Faceoff - RB Sammy Morris, New England Patriots

Posted 6/29, exclusive to Footballguys.com

Upside - by Jeff Tefertiller

Sammy Morris got off to a surprising great start in 2007. The former Dolphin averaged 14 carries a game before getting hurt. In his first season as a Patriot, the former Texas Tech Red Raider was used in a variety of roles before injury. He was utilized in short yardage, as a change of pace back, and the primary ball carrier. Morris showcased his ability to help the Patriots in many ways. One thing to note is that Sammy Morris got at least ten rushes in every game he played. He was a vital part of the offense.

Until the freak clavicle injury that shortened his season, Morris was able to average ten fantasy points a game. He also filled in for an injured Maroney as the primary ball carrier in two games. Sammy Morris showed he could do the job by rushing for more than 100 yards and averaging five yards a carry in each game.

Even though Morris is 31 years old, he displayed good explosion and quickness. Sammy averaged a career high 4.5 yards per carry. He was the 56th ranked fantasy running back even though playing only six games. The biggest question for Morris is his comeback from the shoulder/clavicle injury. It was such an odd malady that little is known about the prognosis. One other thing to note is that with Kevin Faulk's age, and Morris' injury, the Patriots could be looking for depth at the position. This uncertainty is allowing Sammy Morris to be relatively forgotten in fantasy drafts.

Sammy Morris is tremendous value in 2008. He is being drafted as RB50 even with the RB56 finish (in six games) in 2007. The Footballguys.com consensus staff rankings have him as RB49. But, the Footballguys projections (David Dodds) has Morris pegged about right as RB36. When I look at those projections, they seem very reasonable considering the hot start Morris had to begin the 2007 season. Those projections are 120 rushes for 510 yards, and seven scores, plus 68 yards through the air.

Given the durability questions for Maroney, fantasy owners should definitely keep an eye on Sammy Morris. His ADP is in the top of the 13th round. What a bargain for a bench back that averaged ten fantasy points a game last year. At a point in fantasy drafts where risks are taken, it is wise to take a chance that the veteran rusher is healthy.

Downside - by Chris Smith

Sammy Morris is a very good 'journeyman' running back in the NFL. He is the type of player that can step in, move the chains and fill in when needed without the upside of the elite players. What you see is what you get with Morris I just do not see Sammy Morris putting up numbers in 2008 for one big reason. 3rd-year RB Laurence Maroney is ready to elevate his play and become the go-to running back in New England. Therefore, while this faceoff is in regards to Morris' fantasy chances in 2008, it is Maroney I will be looking at in this study.

Reasons to believe Maroney will become a 20-carry per game RB this season

• Maroney carried the load in the playoffs and especially prior to the Super Bowl. He had two dominating performances in the AFC against two great run-containing defenses.
• Potential for greatness: Unlike Morris, Maroney has the rare ability to take over and dominate a football game. When healthy, his hard running style and elusiveness are a great combination and he is a tough player to guard.
• Maroney just turned 23 years old this season and with two seasons under his belt, is now a seasoned pro who happens to be as young as some rookies entering the NFL.

Final Thoughts

The 31-year old Sammy Morris is dependable but mediocre. That isn't a knock on him as a player but simply a reality. When needed, he can step in and do a decent job but he cannot hold a candle to Laurence Maroney as a game-breaker and with Maroney entering his 3rd season, the sky is the limit for him in 2008. I expect a very big season from Maroney and with RB Kevin Faulk garnering the 3rd-down touches; Morris simply won't get enough work to put up fantasy-worthy numbers.