Last season was ugly, but I remember in 2007 against San Deigo that Maroney carried to the team in the second half. I feel like he has the talent, he just needs to stay healthy and work hard on hitting those holes with authority and using his dancing once he’s up against the safeties. I am fine with the Pats keeping contingencies on the roster like Morris and Taylor but hoping Maroney proves his worth.

Some players just can’t keep healthy though, and that nags at me.

He’s had loads of time to recover from his injuries, and it’s now bordering on a fragilty that isn’t compatible with being a player in the NFL.

So a guy like Maroney is more likely to injure anything that’s already lingering. However, he went out early in the season much like Tom Brady did, so with that amount of time I hope he’s fully rehabbed and strengthened that shoulder. Maroney has produced for us, so to call him a bust is unfair. Disappointing (given the expectations), maybe, but not a bust. I hope he comes back with a chip on his shoulder (and that the O-line can block for him better… for all the talk about him “dancing,” there were plenty of times when he immediately had to dodge defenders in the backfield).