The Pats will need to deal with RB Maurice Jones-Drew when they face Jacksonville Sunday. He is tied for the lead league with 15 rushing TD's and is third in rushing behind Chris Johnson and Steven Jackson. He has caught 49 passes for 33 yards this season. Since he entered the league in 2006, his 56 TD's rank 2nd only to LaDainian Tomlinson's 71.
The 5'7" , 208 pound back from UCLA shared carries with Fred Taylor when he first arrived in Jacksonville. Taylor acted as a mentor and friend. They trained together in the off-season. As Jones-Drew began to emerge, his carries increased at the expense of Taylor. Prior to this season, the Jaguars released Taylor and the Pats signed him for his 12th season. Taylor and Jone-Drew continue to remain close friends.
Back in 1998, Taylor and former Pats RB Robert Edwards were both first round draft choices. Both enjoyed great rookie seasons and were constantly compared. Edwards was Offensive Rookie of the Year and lead the Pats with 1,115 yards rushing.
While participating in a Pro Bowl touch football game on the beach for rookies, Edwards suffered a devastating knee injury which curtailed his career. Taylor is now facing the beginning of the end of his career. Jones-Drew has the future ahead of him wondering what it holds for him.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.