Jordan to New England hurts Maroney’s status

Does it seem to anyone else that New England coach Bill Belichick just doesn’t trust Laurence Maroney?

During the 2007 season’s last seven games and the playoffs, Maroney seemed to come into his own. He had four 100 yard rushing games the second half of the season and generally established himself as a solid threat, as long as two factors are in play: he has to be healthy and Belichick has to want to run the ball.

But Maroney’s chances of becoming a top fantasy football running back this season took another hit this week. An already crowded backfield starring Maroney, bigger back Sammy Morris, third-down stud Kevin Faulk and three other bit players, added former New York Jet and Oakland Raider LaMont Jordan.

Jordan isn’t a threat to take Maroney’s starting job, especially joining the team this late. He hasn’t had any offseason training activities with the team and he has a lot of playbook reading to do.

But he does bring with him a decent resume as a change-of-pace back, built during those years behind Curtis Martin with the Jets. And he also has a 1,000 yard season under his belt as well.

We like Maroney more than we did last year. He’s probably more the main guy than he was going into 2007 when he was hurt entering the season. But with Belichick’s penchant for the passing game and willingness to play whatever running back has the hot hand coupled with quarterback Tom Brady’s rapport with Kevin Faulk on third down make Maroney a risky pick anytime in the top four or five rounds of a fantasy draft.