Training Camp Shootout: Running Back

Laurence Maroney gets all the attention. And why not? He's the "starter". Even though, in my humble opinion, starter is a term that has lost some, if not most, of its luster with many postions.  It's more about snaps.  How many has a player taken.  The Patriots, like many smart teams, invest in players who fit the system vs. 1 or 2 stars, constantly relied on and playing a ridiculous number of snaps.  Laurence and Sammy may not have the Top 5 numbers of some of the other guys, but they're gonna be dangerous this year; wait and see.

When Maroney was out of commission for weeks 4-6, Sammy Morris was averaging 4.6 yards a carry.  A season ending injury put him out and Laurence stepped in to put up 4.9 yards per carry in the last 6 games of the season.  That was a, "Where the heck's he been?" moment.  Many other classless dudes would have complained bitterly if they were essentially an afterthought for most of the season.  Not Maroney, the team player.  He worked hard, stayed healthy and stayed ready.  How could you not rely so heavily on the passing attack?  When the aerial assault started to faulter a bit, there he was - ready to rock & roll.

Laurence Maroney - Mr. Team Player.  Like I outlined above, 4.9 yards in the last 6 games.  Called on to provide an alternate set of weapons when Brady and the WR gang came up against film, Laurence stepped in to put up 100 yarders in 4 out of 6 of the last games.  Which, just so happens, makes him the league leader in postseason rushing.  Kiss my what? ;-)

Sammy Morris - Considered the "second back", Morris put up a respectable 4.6 yards per carry when he stepped in for an injured Maroney.  I like Sammy.  He seems to commit more than Laurence, for better or for worse.  He doesn't seem to bounce off of the line as much, preferring to blast through.  He may get nailed in the process, but at least he's committed.

Kevin Faulk - Averaging a decent 4.3 yards per carry, this doesn't tell the whole story.  Oh, did I mention he can catch like a mofo?  With 8.1 yards per reception for 2007 and a career 8.7, he's a serious threat when Brady decides to use him for the option.  Or, better yet, when the Patriots need some more meat in the slot than Wes can provide, Kevin is the dude.  A serious 3rd down back, he's a major secret weapon.  It boggles my mind defenses forget about him.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis - A UFA, BenJarvus is an investment in youth.  Granted, Laurence is in his early 20's with tons of gas left, it still never hurts to have more youth.  In Marima's most excellent profile on BenJarvus, we see that he's had back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons with a 94 yard per game average.  Not too shabby, BenJarvus.  If he can step it up to an NFL level, this will be an awesome running attack with a lot of depth.