If Maroney goes down, are the Pats done?

[PatsFaninCAN]

I must say, Maroney's health really worries me.

If he goes down for an extended period of time, then the likely candidates to fill the void are Faulk, Morris & Evans.

Evans and Faulk are clearly not 3 down backs, or even 2 down backs, and Morris is average at best, and would be a poor starting RB.

Having so many weapons in the receiving core, WR & TE, should make for an easier haul in the middle against many 6 & 7 men in the box schemes. However, without a decent back even Kyle Brady's immortal blocking won't help Morris get more than 5 yards per carry.

This team has very few holes, I would hate it if we lost the opportunity for immortality due to a freak injury to Maroney, or a recurring shoulder problem.

If we get to pass-happy we will get killed in the playoffs.

Don't most teams have some young buck RB's hanging around? I know Hairston was IR'd, but we should pick up a UDFA and put him on the practice squad, IMO.

 

[363839]

We'd be on the phone with a certain Mr. Dillon.

 

[desi-patsfan]

Call Barry Sander while we are at it. Id take him how many ever years he is removed from the game.

 

[PatsWSB47]

We'd be on the phone with a certain Mr. Dillon.

You mean Bob? Wait. That's spelled differently. Seriously, though it would be a step back but I think if they went "pass happy" and the defense loaded up for it then the run would open up.

 

[cstjohn17]

Call Barry Sander while we are at it. Id take him how many ever years he is removed from the game.

Barry 'F--ing' Sanders and Reggie Miller, wow!

No we are not done, the Patriots won 2 Superbowls with Antowain Smith.

 

[sarge]

No we are not done, the Patriots won 2 Superbowls with Antowain Smith.

Some how people always seem to forget that.

And the first one was with Brown and Patten as our recievers.

 

[PatsFaninCAN]

We'd be on the phone with a certain Mr. Dillon.

Can't believe that Dillon would be on Pioli's speed dial.

Opposing defensive players used to joke about Dillon last year.

Not about his speed, which anyone could see was lacking, but rather that when he got into space he ran towards the sideline to avoid contact.

I repeat: Defenders laughed watching tape of Dillon desperately trying to avoid contact by running OUT OF BOUNDS.

He may have been playing hurt, but it doesn't surprise me at all that he hasn't been picked up.

 

[DarrylS]

One thing we know about this team, is that there is always a back up plan, a contingency so to speak.. could be Dillon or someone else on the backburner, or it could be a huge adjustment in the offense.. need to have some confidence, we have some depth here.. don't worry yet we have not even had a preseason warm up yet.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

No way. They would be able to function. Remember two years ago when they had to turn to Heath Evan? Faulk was out for a period of time and Dillon. As long as Brady is at QB the team always has a shot.

 

[Brownfan80]

I think Faulk would become the starter and Evans + Morris would get more carries.

Our running game will benefit from the threat on the outside this year, so running lanes should be more open than they were last year.

I think we'll be alright.

 

[QuiGon]

Call Barry Sander while we are at it. Id take him how many ever years he is removed from the game.

I don't believe he is a UFA. The Lions still own his rights since he never played out his contract.

 

[jimmyjames]

Can't believe that Dillon would be on Pioli's speed dial.

Opposing defensive players used to joke about Dillon last year.

Not about his speed, which anyone could see was lacking, but rather that when he got into space he ran towards the sideline to avoid contact.

I repeat: Defenders laughed watching tape of Dillon desperately trying to avoid contact by running OUT OF BOUNDS.

He may have been playing hurt, but it doesn't surprise me at all that he hasn't been picked up.

Please provide some backup for this claim. Dillon was not in top form last year and may have called over to get spelled after one or two runs, but I don't recall him avoiding contact and he still delivered some punishing runs to the tune of over 800 yards in a limited role in a pass first offense. I don't buy that the Pats opponents were laughing at him.

 

[Fixit]

No we are not done, the Patriots won 2 Superbowls with Antowain Smith.

I came in here just to post this.

Damn your speed!

 

[Flying Fungi]

Can't believe that Dillon would be on Pioli's speed dial.

Opposing defensive players used to joke about Dillon last year.

Not about his speed, which anyone could see was lacking, but rather that when he got into space he ran towards the sideline to avoid contact.

I repeat: Defenders laughed watching tape of Dillon desperately trying to avoid contact by running OUT OF BOUNDS.

He may have been playing hurt, but it doesn't surprise me at all that he hasn't been picked up.

I think you have a skewed perspective on Corey Dillon. He may have lost a step, but Corey Dillon has always been a bruiser. He has embarassed or battered a lot of defenders in his career, and almost always got the last laugh. It has been well covered that Dillon was invited to visit several teams since his release, but refused to travel to any of them.

 

[Brownfan80]

I think you have a skewed perspective on Corey Dillon. He may have lost a step, but Corey Dillon has always been a bruiser. He has embarassed or battered a lot of defenders in his career, and almost always got the last laugh. It has been well covered that Dillon was invited to visit several teams since his release, but refused to travel to any of them.

From what I read the only way Corey would come back this year is if the Patriots were at 4th and 1 at the goal line in the Superbowl.

 

[Flying Fungi]

From what I read the only way Corey would come back this year is if the Patriots were at 4th and 1 at the goal line in the Superbowl.

yeah--that's a whole 'nother discussion--wasn't he quoted as saying that he hates to fly/travel?

I loved what he did for NEP--punishing 1600+ yd season--but I think he just lost the fire to compete...

 

[Brownfan80]

yeah--that's a whole 'nother discussion--wasn't he quoted as saying that he hates to fly/travel?

I loved what he did for NEP--punishing 1600+ yd season--but I think he just lost the fire to compete...

Yeah, that quote about hating to fly was in the same interview. I think Corey Dillon is done as a football player. He got his (in his mind) HoF numbers and got his ring. He's done.

 

[363839]

Can't believe that Dillon would be on Pioli's speed dial.

Opposing defensive players used to joke about Dillon last year.

Not about his speed, which anyone could see was lacking, but rather that when he got into space he ran towards the sideline to avoid contact.

I repeat: Defenders laughed watching tape of Dillon desperately trying to avoid contact by running OUT OF BOUNDS.

He may have been playing hurt, but it doesn't surprise me at all that he hasn't been picked up.

You got a link? Where did you get this information.
Dillon had been playing banged up for the last couple of years so I can't blame him if he was doing that. He punched in some TD's for us. I know that.

 

[patsox23]

It would be very tough to win it all if Maroney goes down, but I wouldn't totally bet against them.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I see Morris getting in there and getting more yardage this year more often and more than most of you think - With or without Maroney Morris will have decent yardage totals.