The Brandon Marshall Debate - Some food for thought
The Mile High Report — ... Jay Cutler or Matt Cassel Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley or Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Jabar Gaffney Peyton Hillis and the Broncos' run game or Sammy Morris and New England's? Daniel Graham/Tony Scheffler or Ben Watson? Broncos O-Line or Pats O-Line? ...

Around the AFC East: Running Back Rankings
Pats Pulpit — ... , 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.  Sammy Morris will be his usual reliable self as a complement to Maroney while ...

Around The AFC East: Ranking the running back stables
The Phinsider — ... 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 Patriot fans aren't going to be happy ...

Around the AFC East: Ranking the division's running backs
Buffalo Rumblings — ... 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.  The problem ...

Around the AFC East, Week 6: Backfield Rankings
Gang Green Nation — ... . 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. Sammy Morris has been productive for New England, though. ...

Ten Patriots for 2009: No. 9, RB Laurence Maroney
Pats Pulpit — ... has gotten a bad rap during his career at New England.  I would say some of it is deserved.  I have complained often that Maroney "bounces" off of the line when he should be more decisive, similar to Sammy Morris.  However, when he's been asked, he's delivered the goods as he did with four 100+ yard games in the last six of 2007.  All that aside, Maroney is in a fight to hang on to his job as RB workhorse for the ...

Playoffs?!? You Want To Talk About Playoffs?!? - Part One: AFC
Hogs Haven — ... 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 Green-Ellis, Patrick ...

2008 Season Retrospective: Baraka Atkins
Field Gulls — ... sent Lamont Jordan airborne (the two forcing a fumble), coming down hard behind the line and tackling Sammy Morris after two, and, for his first sack, hand fighting ...

Cowboys' Three-Headed RB Monster: Best In The Business?
Blogging The Boys — ... 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 guess that Kevin ...

New England Patriots Training Camp: 5 things to watch for
Pats Pulpit — ... backs - 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 ...

The Future of the Running Game
The Mile High Report — ... with Minnesota, Matt Forte with the Bears and the New England Patriots. Let's look at the Patriots first. We should note that the 2008 New England Patriots had less issues with injuries at running back than the Broncos did, but they saw plenty of injuries as well. Laurence Maroney suffered a shoulder injury that allowed him to play only three games last year. Kevin Faulk got most of the press, but he, too, had injury issues. Sammy Morris, who is probably most similar to Peyton Hillis in his skill ...

New England Patriots PreSeason Watch - Running Backs
Pats Pulpit — ... 44 Eric Kettani RES/MIL RB 5-11 235 3/26/1987 R 34 Sammy Morris RB 6-0 220 3/23/1977 10 ...

A Tennessee Titans Specific Interview with Football Outsiders
Music City Miracles — ... to great lengths to normalize performance based upon the quality of opponent, but one hole I see is that from week to week a given opponent inserts different game planning based up the strengths of the opponent.  This may not be a problem for teams that are somewhat balanced in terms of strengths andweaknesses, but if a team has a great strength anda glaring weakness, it will fundamentally alter the way the opponent approaches the game.  One example from last year might be Sammy Morris from the ...

Running through the roster: thoughts on Mike Reiss's choices for the New England Patriots 53
Pats Pulpit — ... 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 Green-Ellis.  ...

Training Camp Observations for Monday - CB Mike Richardson released, RB Chris Taylor signed
Pats Pulpit — ... The team signed running back Chris Taylor, who spent parts of two seasons with Houston but has been out of football since last October. The 5-11, 220-pound former Indiana Hoosier has played in seven career games and carried the ball 42 times for 160 yards and a touchdown. With Sammy Morris missing practice the last two days, perhaps Belichick felt Taylor could add some depth in practice. The coach said he’d like to have six running backs in camp and has gotten by with five thus far. Taylor took part in the morning workout. ...

Chat with Pats Pulpit for Redskins vs Patriots Game
Hogs Haven — ... be rotating some guys in and out; it'll be a bit unstable for at least quarters two through four.   Hogs Haven: What is the RB situation shaping to look like? It's surprising to see Laurence Maroney is 4th on the depth chart behind Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, and Fragile Freddy. What caused Maroney ...

Game Preview: Washington Redskins vs New England Patriots - Preseason
Hogs Haven — ... Not expected to play: Rock Cartwright, Carlos Rogers, Shawn SpringsQuestionable: Mike Williams, Richard Seymour, Wes Welker, Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris What I am watching for: ...

Postgame Analysis: New England Patriots defeat Washington Redskins, 27-24
Pats Pulpit — ... 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 Sammy Morris always seems to find a way through.  The lone bright spot in this mess was BenJarvus Green-Ellis with 6 for 49. ...

New England Patriots Links 9/02/09 - Brady Airing It Out In Practice
Pats Pulpit — ... Brady aired it out at practice; Belichick couldn't point to a particular issue he had with O'Connell - it was the entire picture that didn't work out; Welker missed another practice with mystery injury; Sammy Morris was back at full speed. ...

Postgame Analysis: New England Patriots defeat New York Giants, 38-27
Pats Pulpit — ... cutting Sammy Morris and only keeping four backs.  Sammy is one of the most reliable backs we have, so I don't necessarily see that unless Hoodie's desperate to free up a spot. ...

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 — ... and Sammy Morris.  If there's any stable of running backs in the league that is capable of sucking out your soul in the late stages of a game with irritating first down after first down, it's this group. ...

Bills Fantasy Friday: Week 1 Start 'Em/Sit 'Em
Buffalo Rumblings — ... 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 Maroney, BenJarvus ...

A look back: New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills, Part 2
Pats Pulpit — ... hit J.P. Losman's knee, but Buffalo simply couldn't overcome Brady's four touchdown passes and Sammy Morris's rushing TD.  The Patriots were on a role and this game would be a harbinger of things to come...again. ...

A mixed message: Vince Wilfork and Adalius Thomas penalties
Pats Pulpit — ... .  Yes, I had a problem with the outcome but, as the rules stood at the time, his hit was not illegal.  Did he lunge at Brady?  Sure.  Could he have held up a bit and not ended Brady's season?  Sure.  But with Sammy Morris on your back and the stakes as high as they are in an NFL game, you do your job and go after an offensive player.  As painful as this video is to watch, the first part is full speed while the second part is numerous slow motion angles.  The full speed portion gives you an idea of just how fast this ...

New York Jets Run Defense vs. New England Patriots Run Offense
Gang Green Nation — ... 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. Sammy Morris might see some action also. ...

Five Questions For Three Patriots Blogger
Sports Page Atlanta — ... , and I can see him getting an increased role this week. Sammy Morris had been their best back in the first half of the last two seasons, but wore down as the season went on. I think the Patriots are trying to keep them all fresh, while at the same time allowing them to play enough to stay sharp. It's a tough balance to achieve, especially when you're throwing the ball so much. I'm hoping you'll see a bigger commitment to the run until Brady can get his issues settled down. ...

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 Sammy Morris or Kevin Faulk pounding the rock or grabbing some receptions. Even thought the passing game wasn't really there, Randy Moss had some nice short inside catches ...

Post Game Recap: New England Patriots defeat Baltimore Ravens, 27-21
Pats Pulpit — ... had some nice catches in critical circumstances and Ben Watson continues to be clutch.  One of the biggest surprises was how effective running backs were as receivers.  In particular, Sammy Morris, often split wide, had 5 grabs for 35 yards. ...

New England Patriots Links 10/05/09 - Patriots over Ravens 27-21, A Cool Win Under Pressure
Pats Pulpit — ... Chris Gasper presents his Ups and Downs from Sunday's win over the Ravens. Tony Massarotti jumps on bandwagon.  "Brady was more accurate and efficient than he has been in any game this season, using an effective mix of run and pass - and, yes, penalties - to defeat a Baltimore team that, like the Atlanta Falcons before it, came into Foxborough unbeaten." Michael Vega and Chris Gasper Patriots Notebook: Sammy Morris flourishing in any role; Junior Seau rumored to sign ...

The impact of sidelining "Fast Freddy", Patriots RB Fred Taylor out for ankle surgery
Pats Pulpit — ... and BenJarvus Green-Ellis would be our general purpose backs.  Sammy Morris may have been in that category until he became a receiving threat in our ...

MHR Chalk Talk -- New England Patriots at Denver Broncos (Week 5, '09)
The Mile High Report — ... But this year, NE hasn't looked great at running back.  They are getting at least 100 yards a game on the ground, but only rank 17th in the run.  Sammy Morris, ...

Your OFFICIAL Arrowhead Pride PARADEBULATION: What kind of Name is "Primetime07" Edition
Arrowhead Pride — ... conundrum, we have Marion Barber, but for the Chiefs' sake we'd like to see him go down on play one.  Also, we auto-drafted this year so we ended up with Cutler and Cassel as our QB options.  We've started Cassel every week.  Uh, yeah, we're gonna do it again.  Smart?  Savvy?  Objective?  No, but this is what makes a Chiefs fan.  Sit down neckbeard, no one cares you don't suck like we hoped you would. This week's pick?  Sammy Morris.  No we're not taking our own advice here, we'll sit on ...

Preview: New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos
Pats Pulpit — ... 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 sitting today so the question is what does that do to the running game?  I'm not sure about Denver, but I believe New England will spend a fair amount of time either on the ground or using their running backs in various situations.  Remember how much Tom Brady aired it out to Sammy Morris?  Who knew Sammy had such good hands. From a ...

New England Patriots Links 10/12/09 - Broncos Over Pats 20-17 in OT Win
Pats Pulpit — ... left in the 2nd half with a head injury;  Moss made his first career interception; Sammy Morris had the bulk of the carries and ...

Post Game Recap: Denver Broncos defeat New England Patriots, 20-17
Pats Pulpit — ... Sammy Morris - With 17 for 68 and a long of 19, Sammy had a good day pounding the rock.  Oh, did I mention he went 2 for 39 yards receiving with a long of 35?  He's becoming a ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... , and had a bit of success at it early with Sammy Morris.  After that, they seemed to get away from that plan, only running much from shotgun looks.  The Broncos defensive line was up to the task, consistently holding the line of scrimmage, as they have in all five games.  Noteworthy performances were turned in by ...

When do we get our Tommy back?
Pats Pulpit — ... It's not about reliving the glory days of 2007.  It's about winning football games...TODAY!  The players are less to blame, IMHO, than the coaching and play calling.  Stop trying to force fit Brady 2009 into Brady 2007.  It's killing him and us.  Turn Moss in (he's getting better at it), use Julian Edelman more, Sammy Morris and ...

Does Tom Brady have the right targets?
Pats Pulpit — ... YEAR recovering from a torn ACL and MCL!  To recover from that AND perform on the field is a testament to a guaranteed legend.  Tom's was the harder recovery.  That can't be argued. Another factor in the offense?  The running game was going gangbusters.  Everything was firing on all cylinders and then...BOOM!  Our leading rusher, Fast Freddy Taylor, blows an ankle.  Back to the Dancing El Mo, Laurence Maroney.  At least we have Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis.  Can you ...

Week Six: Fantasy Focus During the Cowboys' Bye
Blogging The Boys — ... Sammy Morris: Morris has always been known as a hard-nosed runner, but he also has some play-making ability, recording a 19-yard run and 35-yard catch on Sunday. Meanwhile, Laurence Maroney had only five carries for 21 yards with no receptions. For whatever reason, New England doesn't seem to trust Maroney so it wouldn't be a surprise if Morris continues to be the featured back, especially while Fred Taylor (ankle) is out. ...

Tennessee Titans vs. New England Patriots Preview
Music City Miracles — ... ).  The Pats come in ranked 20th in the league rushing.  The Titans should be able to control the attack of Sammy Morris and ...

New England Patriots Links 10/20/09 - The Galloway, Thomas, Banta-Cain Mystery Series Continues
Pats Pulpit — ... Maroney finally turns in a big game against the Titans. Boston Globe Patriots Notebook: Sources say Tully Banta-Cain released; Special teams captain/receiver Sam Aiken signed a two-year extension through 2011with a base salary of $760,000 in 2010 and $775,000 in 2011; Trading by the 4pm deadline today appears unlikely for the Patriots; WR Brandon Tate and T Mark LeVoir are available to practice for the first time today; No word yet on Sammy Morris's injury. Mike Reiss notes the Patriots ...

Enemy Flashback Video & Conversation with Pats blogs!
Buc 'Em — ... and Sammy Morris both injured now, there will obviously a bit less of a rotation.  I think it's a combination of matchups and trying to avoid wear and tear. With lead back, Morris would be the short-yardage back and fullback, ...

New England Patriots Links 10/23/09 - New England Meets Jolly Old England
Pats Pulpit — ... Now comes the hard part — putting solid back-to-back outings together. There is no reason to think Maroney could not follow up his effort against Tennessee with a similar performance this week against the Bucs. He will get plenty of touches (Sammy Morris isn’t expected to play), and Tampa Bay is miserable at stopping the run (they allow an average of 172 rushing yards per game, the 31st in the league). If everything works out, this week should provide his first back-to-back 100-yard efforts since the end of the 2007 season. ...

Preview: New England Patriots @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wembley Stadium
Pats Pulpit — ... Well, in most situations, I'd say let's go to the backfield as a checkdown option.  Sammy Morris is out.  ...

Quick Recap: Patriots defeat Buccaneers, 35-7
Pats Pulpit — ... turned into an absolute 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 ...

Should Edgerrin James wear a Patriots uniform?
Pats Pulpit — ... It's midway through the season and, yet again, the New England Patriots are facing the second half of the season with a depleted backfield.  Sammy Morris 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 Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis: a guy struggling to emerge, a third down specialist, and second year man who earned his stripes last season.  With Sammy and Fred, we at least had a ...

New England Patriots Links 11/06/09 - Dolphins Coach on Single Covering Randy Moss Last Year: "That didn't work out so good."
Pats Pulpit — ... talking about his experience so far. Mike Reiss offers some sights and sounds from Gillette Stadium Thursday. Mike Reiss presents Dan Dierdorf's thoughts on Patriots-Dolphins. Mike Reiss puts up the transcript of his weekly online chat from Thursday. Lots of good insight here as usual. Boston Herald Patriots Notebook: Mayo notes the Wildcat isn't the issue, it's stopping Ronnie Brown; Sammy Morris could be back in 2 weeks; Jonathan Wilhite missed practice ...

FANTASY WEEKEND REPORT by Craig T
Buc 'Em — ... Sleeper: Jamaal Charles @ JAX. Did you see what Johnson and Titans did to this run defense last week? Charles will get majority of carries and should have a good chance to score.   RBs TO SIT   1. LeSean McCoy vs DAL. Westbrook back and Cowboys have been strong against the run.  2. Laurence Maroney vs MIA. Sammy Morris' return clouds backfield picture and MIA also solid vs run. ...

New England Patriots Links 11/10/09 - Coming Soon: The War of 18, 12
Pats Pulpit — ... Wildcat vs. the Pistol formations and how the Sports Hub host ranting about it got it wrong. Monique Walker reports the Patriots are waiting on center Dan Koppen's status. Boston Herald Patriots Notebook: Shawn Springs is wary of Peyton Manning; Leigh Bodden says this is one reason he signed with the Patriots, to be a part of stellar competition like this; Dan Koppen was walking around without a limp; and Sammy Morris made his first locker room appearance since he was ...

Week 10: Wednesday Injury Report
Stampede Blue — ... way, despite not having played in 2 weeks. Getting the day off was 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 ...

Back in the saddle...errhh...Duck Boat again
Pats Pulpit — ... , we appear to have key folks coming back.  Granted, it was the media portion of practice and those players could've sat during the closed portion, but it bodes well for us.  Of particular note: WR Julian Edelman, RB Sammy Morris, C ...

Game Preview: Patriots @ Colts
Pats Pulpit — ... at will. Benjamin Watson - Watson is very well known to the Colts, but the Patriots have been using him sparingly, almost as a sneak attack.  Defenses seem to forget about him and pretty soon, they get burned.  Indy knows enough to blanket Welker and Moss, but they'll simply run out of personnel when we spread the field.  Maybe not as prolific as Clark, Watson can be just as dangerous. Ground game - We need Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, and Kevin Faulk to step up their game a bit.  ...

Open Game Thread: Patriots @ Colts
Pats Pulpit — That's right.  Patriots @ Colts.  This is one of the games we get up for.  Can Dwight Freeney be contained?  Will Brandon McGowan limit Dallas Clark?  Can we mount a solid running game without Sammy Morris 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.  ...

Jets/Patriots Injury Updates & Notes
Gang Green Nation — ... Tom Brady [Shoulder] CB Shawn Springs [Knee] TE Benjamin Watson [Back] Questionable: Offense:  C Dan Koppen [Knee] T Matt Light [Knee] NT Ron Brace [Ankle] G Stephen Neal [Head] TE Chris Baker [Shoulder] WR Julian Edelman [Forearm] WR Sam Aiken [Hip] RB Sammy Morris [Knee] Morris to NESN: ...

New York Jets Run Defense vs. New England Patriots Run Offense
Gang Green Nation — ... Pouha will have his hands full with Dan Koeppen, Steven Neal, and Logan Mankins, all quality run blockers. The Jets don't have the luxury of giving him much help today with four man fronts they may have had against Miami and Jacksonville. The Jets need to primarily play 3-4 to disguise the blitzers. Pouha has done good work holding the point of attack. He'll need to have his best game to help slow down the New England run game. He has to occupy two blockers. Sammy Morris will also see action for New England. He has a 3.6 average on ...