I mean hit the weights HARD. But he couldnt do it. The off season shoulder surgery prevented that from happening. Everytime I saw him prior to camp, it seemed like his arm was in a sling. Tough to lift weights like that. Tough to do anything like that. Instead of coming into this season with more strength, he came in with the same or possibly LESS strength than he played with last year. Now, its tough to blame groin problems on a lack of strength. That's just an injury that will occur with backs from time to time. But there isnt a doubt in my mind that if after this season, he's able to put in the time in the strength and conditioning areas, that he'll come back next year and be the back we all know he can be. Imagine Maroney with his present skill set, but with added power. That's the RB Im looking forward to seeing in this offense.
The Pats always draft well. I have full faith in whatever the front office will do to improve the team. They'll no doubt add players that will be difference makers. But its not always nessecary to bring in new guys to strengthen a position. In the case of Laurence Maroney, we have the RB in place. He just needs to put in the time to continue to become a better player. Wait and see. Next year, he'll be the stud this team has expected him to be. The man is a team player with a great attitude. Let him work out with Richard Seymour and Ty Warren for about 6 months. You'll see what Im talking about.