The Pats had everything going during yesterday's 35-7 win over Jacksonville. They piled up 194 yards on the ground. Who would have thought they would do it without Laurence Maroney for most of the game.
The Pats mounted a big opening drive. They moved the ball down the field at will with Maroney carrying the ball for big chunks of yards. It appeared he scored on a 1 yard run, but fumbled the ball for the 4th time this season. Three times have been at the the goal line.
This may have been too much for Coach Belichick. He pulled Maroney from the game, never to return. Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulke and Fred Taylor pounded the Jacksonville defense with big runs. Taylor took over in the 4th quarter, allowing the Pats to burn the clock with key runs for first down.
Where does this leave Maroney? Was this a one game thing? They need him for the playoffs, but turnovers are not acceptable.
In his post-game press conference, Coach Beichick did his usual deflection and said that all of the backs contributed to the win by running the ball. He never mentioned Maroney's gaff.
In the past, he has said that whoever has the ball in their hands carries the fate of the team. One turnover can cost the team the entire season.The stakes are getting higher. Coach Belichcik is walking a fine line. As much as the teams needs Maroney, he can't let one player cost the team a possible trip to the Super Bowl.
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