The Bell Tolls for Maroney
Driving home from the library this afternoon, I overheard on the radio that Patriots running back Fred Taylor is scheduled to have surgery on his right ankle after injuring it last Sunday against Baltimore. Coming as somewhat of a surprise, this news is obviously big for Patriots fans. With the retrogressive play of Laurence Maroney growing from week to week, Taylor has emerged as the top half back in New England’s stable of runners. His play against the Atlanta Falcons was absolutely vintage as he looked almost ten years younger and the way he hit the hole with youthful legs was really what the Pats needed as the passing game is still trying to synch itself together.
Even though Taylor’s loss will bring the likely promotion of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, it puts even more pressure on starter Laurence Maroney’s broad shoulders. The way he’s been running this season has been so poor, it has brought into question the possibility of him playing with a critical injury. The way the 24-year-old dances before he’s even out of the backfield is utterly atrocious, and his play has so far been deserved of the boos brought down in Foxborough.
Maroney is averaging a dismal 2.9 yards a carry so far this season, but being that he’s a first round pick with barely three seasons of on-the-field action under his belt, it’s still a little early to give up on the former Gopher. Many say his body is built like a linebackers and his open field speed is more than dangerous, but when it comes to being a straight up the gut NFL running back, he’s struggled. Maybe they should set him up with a few screens or quick tosses out of the backfield, just to get him involved with the ball in his hands and some green in front of him.
did you just use the word “retrogressive” in a sentence?