Fantasy Smorgasbord: Drinking the Maroney Kool-Aid
I’m a Missourian, so it’s been a long time since I first heard of Laurence Maroney. It was before the dreads. It was before the Koolaid moniker stuck. It was definitely before I ever heard of “construda.”
Back in the day, Maroney was an All-American running back out of St. Louis. My dad, a Mizzou booster, and his cronies had big-time hard-ons for him. We’re talking Ron Jeremy OD’ing on Viagra here. Maroney visited Missouri and had the school on his short list, but much to my pop’s chagrin he ultimately chose to attend the University of Minnesota instead.
While Maroney played for the Golden Gophers, I watched him quite a bit. Honestly, I loved kid’s game. He reminded me of Steven Jackson. In fact, he reminds me even more of Action Jackson now. So much so that I might even “reach” and pick him seventh overall in my fantasy football league’s draft next month.
Maroney plays almost just like Jackson. Hell, he even looks like him. I picked — well, some said I reached back then — Jackson fifth overall last year. My man Action damn near won me a title, as I lost to the eventual champ and outscored every other team every other week of the playoffs. Naturually, I’m back looking for the next S-Jax.
For those of you worrrying about Maroney’s shoulder — stop it. He had surgery in March and will be more than ready to rumble here when training camps kick off soon. Really, that should be your only worry, too.
Maroney ripped off 939 yards and seven TDs last year, despite that nagging shoulder injury and serving as Corey Dillon’s caddy. Dillon’s no longer a Patriot, so you’ve seen the last of Koolaid the Caddy — he’s the undisputed running back in New England now. Maroney also had to deal with returning kicks last season, a duty Wes Welker will handle for him in ‘07.
Now that Maroney’s a featured back, I definitely expect huge things from him. Those expectations grew exponentially when the Pats added Adalius Thomas, Brandon Merriweather, Donte’ Stallworth, Randy Moss and Welker. Not only do the Patriots have one of the best defenses in the league, but the Blue, Red and Silver also might have the best offense. Tom Brady has never even had close to this much talent at his disposal. Add in the game’s best coach, The Hoodie, and it’s not a stretch to think that the Patriiots will see more redzone opportunities than any other NFL team. That could mean 15 total TDs for Maroney, along with what will likely be around 1,700-1,800 total yards. Yes, I even think he can put up 15 TDs with the Mike Vrabels of the world vulturing some potential scores.
As we get closer and closer to the actual NFL season, you’ll keep hearing about RBs like Frank Gore, Joseph Addai and Willie Parker. Even if Laurence Maroney’s name isn’t getting tossed around with those guys, I implore you to keep him on your radar screens, especially if you pick late in the first round. Because if you can’t pick a Steven Jackson, picking the next Steven Jackson might be the next best thing. “Wash u ass!”
That’s it for this week. Keep your eyes open for a special Fantasy Football Battle Royal feature we’ll be running soon. Also, mark your calanders — I will be live blogging the Dirty Dozen’s live fantasy draft from Kansas City on August 18.
I like Maroney also and his shoulder injury is of no concern.You have a great site here.
July 20th, 2007 at 10:59 amThanks! And Maroney is definitely no joke.
July 20th, 2007 at 1:09 pm