Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 6/01/09
Pats Pulpit — ... his contract. Karen Guregian mentions Vince Wilfork was back tweeting with his friends, but no talk of the missing OTAs. LONG SHOTS Seth Wickersham (ESPN Mag) Joke is on Browns, Bills, Raiders: The parody of parity. Tim Graham (ESPN) Brady, Moss lead AFC East in Madden ratings. Jim Trotter (SI) RBs on the rebound: Six rushers poised for big turnaround in 2009.  Fred Taylor included. Mike Klis (Denver Post) Broncos ...

The Arrowhead Pride Power Rankings; OTA Edition
Arrowhead Pride — ... The Jags were plagued with injuries last season. They had a solid draft and upgraded the offensive line. Will Jones Drew be able to carry the load with Fred Taylor gone? Watch out for ...

Quick Bytes: June 12th edition
Big Cat Country — ... their requisite ten minute mention of the month on ESPN. He believes Maurice Jones Drew will have a breakout year now that he won't be splitting carries with Fred Taylor. ...

Patriots All-Access - Fred Taylor Q & A
Pats Pulpit — ... Steve Burton interviewed RB Fred Taylor, who recently appeared in studio as a guest on Patriots All Access.  The ...

Around The AFC East: New England Patriots
The Phinsider — It's time to once again take a trip around the AFC East and focus on our division rivals.  To kick things off this week, we welcome in "MaPatsFan" frpm Pats Pulpit: Matty I: The Patriots made a number of moves this past offseason - acquiring guys like Fred Taylor, Leigh Bodden, Shawn Springs, and Joey Galloway.  Which of these moves are you most excited for and which new Patriot will make the biggest contributions to the team in 2009? MaPatsFan: First, let me run ...

State of the Jaguars-After OTAs
Big Cat Country — ... Jennings, he might can take off the very high pressure and expectations from Maurice Drew, by showing that he can be Fred Taylor-ish kind of player, a partner who can help to boost the running game.  ...

Top 5 New England Patriots Offseason moves
Pats Pulpit — ... our #1, but Butler fills a void we've long had trouble with since Asante Samuel left.  Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden are the likely starters at cornerback, but Butler has the athleticism, despite his diminutive size, to make it in this league and hopefully become the ball hawk we've been missing.  Let's not forget he was one of the most dangerous return specialists in college, something we needed after trading Ellis Hobbs. Number 1 - RB Fred Taylor Yes, my number one pick is running back Fred ...

Featured Late Round Pick: HB Rashad Jennings, Liberty University
Big Cat Country — ... Jennings enters a backfield in Jacksonville that will have a new look in 2009. Long-time great Fred Taylor was let go in free agency so that 4th-year back ...

Around the AFC East: Running Back Rankings
Pats Pulpit — ... who?  While we're on the subject of being labeled fragile, ex Jaguar, Fred Taylor, is one of my favorite off season moves.  Taylor still has plenty of gas in the tank and will be a great mentor for Maroney, having gone through much of the same early in his career.  Not to mention lighting a fire under Laurence.  ...

Around The AFC East: Ranking the running back stables
The Phinsider — ... offensive line.  Alan Faneca and Nick Mangold are as good as any guard/center combo in the league.  And I think that a big part of New York's success on the ground last year was because of those big guys up front - as well as the threat of Brett Favre and the deep ball.  When defenses are preparing more for the passing attack, it's easier to run successfully.  It's that simple. 4. New England Patriots - Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris I'm sure ...

Around the AFC East: Ranking the division's running backs
Buffalo Rumblings — ... receiving threat, and honestly could do with a few more touches.  Miami is third on my list, but there's clearly talent here. 4.  New England Patriots The Pats have to finish last at something, right?  I'll be the first to admit that the Patriots' spread offense makes having an overly talented stable of running backs a lower priority.  But that Pats do have talent here.  They go four deep with Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and the ever-irksome Kevin Faulk ...

Around the AFC East, Week 6: Backfield Rankings
Gang Green Nation — ... , or even Leon Washington of the same 2006 Draft class. After him, there is Fred Taylor. Taylor has had a great career and will be a positive in the locker room. How much does he have left in the tank, though? He is coming off a bad 2008, and things usually do not get better for 33 year old backs once things start to go. ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... .  Chung and Butler have a chance to start as rookies, and Brace should play a lot in the D-Line rotation.  I also loved the Fred Taylor signing.  I expect him to lead the team in carries this season, and play well.  He still has some good football in him.  ...

Ten Patriots for 2009: No. 9, RB Laurence Maroney
Pats Pulpit — ... This is Laurence's job to lose.  He's said he's ready to prove his critics wrong, so I'm hoping for a good year.  I also think Fred Taylor will help Maroney out given he survived some of the same accusations early in his career, too.  My hope is Maroney can come out with a monster season and establish his place as a premiere back worthy of the head coach's trust.  He certainly displayed flashes of excellence in the 2007 postseason. ...

Patriots 2009: What would Norm and Cliff say?
Pats Pulpit — ... Don't forget Randy Moss and Wes Welker have two years in the system.  And we just picked up Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis, too. Cliff: That there...ahhh...Welkah.  Did you see that vicious hit by that Steeler Ryan Clahk?  I mean, little Wes almost became paht of the terf!!  He got up, though.  He's one tough... Norm: Easy.  This is a family show.  Let's not forget Laurence Maroney.  Fred Taylor is going to get him jumpstarted. Cliff: Man, ...

Q & A With Paul Kuharsky
Big Cat Country — ... Jaguars – MJD is a great conversation every time. He’s never in a hurry which really helps from my side. Fred Taylor was phenomenal. ...

Playoffs?!? You Want To Talk About Playoffs?!? - Part One: AFC
Hogs Haven — ... regular seasons. His Patriots teams are 14-3 in the playoffs and 3-1 in the Super Bowl. They only missed the playoffs last year on a tiebreaker, sitting home despite their 11-5 record. I don't see them going back-to-back seasons watching the postseason on TV. Tom Brady is back. Randy Moss and Wes Welker are basically unstoppable and their stable of running backs might be the envy of the league (seriously, read this list: Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus ...

Cowboys' Three-Headed RB Monster: Best In The Business?
Blogging The Boys — ... our slightly slanted vision, as we are quick to adorn the Cowboys three-headed monster the best in the business. All biases aside, how does the Cowboys backfield stack up against the rest of the league? Sure, there are quite a few remarkable one-two punches, but can anybody go three deep as well as the ‘Boys can? Let's take a look at some of the more potent projected backfields around the league.  New England Patriots - Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney - It is my ...

Camp Battle 2009: Running Backs
Big Cat Country — ... , he has been used in a two back system with Fred Taylor. The system was seen as a win-win as it kept Drew from taking excessive punishment and allowed Taylor to stay fresh throughout the season. Now that Fred Taylor is with the ...

Patriots Links 7/22/09 - Hall of Famer Andre Tippett to Speak at The Hall
Pats Pulpit — ... prove he's durable enough to hold off ex-Jaguar Fred Taylor at running back? Maroney has been full of excuses the last couple of seasons, but his shoulder should finally be healthy. And what happens if LB ...

10 things you need to know about the New England Patriots in 2009:
Pats Pulpit — ... ?  Westbrook has had 3 less seasons but a quick look at 2008 for Westbrook shows all of his stats in decline:  yards per carry and yards per reception jump off the page for their declines.  2008 was the year Westbrook broke the 1500 touch mark – what about Faulk?  He should hit that mark about week 6.  Hopefully between Faulk and Fred Taylor – the 3rd down back role will be adequately filled. ...

New England Patriots Training Camp: 5 things to watch for
Pats Pulpit — ... I got into hot water when I put the Patriots first in Around the AFC East: Running Back Rankings.  Well, I learned something while interacting with rival AFC East fans: I think of Patriots running backs as a whole, not as individuals.  It's "backfield by committee".  Some teams may have great success with a workhorse running back, but I think the Patriots have always done well with a few general purpose backs like Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, and Fred Taylor while adding a specialist like Kevin Faulk.  ...

Weekend Roundup: Talking camp competition, unsigned draft picks & much more
The Phinsider — ... teammate Fred Taylor (now with New England) raved about McDaniel, saying he was shocked Jacksonville gave him up for so little (a seventh-rounder). But word is he was inconsistent in the offseason program as he adjusted to Miami's 3-4 defense. ...

Jacksonville Jaguars 2009 Training Camp: The new beginning begins
Big Cat Country — ... will report to training camp on Sunday, bringing to an end what was quite possibly the most painful offseason in Jaguars history.  We've seen Fred Taylor leave the team and go to the ...

Wayne Weaver – Love Back At You
Big Cat Country — ...   • Maurice Jones Drew introduced Fred Taylor into the Pride of the Jaguars at halftime in the near future and then finishes the game by breaking the single game rushing record. Fred carries him off the field and then the crowd lifts both men up and parades the entire field. ...

New England Patriots Training Camp - second day musings
Pats Pulpit — ... /Fred Taylor combination. As players arrived on the field from the locker room, it was interesting to note that Maroney and Taylor were side by side, chatting it up. It has been mentioned before that Taylor had the label of being an injury-prone running back early in his career, and worked hard to shed that reputation. Maroney is currently in that situation, and it appears as if the two have struck up a rapport. ...

Jacksonville Jaguars Past and Future: Football Outsiders breaks it down
Big Cat Country — ... , because someone’s going to have to get some of the carries Fred Taylor got. We actually project Marcedes Lewis to have a decent season, but Good Lord – that guy simply can’t catch the ball. I would employ a "hands-off" policy in Marcedes’ case, based on his own example. If you have IDP, we like ...

New England Patriots Links 8/05/09 - Chris Baker, Tight Ends are Undersold Story of Camp
Pats Pulpit — ... that are over there on the left side." Christopher Price recaps his favorite drill to watch, the one-on-ones. There were more of my favorite drills — the one-on-ones — relatively early in the practice session. Some of the highlights from that included Ray Ventrone delivering a great hit on Terrence Wheatley, which caused a fumble; Laurence Maroney absolutely blowing past Jerod Mayo with ease; Fred Taylor putting a terrific juke on Vinny Ciurciu (and later in the ...

Which running games were good at what? (2008)
Stampede Blue — ... None 1,805 4.13 46% 21% 2.39% 74% 2.52% Jaguars Maurice Jones-Drew Fred Taylor 1,774 4.16 43.9% 17% 2.58% ...

Quick Bytes:August 7th, 2009
Big Cat Country — ... was named the Jacksonville Jaguars/Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Community Leader of the Year for 2008 Thursday. The Associated Press: Thomas ready for starting role with Jaguars Tra Thomas may only be keeping the Left Tackle position warm for Eugene Monroe, but he expects to be keeping it for awhile. Jones now in line for carries behind Jones-Drew - AFC South - ESPN Expect Greg Jones to start getting the ball more now that Fred Taylor is gone. Cox working on watching the right things - ...

Observations of a Jaguars Fan
Big Cat Country — ... , on the first play of the scrimmage, did a Fred Taylor and scored. Eyes were open, mouths were silenced. One of the only reasons i'd shake Shack Harris' hand. ...

Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Opponents’ Preview- New England Patriots
Bleeding Green Nation — ... to the receiving corps. To shore up their running game the added veteran RB Fred Taylor. In case Brady’s knee isn’t quite ready, they recently added back up QB ...

Profiling The Man In The Middle: Brad Meester
Big Cat Country — via cache.daylife.com Look at the above photograph. This article is about one of those players. No, not Fred Taylor and not Byron Leftwich. It's about the guy that led the way for Fred Taylor and protected Byron Leftwich in his short stint in Jacksonville as the Jags' starting quarterback. This is about the Jags' man in the middle of all the action, the guy who is always in the thick of the action. The man that can REALLY appreciate if quarterback David Garrard used hand warmers, Jaguars starting center ...

New England Patriots PreSeason Watch - Running Backs
Pats Pulpit — ... R 34 Sammy Morris RB 6-0 220 3/23/1977 10 21 Fred Taylor RB 6-1 228 1/27/1976 ...

Running through the roster: thoughts on Mike Reiss's choices for the New England Patriots 53
Pats Pulpit — ... will it stop me from analyzing what he has to say. ;-) Looking down the list, I thought I could find some rhyme or reason as to the order of players in each category, but I was stymied.  Tom Brady, Kevin O'Connell, Andrew Walter - Hah!!  Alphabetical order!  But then there's Chris Baker, Ben Watson, David Thomas, and Alex Smith.  How about starting order?  Yeah, that's the ticket!  Oh, running backs: Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney, and BenJarvus ...

First Job Interview: Jaguars Open The Preseason
Big Cat Country — ... There are high expectations and justified trepidation as to the post-Fred Taylor era in Jacksonville.  If we've learned anything about the NFL in recent years it is that having a two headed monster at running back is critical.  ...

New England Patriots Links 8/17/09 - Bruschi Back; Mankins & Ohrnberger Carted Off.
Pats Pulpit — ... was glad to get those first-game jitters out of his system; Fred Taylor was in uniform but did not play against the ...

New England Patriots Links 8/20/09 - Patriots vs. Bengals Tonight
Pats Pulpit — ... Chris Gasper and Mike Reiss offer their Bengals preview.  (2.13 min. video) Christopher Price Behind Enemy Lines - Cincinnati edition.  A quick roundup of how the Cincinnati media outlets are looking at Thursday’s Bengals-Patriots preseason game. Mark Farinella assumes that players who didn't play in last Thursday's Philly win may have significant roles against the Bengals - Kevin O'Connell, Ben Watson, Alex Smith, Fred Taylor and Shawn Springs. Ian Rapoport looks ...

Game Preview (Preseason Game 2): Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
Buc 'Em — ... The Jags are coming off a down season, mainly due to their inability to stop the run and the loss of half their offensive line to injuries.  Their top two picks went towards offensive line in hopes of building some depth and re-establishing the run game and protection of the quarterback.  After going 5-11 year, the Jags are looking to get back to being a top tier team in the AFC.  Offense  A new identity should be forming as Fred Taylor is gone, making way for Pocket Hercules aka MJD aka Maurice ...

Game 3 Summary - I think I'm in love
Big Cat Country — ... They aren't working much on running so the run game doesn't show much.  I know this, there is a big drop off from Maurice Jones Drew to the number two back whoever he is.  Wish we had someone like, oh I don't know, maybe Fred Taylor? ...

New England Patriots Links 8/28/09 - New England at Washington Tonight at 8pm
Pats Pulpit — ... : Fred Taylor is "the Doctor"- always on call; Redskins have a lot of injuries; Bodden says Belichick wants the CBs to be more physical this year; Edelman returning punts in practice. ...

Postgame Analysis: New England Patriots defeat Washington Redskins, 27-24
Pats Pulpit — ... The Backfield - Overall, I was not impressed.  I've been hoping Fred Taylor would come in and light the place up, but I'm not seeing it.  Laurence Maroney still struggles trying to find the holes.  I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say the Skins did a nice job of plugging up the holes, but ...

Panther Spotlight: DT Louis Leonard - Update
Cat Scratch Reader — ... including only 69 yards rushing, forced 5 turnovers and 3 sacks...Game 5 vs. N.Y. Giants 10/13: Started at right defensive end for injured Shaun Smith (hand)...Made his first NFL start...Game 6 at Washington 10/19: Started at right defensive end for injured Shaun Smith (hand) and added a career-high 3 tackles...Game 7 at Jacksonville 10/26: Started at right defensive end for injured Shaun Smith (hand) with 4 tackles...Part of a defensive effort that limited Jaguars RB Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew to a combined 20 carries for 53 ...

New England Patriots 53 man roster - some thoughts
Pats Pulpit — ... We stay with 2 QB's, LB is a bit weak, TE will be a position to watch, OL is stacked on the interior...let's break it down position by position (props to NESilver for his comment in this thread) Offense: 25   QB: Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer (2) - Odd we keep only 2, but that could change when the season starts. RB: Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis (5) - Solid group. ...

Patriots Week: Talking running backs with Pats Pulpit
Buffalo Rumblings — ... You've gotta love how a Pats blogger can talk about the talent at running back and not even mention Fred Taylor and ...

NFL Game Picks: Week One
Battle Red Blog — ...  this week.  They'll be facing Maurice Jones-Drew, who has averaged over 100 all-purpose yards a game against the Colts in his career, despite splitting carries with Fred Taylor.  Now that MoJo is running on his own, I think that he will have his way with this short-handed defense. ...

Bills Fantasy Friday: Week 1 Start 'Em/Sit 'Em
Buffalo Rumblings — ... be tough to repeat that performance with a brand new and quite youthful offensive line in front of him, but he is, at worst, a good flex pick.  He should get at least 15-20 carries, and with the way Edwards has been playing another 4-6 receptions, so the touches will be there.  In a PPR league, Jackson is much more desirable.  Outside of shallow leagues, where there are likely better options available, Jackson is a nice RB2 this week. Verdict: Start 'Em Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, Laurence ...

New England Patriots Links 9/11/09 - Seymour Issued 5-day Letter From Raiders
Pats Pulpit — ... The veteran defensive end, traded earlier this week by the Patriots to Oakland for a No. 1 draft choice in 2011, has yet to report to the Raiders. If Oakland places him on the roster/suspended list, the team would retain his rights for 2010, which he would play under terms of his 2009 contract. Thus Seymour would not be eligible for free agency — which he currently can exercise at the end of the '09 season — until after the '10 season. Fred Taylor comments on the misconception that the Patriots offense ...

NFL Picks & Pans: Week 1
Baltimore Beatdown — ... : While lots of people are picking the Jags to rebound from their poor 2008 season, I think the loss of RB Fred Taylor will hurt them and Peyton will not disappoint the home field Indianapolis fans today. ...

Week 1 Preview: Jaguars at Colts
Stampede Blue — ... Of course when you start talking about the offensive line and dominating the line of scrimmage, you must also talk about the defense and how they must dominant as well.  The Jaguars are notorious for running at will all over the Colts.  Luckily the Jaguars cut Fred Taylor, but there is still the issue of that little guy named ...

Post Game Analysis: New England Patriots defeat Buffalo Bills, 25-24
Pats Pulpit — ... once. Cornerbacks - Jonathan Wilhite did a nice job when called on.  Leigh Bodden seemed to be in the mix as well as Shawn Springs.  I don't think we have any shutdown guys, but this group will only get better.  It's a significant upgrade over last year, IMO. Running Backs - We struggled to pick up yardage, but the Bills were doing a good job of clogging up the gaps.  This was not on Laurence Maroney or Fred Taylor. Receiving Game - Brady was 39/53, 378 yards, ...

Denver Broncos Season Storyline - Week 2 Vs Cleveland
The Mile High Report — ... but is also charged with keeping a weak defense off the field.  But that is an either/or proposition, and contradictions will always come back to bite you.  All units require the same amount of attention, or the whole thing becomes so unbalanced that it tips over.  It just needs the right kind of push... Quick Notes: (1-0) New England @ Home:   Laurence Maroney is once again no lock to be the go-to guy.  Fred Taylor on the other hand is a perfect fit... Right now the ...

New England Patriots Links 9/18/09 - Run, Laurence, Run! And you too Sammy, Fred & Kevin
Pats Pulpit — ... Ryan's blitzing ways. "We definitely got to make sure the running game is present," Maroney said yesterday. "If the running game is doing its thing, I think they’re going to shy away from a lot of blitzes and the things they want to do." One way to stop a team from coming after quarterback Tom Brady is to make them respect a balanced attack. The Jets may not be able to blitz with such abandon if they’re trying to corral Maroney, Fred Taylor and company. [Maroney] knows pass-blocking may be ...

New York Jets Run Defense vs. New England Patriots Run Offense
Gang Green Nation — ... nor Fred Taylor had a major impact in the opener against Buffalo. Belichick isn't the kind of guy who attacks the opponent's strength with his weakness. Maroney scares me more. He's a talented back who hasn't really gotten a chance to show what he can do since a productive rookie season. He had a 100 yard game against the Jets in 2007. ...

MCM Fantasy Football Focus - Week 2
Music City Miracles — ... and not name one. D – Bears – Missing 3 starters (Vasher, Urlacher and Tinoisamoa), and facing a dynamic offense in GB, I would move Bears D to fantasy benches this week to avoid disappointment. Waiver Wire Watch: Keep an eye on the following guys that may be available in your fantasy league. QB – Mark Sanchez, Jeff Garcia, Kerry Collins RB – Cadillac Williams, Mewelde Moore, Fred Taylor, Michael Bush, Kevin Faulk WR - ...

Game Recap: Jets defeat Patriots, 16-9
Pats Pulpit — ... The rushing attack wasn't stellar, but it seemed to provide enough diversity to keep NY on their toes, at least for the first half.  El Mo looked good and Fred Taylor seemed to have a couple of good runs that could've broken away.  The rushing yardage wasn't stellar, but it was enough to keep things unbalanced.  Unfortunately, Brady was never able to hit his screens effectively.  Running backs, including ...

Pre-Game Recon With Big Cat Country
Battle Red Blog — ... 3. The very early returns on Maurice Jones-Drew this season, his first without Fred Taylor around to share the workload, look fairly positive (4.8 yards per carry). Do you think the offense is better with MJD as the big dog, or have you noticed that not having Taylor hurts? Furthermore, are you worried about MJD wearing down over the course of the season thanks to the additional workload? ...

Five Questions For Three Patriots Blogger
Sports Page Atlanta — ... PD: Maroney has had injury problems, and some question his toughness. However down the stretch in 2007 and in the first two playoff games that season, he was everything you want in a running back. Last year he missed most of the season after injuring his shoulder. The Patriots seem to favor the committee approach just to try and limit the wear and tear on their backs. Fred Taylor looked good last week against the ...

Quick Postgame Recap: New England Patriots defeat Atlanta Falcons, 26-10
Pats Pulpit — ... It wasn't pretty.  In fact, there were parts of this game that were downright ugly.  Overthrown balls, dropped balls.  But, as can be the case, when one part of the team isn't performing, the other picks up the slack.  In this particular case, it was the running game.  If it wasn't Fred Taylor at 21 carries for 105 yards, it was ...

Game Recap: New England Patriots defeat Atlanta Falcons, 26-10
Pats Pulpit — ... Ground Game - Fred Taylor is an absolute, certifiable, friggin' stud.  He knows where to go, how to follow his blockers, and put his shoulder down.  When he joined the team, I watched a lot of highlights to get a sense of who he was.  He will make sure tacklers know they got in his way because he will blow...you...up.  21 carries for 105 yards and a TD.  That's a 5 yard average per carry, my friends. ...

BTSC Weekly NFL Musings: Week 3 Edition
Behind the Steel Curtain — ... ? I mean, he didn't really do all that much to deserve the mega-extension he signed in 2007 (if I recall correctly). He had won some games, protected the football nicely and allowed his two-headed running attack (MJD and Fred Taylor) do most of the heavy lifting. Anyway, since that extension, Garrard has been pretty darn average. He went 5-11 last year as a starter and threw only 15 TDs and 13 INTs. Not horrible numbers, but franchise quarterbacks are paid to lead their teams to better records than that. So far this year, Garrard's been uninspiring as well, ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... , but still looks pretty useful to me.  He broke up a deep ball to Randy Moss that would have been a sure TD, and generally looked to me like a solid player.  For the Patriots, they were in on the Jaguars retread act too, with Fred Taylor looking very good, and getting over 100 yards and a TD.  Taylor is a formerly great player, who has declined to being merely a good one, but he was a classic Patriots bargain acquisition. ...

New England Patriots Links 9/29/09 - Ankle Sprain for Vince Wilfork Was All Wright; Not Serious
Pats Pulpit — ... Ravens. The fact that the injury is not serious is good news on both an organizational and individual level. Wilfork, scheduled to earn a base salary of $2.2 million, is in the final year of his contract. A serious injury not only would have been debilitating for the defense, it also would have killed Wilfork’s contract leverage. Shalise Manza Young asserts that risky 4th-down play turned the tide for the Patriots.  Fred Taylor thinks it sent a message to the Falcon's defense. ...

New England Patriots Links 10/02/09 - Brady, Moss Join NFL In Raising Awareness For Breast Cancer
Pats Pulpit — ... during a brief Q&A. Mark Farinella describes Terdell Sands as a "self-contained dune" and lists the other big men who have worn a Patriots uniform in the past. MIchael Vega Patriots Notebook: Sands to substitute for injured Wilfork; Prescott Burgess returns to the locker room signed to the practice squad, and isn't telling whether he gave any inside Ravens info to the Pats; LB Ray Lewis looks forward to meeting with Fred Taylor again, a player he respects. Jim Lazar says the ...

New England Patriots Links for a Rainy Saturday - 10/03/09
Pats Pulpit — ... . Belichick talks about the 4th and 1.  Working out with RB Fred Taylor.  Director of Player personnel Nick Caserio.  Coach Belichick breaks down the Ravens D on The Belestrator. Scott Zolak and ...

Open Game Thread: Ravens @ Patriots
Pats Pulpit — ... has already said he'll need some Tylenol, so he expects to pound it.  Fred Taylor had a great 21 carry, 105 yard performance against Atlanta, but let's see how he does today. ...

Post Game Recap: New England Patriots defeat Baltimore Ravens, 27-21
Pats Pulpit — ... - Even in kickoff return duties, El Mo continues to struggle, dancing and bouncing off of blockers in front of him.  7 for 6 yards with a long of 5 is not good, no sir.  It's especially not good when "old man" Fred Taylor has 7 for 25 and Tom Brady gets 5 for 11.  I'm very close to calling Maroney a bust. ...

The impact of sidelining "Fast Freddy", Patriots RB Fred Taylor out for ankle surgery
Pats Pulpit — ... I love Fred Taylor.  It's not in the man crush sort of way I love another Patriot, but yeah...I love Fred Taylor.  My dad tells me it's because I had the chance to ...

MHR Chalk Talk -- New England Patriots at Denver Broncos (Week 5, '09)
The Mile High Report — ... , and Fred Taylor are all capable RBs, and only need to do enough to make the passing game a threat.  In short yardage, they can cause most defenses to choose between stopping the first down or a major play, but they aren't causing a lot of concern for most teams. ...

Your OFFICIAL Arrowhead Pride PARADEBULATION: What kind of Name is "Primetime07" Edition
Arrowhead Pride — ... thank you very much.  But if you're light on RB's and Sammy's out there, hit that shit.  Fred Taylor's out and we all know Bellichick doesn't trust Koolaid with a full game.  Everyone loves Denver's D but c'mon, the guy wears a fanboy hoodie just to make the comparison.  What. A. Tool.  If nothing else they crumple under the expectations.  Sammy boy gets a TD and at least a hundi game, you heard it here first. ...

Preview: New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos
Pats Pulpit — ... As I wrote in A tale of the tape: New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos, the Patriots have garnered a 3-1 record against tougher teams based on this week's Football Outsiders DVOA rankings.  This could lead one to believe that Denver's 4-0 has been an "easier road" than our 3-1.  However, statistics may be fun and all, but they don't mean squat come gameday.  Just ask Denver WR Brandon Stokley. Both team's top running backs, Fred Taylor for the Patriots and Correll Buckhalter for the Broncos, are ...

Open Game Thread: Patriots @ Broncos
Pats Pulpit — ... Student vs. Teacher.  The chess match begins.  Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AFL, both teams will be sporting their throwback uniforms.  I love "Pat Patriot" and the jerseys are cool.  Let's see how the backfield-by-committee steps up with yardage leader Fred Taylor sidelined with a bad ankle.  Law Firm anyone? ...

FISH on FOOTBALL: A Cowboys Bye Week Top-10 Takes List
Blogging The Boys — ... in Denver but I was still thinking Cowboys: If I'm a New England fan, I'm separating myself from the blind praise given Bill Belichick to wonder why he's never been able to get himself a running back. He's got a wobbly Maroney, he's got an old Fred Taylor, he's got a one-dimensional ...

Rams@Jacksonville The view from the stadium
Big Cat Country — ... must have felt great.  The other one was when Mike Thomas ran back a kickoff and two Rams collided trying to get him. One of them was Ron Bartell.  He lay there for a long time and the Rams gathered around him.  In the group gathered around was Torry. They treated him like one of their own.  You want to know the difference between this year and last year? Jerry Porter verses Torry Holt. Torry Holt is team chemistry and fills the role Fred Taylor used to hold. Maurice was a beast in the second half and ran for ...

Enemy Flashback Video & Conversation with Pats blogs!
Buc 'Em — ... him a general purpose back.  Sammy Morris and falls into this category, but has better hands and can be used in option or checkdown situations.  Kevin Faulk is predominantly a third down specialist due to his receiver-like abilities.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis is the young buck of the group and appears to have all the qualities of a good back and an option guy when needed. Bruce) With Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris both injured now, there will ...

Preview: New England Patriots @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wembley Stadium
Pats Pulpit — ... pressure on guys like Randy Moss and Wes Welker to get open and stay open.  That being said, Tampa Bay would be insane not to blanket these 2 with coverage.  They see the same injury reports we do and know that if you shut down Moss and Welker, you take away 2 of Tom Brady's favorite weapons.  What's a quarterback to do? Well, in most situations, I'd say let's go to the backfield as a checkdown option.  Sammy Morris is out.  Fred Taylor is out.  That leaves Kevin Faulk when you need to ...

Quick Recap: Patriots defeat Buccaneers, 35-7
Pats Pulpit — ... stud in the defensive backfield and not just because of his pick 6 (it was a thing of beauty though, wasn't it?).  He's Mr. Everywhere, prowling the line of scrimmage, disrupting receivers, making big hits.  Cool. Wes Welker is ridiculous.  My only worry about the little engine that can is the possibility of burnout.  I mean, the guy can only take so much.  Get Julian Edelman back on the field. The loss of both Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor didn't seem to impact the ground game today.  ...

Is Parity dead in the NFL? Patriots still in an elite club
Pats Pulpit — ... came back after a year's recovery from ACL/MCL surgery.  Julian Edelman and Fred Taylor have sustained major injuries and could be out for a significant portion of the season.  ...

Game Preview Week 8: Tennessee Titans vs Jacksonville Jaguars Part 3
Big Cat Country — ... The Jaguars have played the Oilers/Titans more than any other franchise. Sunday's game will be the 31st meeting between the two teams, with the Titans holding a 17-13 advantage. The Jaguars first regular season game and first win (Week 5) came against the Houston Oilers. Fred Taylor broke 10,000 career rushing yards in 2007 against the Titans. A win on Sunday would give the Jaguars their first sweep of the Titans since 2005. ...

Quick Bytes: 11/2/2009
Big Cat Country — ... started his 136th career game, tying him with Fred Taylor for the second most in franchise history. Congrats Brad! ...

Should Edgerrin James wear a Patriots uniform?
Pats Pulpit — ... is listed as doubtful; Fred Taylor recently had ankle surgery and best guesses have him returning by the end of the season, if at all.  That leaves ...

Aimless Musings and Shallow Thoughts
Big Cat Country — ... . Derrick cost this team a lot and I am convinced the Mike Peterson and Fred Taylor decisions were financial decisions required to pay for Harvey. Expect him to play well, demand he play well, and I think he will respond. I just don't like the thought of lowering expectations. Derrick is better than that comment implies. ...

First Half Grades and Awards
Big Cat Country — ... is a feature back, enough said. MJD is on pace for a 1,500 yard 22 touchdown season that would eclipse anything Fred Taylor did statistically, which is insane. However, as Jeff Lageman mentioned, Fred was always at his best during the back half of the schedule. Will we say the same about Jones-Drew? ...

Week 10: Wednesday Injury Report
Stampede Blue — ... Dwight Freeney. He was hobbled a bit after taking a chop block Sunday so I'll be watching for him on report tomorrow. Colts.com link   A long list over on the Pats side. Missing practice were; LB Eric Alexander (Groin), WR Julian Edelman (Forearm), DE Jarvis Green (Knee), C Dan Koppen (Knee) T Matt Light (Knee), S Brandon Meriweather (Foot), RB Sammy Morris (Knee)  WR Brandon Tate (Knee), RB Fred Taylor (Ankle), DE Ty Warren (Ankle). That's two ...

Ten Things I'll be looking to see from the Jaguars in the 2nd half of 2009
Big Cat Country — ... MJD is on pace for almost 1,900 total yards and 22 touchdowns this season. The key phrase being on pace. Fred Taylor was famous for exploding in the 2nd half of the season. Will Jones-Drew fade during it? Questions remain as to whether Jones-Drew can be a premiere back over a 16 game season. If he has as good a 2nd half of the season as first half, then we can be sure we have a special player. ...

It could be a Defining Game
Big Cat Country — ... hung 44 points on them earlier that season as Maurice Jones Drew announced his presence with 2 touchdowns and 166 yards rushing. Fred Taylor kicked in another 131 yards. No way could the Colts beat the Ravens, it was impossible. They did win and did it with their defense. Colt fans will tell you it was that game that supplied the power to carry the team past New England the next week and on to beat the ...

Open Game Thread: Patriots @ Colts
Pats Pulpit — ... and Fred Taylor?  There are many questions that will be answered tonight.  A win against the Colts gives us home field advantage should we face each other in the playoffs.  That being said, taking on the Colts at home is no small task.  I'm looking for ...

Opponent History: Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars
Buffalo Rumblings — ... This game was never really close. Fred Taylor and Jones-Drew combined for 124 yards and two touchdowns, and Josh Scobee hit five field goals as the Jags rolled over the Bills. ...

Game Preview Week 11: Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars
Big Cat Country — ... is already within sight of the franchise's single season touchdown record, needing only two more to tie Fred Taylor's record of 14. ...

Shallow Thoughts and Aimless Musings
Big Cat Country — I feel in a mood to say some controversial things. I hope I don't raise any fire storms, they are just things I feel and want to express. Has Maurice Jones Drew eclipsed Fred Taylor as the greatest running back the Jaguars ever fielded?  This season he is putting up numbers that are astounding.  Fred Taylor put up 1572 yards in 2003, Maurice is on track to break that record this year. If anyone deserves a standing ovation on Sunday, it is Maurice. Fred put up 14 touchdowns in his rookie season. Maurice will break ...

New York Jets Run Defense vs. New England Patriots Run Offense
Gang Green Nation — ... The Pats have almost a 50-50 run-pass split offensively, but they do most of their real damage through the air. Their running game is nowhere near as dynamic. Their top back, Fred Taylor, is nursing an ankle injury. ...