I find it amusing how people cite Maroney's YPC as if it is some sort of ultimate "proof" that Maroney is a good RB. His YPC in 2006 - 4.3, in 2007 to date - 4.3. (
http://www.nfl.com/players/laurencemaroney/gamelogs?id=MAR273311). To anyone that looks at the big picture, YPC is hardly the conclusive stat that determines the quality of a RB.
In fact there is a RB currently on the Patriots roster that has had better YPC numbers, Kevin Faulk. In 2002 with 5.2, in 2004 with 4.7, in 2006 with 4.9, in 2007 to date with 4.4. If you buy the YPC argument you would have to say that Faulk is a significantly better back than Maroney. Faulk, our 3rd down back is a BETTER RB than Laurence Maroney according to the numbers. But gee some of you may say, that's not fair because Faulk achieved that YPC with fewer opportunities on the ground. But aren't these the SAME people that claim Maroney is BETTER than Addai, it's simply a difference in opportunities to carry the football? Can't have your excuse, oops argument both ways folks! According to your highly touted YPC stat, Kevin Faulk is a significantly better RB than Maroney or Addai.
(
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/FaulKe00.htm)
Ok now that we've debunked that nonsense, let's turn to a comparison that is much more relevant, and concerning imo. That is Maroney vs Kevan Barlow. Barlow is very similar to Maroney because in his first few years he split carries with Garrison Hearst, the same way Maroney split carries with Corey Dillon. In addition, for his first 3 years Barlow had very good YPC numbers - 4.1, 4.7, and 5.1 ypc respectively.
The 49ers thought that they had their franchise RB of the future, much like we once thought was the case with Maroney. But when Hearst finally left and Barlow had to do it alone, his numbers suffered and he became such a disappointment that he was eventually dealt away to the NY Jets.
(
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/BarlKe00.htm)
We see the same pattern with Maroney. He had a promising rookie year while splitting carries with Corey Dillon. But when Dillon departs and Maroney is asked to carry the load, he just has not been able to do it. Maroney's production is already on the decline. His numbers have been declining since game 7 of the 2007 season. Maroney has only reached the 70 yard mark ONCE in the last 6 games and he hasn't had a 100 yard game since game 3 of the season. That's over 10 weeks ago folks! The similarities between Barlow and Maroney are too close to overlook, and quite frankly they disturb me.
Another factor to consider is Tom Brady's health. With no legitimate running threat to hand off to, Brady has been getting mauled in recent games vs the Eagles and the Ravens respectively. I expect the Blitzburgh Steelers to give Brady the same treatment and load up against the pass, simply because they do NOT respect Laurence Maroney as a run threat.
Why do the Patriots need to wait until they finally lose a game or Brady gets his shoulder seperated before they buy some insurance at the RB position? They can do so as early as the 2008 draft. If I were playing it safe, I would buy protection ASAP to protect against a Barlow-like collapse from Maroney AND to make life easier for one Tom Brady.
