Taylor Ready for Starting Job but Maroney Can Step In
Pats set with deep backfield
Seasoned veteran Fred Taylor started in the Pats final pre-season game.
After discussion all pre-season long, the Patriots running back situation seems to have cleared up. With Fred Taylor starting during Thursday night's pre-season game, the veteran back has moved to the top of the running backs list.
With 12 years of experience, Taylor knows better than to put too much stock into the starting job.
“I don’t really play into that; for me, starting is about one play,” Taylor said. “At the end of the day, it means nothing about who is that guy out there on the first play. I just want to be ready. At the end of the day, you never know what is going to go on around here."
Which is exactly why Pats fans shouldn't forget about Laurence Maroney, the back who was at one time considered New England's best. He wasn't given much a chance in the first three pre-season games, and reports say that he was dealing with injury. Though Maroney is likely now the third string rusher, he showed promise during Thursday night's loss to the Giants.
As Dan Shaughnessy pointed out, Taylor is injury-prone. He hasn't played a full 16-game season since 2003. The Pats will need someone like Maroney ready to go when Taylor has to sit out a game or two. Maroney says he will be ready.
“I am a team player. I always tell you guys from year in and year out, whether I get all the carries, no carries or 10 carries, I just want to win. I just want to be part of a winning team. We definitely have a lot of great backs. I feel like any of our backs, if on a different team, maybe could start. Whenever they call my number, I'm going to be ready."
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Posted Friday, Sep 3, 2010 - 4:36 PM EST
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