Sammy Morris, #34
Strengths: Bruising size, sure hands, terrific short yardage back.
Weaknesses: Suspect in pass protection, has some previous injuries.
Summary: The Patriots usually use a committee for RB, and Sammy's the chairman. He's always good for 10-12 tough carries per game, or more in a featured role.
Grade: B
Fred Taylor, #21
Strengths: Big, tough back. Racks up the yards (top 20 all time). Above average YPC.
Weaknesses: Durability and age is a huge concern.
Summary: Big things are expected from Taylor after signing a two-year contract with the Pats after ten illustrious years in Jacksonville. He should be able to stay healthy with 3 other backs to split carries with. I think at season's end, Taylor's signing will be analagous to other veteran pickups by the Pats (Antowain Smith, Corey Dillon, Randy Moss)
Grade: B
Laurence "Kool-Aid" Maroney, #39
Strengths: Deceptive speed, great yards after contact, sure hands.
Weaknesses: Many past injuries, heart/character is questionable.
Summary: This is Maroney's make-or-break year. Many are already labeling him a bust; the Pats spent their first-round pick on him in 2006, and have yet to see any real results. He shows flashes of brilliance, and prolonged stretches of injury or mediocrity. Kool-Aid says he is finally healthy, so time will tell if this campaign is successful.
Grade: C+
Kevin Faulk, #33
Strengths: Very elusive, great hands, great pass protector, durable, one of the the ultimate Patriots.
Weaknesses: Size and some fumbling concerns (although it seems he has solved them).
Summary: The Pats' third down back, Kevin has consistently produced for years. You can always count on him to make a few big plays per game. One of the important veterans in the locker room.
Grade: B+
Other Backs:
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, #42
Patrick Pass, #32
Overall: The Pats do not have a superstar feature back along the lines of Adrian Peterson or Matt Forte, but they do have a legitimate group of players who will definitely contribute. Brady will likely be slinging the ball all over the field, so there won't be enough touches to placate an everydown running back anyways. If Maroney OR Taylor can stay healthy, the Pats' faithful can breathe easy about their backfield. If not, BB & Co. should be a little concerned, but it's still not a big deal. Green-Ellis has shown to be an adequate fill-in, and Patrick Pass is an unheralded yet productive FB. Expect the running back corps to be a solid contributor to another record-breaking campaign by New England.
Monday: Wide Receivers
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