Patriots trade RB Maroney to injury-riddled Broncos
The Denver Broncos have traded for Laurence Maroney of the New England Patriots to strengthen their injury-riddled backfield. Maroney has spent four full seasons in New England, where he showed promise at certain points but battled injury problems and inconsistency.
The Broncos traded a fourth-round draft pick in 2011 and receive a sixth-round pick in addition to Maroney.
Maroney was inactive in the Patriots’ week one win over Cincinnati again battling an injury. Fred Taylor won the starting job in training camp and Sammy Morris moved ahead of Maroney on the depth chart as well. It clearly was not working out in New England
as Maroney was moved down to fourth on the depth chart.
"I just felt like it was time for us to move on," coach Bill Belichick said of the trade. "I have a lot of respect for Laurence. He came in, he had been for four years, he worked hard, and things improved a lot. He's helped a lot as a player. I think he
would have helped us this year, but we just felt like it was time to move on, and felt like we got good value on the trade, so we made it in the best interest of the football team. I'm sure he'll do well for Denver. I think they got a good player and a kid
who will work hard for them."
Maroney is a former first-round pick and was selected in 2006. In four seasons with the Patriots, Maroney has gained 2,430 yards on 582 carries and 21 touchdowns. He has also caught 40 passes for 409 yards and one touchdown. Maroney’s best numbers came early
as his last two seasons have been filled with injuries.
The good news for Maroney is that he can now play for a coach with whom he enjoyed his best success. Broncos’ coach Josh McDaniels was the Patriots offensive coordinator before the Broncos hired him after the 2008 season.
The Broncos have battled injury problems at running back, as Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter were both injured on the first day of training camp. The team signed free agent Lendale White but he is now out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon.
Maroney has a chance to resurrect his career with an offense that needs a boost. His size makes him a threat as a power back but he must overcome some flaws in his game. He tends to dance around a lot, looking for holes when he should use his size to gain
yardage. He has vowed that he will change his habits starting this season.
"I'm not trying to be on, what's that dance show they've got on TV? 'Dancing With the Stars'?" Maroney said. "I'm physical. Downhill."
Tags: