When drafted, it was assumed Laurence Maroney would take over where Corey Dillon left off with the Patriots. But you know what happens when we assume . . .
Maroney has not shown the durability — or to be fair, the production — to become the full-time ball carrier in New England. In fact, until injuries to backfield mates Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris, Maroney was lucky to get double-digit carries. Morris reportedly could be back for next week. Taylor’s status is more uncertain. And there is chatter, at least among fans, the Patriots might go after exiled Chiefs running back Larry Johnson.
So what does the return/arrival of these backs do for Maroney. Short answer: Ruin his fantasy value.
Though he ran well in Week 7
vs. the Titans, Maroney has been unimpressive in consecutive weeks, despite scoring a touchdown in each. He has posted back-to-back 100-yards weeks just once in his four-year career, and that was in 2007.
Considering the Pats’ propensity to pass, any running back in this system is compromised from a fantasy perspective. We’re not big on Maroney
this week, in what could turn into a shootout.
And it gets cloudier in the future. If you are thin at running back and have to play him, do so until Morris gets healthy or L.J. is added. But start to make alternative arrangements for the stretch run.
BIG WEEKS
Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs
He will split some carries with Kolby Smith, but Charles is better in the passing game.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles
Unless the Eagles want to do for Brian Westbrook what the Mets did for Ryan Church, they will lean on McCoy rather than the concussed starter on this cross-country trip to San Diego.
Lee Evans, WR, Bills
The Titans rank dead last in the league in pass defense. And — attention Terrell Owens — Evans is the Bills top WR threat.
Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers
The Bengals are susceptible to the big play (32 plays of more than 20 yards), and Wallace is Pittsburgh’s best deep threat.
Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns
Cold fact is, the Browns would
be foolish to try to throw the ball. Then again, Eric Mangini is their coach.
SMALL WEAKS
Cadillac Williams, RB, Buccaneers
In the weekly swap of feature RBs between Williams and Derrick Ward, it’s Ward’s turn. It’s not all good news for Derrick, because the Dolphins rank fifth in rush defense.
Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals
Benson has proved us wrong before, but the Steelers have yielded just two rushing TDs all season.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers
The Bengals rush defense ranks second in the league behind only … you guessed it, the Steelers. This game will be won through the air.
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons
In the past two games vs. the Panthers, RB Michael Turner has 231 yards and five TDs. So why would the Falcons test Carolina’s solid pass defense?
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars
After a strong showing last week vs. the Chiefs, the off-and-on Walker is due for an off week. The Jets have given up just five passing TDs this season.