NFL

    Laurence Maroney: Why the New England Patriots Traded Him to the Denver Broncos

    Brian Ethridge@BriEthridgeX.com LogoCorrespondent IIISeptember 15, 2010

    Laurence Maroney: Why the New England Patriots Traded Him to the Denver Broncos

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      FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 27: Laurence Maroney #39 of the New England Patriots gains yards against Derek Cox #21 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty
      Jim Rogash/Getty Images

      Even some of the greatest NFL coaches ever have to eventually admit their mistakes. On Tuesday, Bill Belichick admitted one of worst decisions ever by trading away his former 2006 first-round draft pick, Laurence Maroney.

      At 25 years old it's possible the running back can still prove his critics wrong, but that seems highly unlikely. After all, if you can't play for the New England Patriots, who can you play for?

      Here are some of the reasons Belichick decided to trade him to the Denver Broncos for just a fourth-round draft pick.

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    Injuries

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      FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 20: Running back Laurence Maroney #39 of the New England Patriots looks on during warm ups against the Cincinnati Bengals during their preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 20, 2009 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Ro
      Jim Rogash/Getty Images

      As a rookie, Maroney missed a few games due to torn rib cartilage. In 2007 he missed time because of a groin injury, and in 2008 the running back was eventually put on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

      The injuries have not only taken a toll on him physically, but they have affected him mentally as well. At times he's appeared to be running scared, avoiding contact whenever possible.

    Fred Taylor

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      FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Fred Taylor #21 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Johnathan Joseph #22 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL season opener on September 12, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated t
      Elsa/Getty Images

      A lot of people assumed the former Jacksonville Jaguars great was done as a a starting running back in the NFL. He had a horrible season in 2009, but that's mostly because Taylor was suffering from a severe ankle injury.

      Against the Cincinnati Bengals he looked quick on his feet and showed flashes of his former self. If he can stay healthy the entire season, maybe people will begin to remember just how great he once was.

    Hesitation in the Backfield

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      SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 5: Laurence Maroney #39 of the New England Patriots carries the ball during the game against the San Francisco 49ers on October 5, 2008 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
      Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

      As a running back there comes a time when you have to put your head down and run forward. More often than not Maroney would get tackled for a loss because he danced around for too long in the backfield.

    Fumbles

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      FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 02: Laurence Maroney #39 of the New England Patriots carries the ball in a drill during training camp on August 2, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
      Elsa/Getty Images

      One thing Bill Belichick will never tolerate is turnovers. At the end of last season he fumbled four times in seven games. Afterward he never regained the trust of his coaches or teammates.

    Overrated

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      MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 24: Laurence Maroney #22 of Minnesota carries the ball against Purdue on September 24 2005 at the Hubert H Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minnesota defeated Purdue 42-35 in double overtime. (Photo by Matthew Sto
      Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

      Bottom Line: Laurence Maroney just isn’t a good running back.

      He is one of the worst draft busts for the New England Patriots in the Bill Belichick era. In college he always benefited from sharing carries with the likes of Marion Barber and Gary Russell. Those guys obviously made him look way better than he actually is.

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