Follow Fred's Footsteps, Laurence

During Fred Taylor’s first four years in Jacksonville, he missed 24 of 64 games. Viewed as a fixture on the sideline instead of on the field, fans labeled the former Florida Gator running back “Fragile Fred.”

Those same fans don’t call Taylor fragile anymore. After recovering from a 2001 groin injury that knocked him out of 14 games, Taylor missed just 12 games in seven seasons, amassing 7,801 yards.

I haven’t heard catcalls of “Lame Laurence” or “Mending Maroney,” but the New England locals aren’t high on Laurence Maroney because he missed 18 of 48 games. They are bothered that a running back that doesn’t show toughness while running the ball spends so much time off the field.

There’s no denying Maroney’s talent. His strong finish to the 2007 season raised everyone’s hopes for 2008. And with Corey Dillion retired and replaced by career back-up Sammy Morris, the path was cleared for Laurence to reach new heights.

But a shoulder injury (Maroney says it was broken) cost him 13 games and the belief of the Patriots faithful.

It didn’t help that Maroney’s running mate from his University of Minnesota days is Marion “the Barbarian” Barber III. Barber has established himself as one tough runner to bring down. One of his greatest runs was against the Pats in 2007 when he avoided a safety by breaking seven tackles.

I betcha Patriots fans wished they’d see that from Maroney instead of him jitter-bugging behind the line for a loss of yards. Maybe if Laurence hit holes quickly he wouldn’t get hurt so much.

A lot of fans are ready to leave Maroney on the side of the road, just another first round bust.

But if there was any reason to still have hope that Maroney will fulfill his potential, then look no further than Taylor.

“Fragile Fred” bounced back from his worst injury to start 16 games for the next two seasons and rushed for more than 2,800 yards. Maroney will split carries with Taylor and Morris, but if Laurence bounces back from his shoulder injury like Taylor did eight seasons ago, Maroney could have a career best year.

Maroney is part of a stacked backfield that should be better than last year’s group. Morris and Kevin Faulk are back, Taylor replaces LaMont Jordan, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis is available at a moment’s notice after proving capable when injuries mounted.

But if Laurence stays healthy and runs hard, he will lead the backfield quintet. If he needs advice on how to bounce back, all he has to do is ask Fred.

Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com.