Are we seriously such homeristic fan-boys that we're interpreting Sammy Morris's lack of action at RB as a good sign??? Listen, I have as much faith in BB & Pioli as anyone here, but not every pick-up is some super-secret, Belichick Autism-skill where he tricks the league and gets a steal on what EVERYONE ELSE assumed was just a journeyman back. Let's maybe take a breath here.
Will Morris contribute? I have no doubt. Is he a good, solid, all-around RB who can help out on S/T's? Sure. But good Lord, like he's some secret (but somehow proven!) legit running back - this is asinine and beneath the generally sensible Patriot fan-base. Breathe, people.
I agree.
Morris does not have the cutting ability of Maroney. He cannot turn the corner like Maroney or Faulk can. He cannot overpower tacklers like Dillon could. He does not have the vision that Maroney, Faulk or Dillon have. He is not as effective an in-line blocker as Evans is.
What he can do is bounce off some tacklers, sometimes. He can make some tacklers miss, sometimes. He can stop a blitzer, or, if there is nobody to stop, find space in the flat and make a catch, usually. He is a somewhat overpaid jack of all trades, but a master of none.
If Maroney had no health issues at all going forward, then Morris would be an excellent versatility back, who can save the team a roster spot. Since that is not the case, however, I had hoped that the FO would sign, or trade for, a RB who has starting-calibre talent with experience, or at least potential; or, having failed to do so, would draft a power-back of the future. Is Sammy Morris the former, and Justice Hairston the latter? I hope so.
In the meantime, Lawrence Maroney needs to learn how to better lower his shoulder pads and turn his torso, in order to avoid harder hits, and to fall forward for positive yardage.
