Patriots RB Laurence Maroney plans to reach his potential in 2010, telling reporters on Wednesday that "the best is yet to come" from him.
Patriots RB Laurence Maroney told reporters he has yet to reach his full potential in the NFL, but that the “best is yet to come” from the former Minnesota standout.
“I know how good I am. I know the type of a player I am and how much help I can be to the team,” Maroney told the Providence Journal. “It’s going out there and proving it to the coaches and having them believe the same thing. I’ve had some good times to where I felt I was playing at great, great levels of intensity and there were times when I felt I could have played better.”
Maroney has seen limited time this preseason, barely playing in last weeks win vs. Atlanta and running behind the second-string offensive line in practice. Currently locked in a battle for New England’s starting running back slot, Maroney is competing against Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk, and Sammy Morris, a trio who he says he owes a lot of his progression this offseason to.
“Every day is a learning experience,” said Maroney, who has only taken 8 carries for 30 yards and a TD so far this preseason. “You can always learn something new having Fred (Taylor), having Kevin (Faulk), having Sammy (Morris) around is definitely great for me,” Maroney said. “I’m learning more of the third-down role, learning how to run routes better with Kevin. Everything they teach me I try to put into my own way, my own style.”
The 4-year vet also believes he’s finally free of the lingering injuries that have plagued him over the past two seasons. “When you’ve got nagging injuries bothering you to the point where you can’t give it your all because you have an ankle or a groin or whatever the injury may be. … [But] I’m feeling good, feeling fresh, feeling happy this year, so hopefully the best comes out this year.”
Either way, Maroney was clear on who his pick would be if he were allowed to choose the starter. “I’m the stuff,” he said. “That ain’t the right word I want to use. But I’ll use it now.
Maroney gained 757 yards and scored a career-high 9 touchdowns in 2009. The only blemish on his record last season was the 4 fumbles he lost, something coach Bill Belichick expects to change entering the regular season.
“Every guy has always got something he can work on and do better,” Belichick said. “I think Laurence has worked hard and has been out there every day and taken his reps and I think he’s ready to go. He’s been out there every day. I think he’s worked hard, is in good condition. I think he’s improved daily because he’s been out there and been able to get the work.”
The Patriots will host the Rams at Gillette Stadium tonight.
