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Published on 09/14/2010 at Tue Sep 14 14:13.
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Broncos acquire Patriots RB Laurence Maroney

Posted Tue Sep 14th by

New England Patriots running back Laurence Maroney (L) rushes after taking a handoff from quarterback Tom Brady in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game against the New York Jets in Foxborough, Massachusetts November 22, 2009. (REUTERS/Adam Hunger)

New England Patriots running back Laurence Maroney (L) rushes after taking a handoff from quarterback Tom Brady in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game against the New York Jets in Foxborough, Massachusetts November 22, 2009. (REUTERS/Adam Hunger)

Correll Buckhalter‘s disappointing output as backup running back in the Broncos‘ season opener in Jacksonville (six carries, 15 yards, 2.5 avg. with a fumble) has apparently spurned a reaction from Head Coach Josh McDaniels.

The Denver Broncos on Tuesday traded for running back Laurence Maroney from the New England Patriots, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 

Per Schefter, the Broncos send the Patriots their 2011 fourth round draft pick. The Broncos receive Maroney and the Patriots’ sixth round draft pick in return.

In addition to causing a sudden lack of job security for backup running backs Buckhalter, Lance Ball, and Andre Brown, the move could indicate that starter Knowshon Moreno, who rushed for 60 yards in Sunday’s season opener, may have suffered a setback from his preseason hamstring injury.

The Broncos have yet to officially announce the move, or how they will make room on their 53-man roster for Maroney.

Maroney (5-11, 220) has tallied 2,430 yards (4.2 avg.) and 21 touchdowns in four years in New England, but missed the Patriots’ season opener while healing over a thigh injury.  On Monday, before today’s news, he told The Boston Herald he’s waiting for his chance.

“It’s definitely a frustrating thing when you feel like you had a good preseason and you want to come out here and just help the team any way possible,” Maroney said.

We’re not the biggest fan of Maroney — he reminds us a lot of Moreno himself, exerting wasted motion in his cuts that make it difficult for him to get to the second level (hopefully Moreno, being one game into his sophomore campaign, can adjust and grow out of these tendencies). But if Maroney is ready for backup duty, he’s a better option than Buck and company, making this is a great trade, especially since the Broncos didn’t break the bank in compensation.

And the Patriots West movement continues…

  • Cbxbraa

    Have fun broncos fan. You will for now on see tap dancing,rather than gaining yards. Glad the patriots got rid of this trash player.

  • Big_Pete

    Well, I always loved Maroney. The only problem is that he's so fragile. Reminds me of a young Fred Taylor. Tons of ability, but a body that just won't stay healthy. Taylor eventually got over it, and maybe Maroney will too, but the verdict is still out.
    I think Maroney is a great pickup. 1st round talent for a 4th round pick. Not too shabby. I think either Buck lost 5 steps, or his injury is still bothering him, because whoever that was on the field yesterday sure as hell wasn't the Buckhalter that was on our team last season.

  • Big_Pete

    Well, I always loved Maroney. The only problem is that he's so fragile. Reminds me of a young Fred Taylor. Tons of ability, but a body that just won't stay healthy. Taylor eventually got over it, and maybe Maroney will too, but the verdict is still out.
    I think Maroney is a great pickup. 1st round talent for a 4th round pick. Not too shabby. I think either Buck lost 5 steps, or his injury is still bothering him, because whoever that was on the field yesterday sure as hell wasn't the Buckhalter that was on our team last season.

  • Fan From Spain

    how bout trade the 2009 season schedule for the 2010 one on the bottom left. lets move on.

  • Cochransj1

    I'm probably missing some key information, but can we just leave our Roster alone for 1 freaking day! How do you expect to get continuity amongst teammates? I've been a 100% supporter of McD, but am growing weary of his personnel decisions.

  • iskabibble

    I'm now smelling a whiff of desperation in the air. I wonder how Hillis is doing…hmmm

  • Nisse

    someone here at broncotalk should look in to all the trades the broncos have made since mcd & co took over.

    i feel as if there hasnt been that many “wins” in the GM office.

    but maybe its my memorie thats fuzzy

  • mikebirty

    Shanny tried to draft Maroney too after he'd drafted Cutler and said if he couldn't have had Jay he'd have taken Maroney. Personally I like him but that's purely based on some good fantasy production as APs back up.

  • http://manchester-architects.com T-Money

    If he's ready to play who cares? Moreno was showing some good stuff but if McD doesn't want him out there all game long then throw in his twin. Bucky is good too just likes to fumble and get hurt. Hell you could use Maroney on special teams.

    PS… Was anybody else intimidated by KC's Special teams last night? Those guys were tearing it up!

  • areferee

    Depending on which player we put on waivers, this has the smell of desperation. Sounds like McBoy-Genius is going back to the Re-Patriots again for help from Billy. Time for him to stand up on his own, grow a pair and get the most out of what he has. Time to close the revolving door.

    He has the nucleus for a very good team, if he can learn how to get them all to play up to their potential. It is his weakness as a head coach that may be peeking through this haze of mediocrity that has developed around us.

    I'm all for upgrading the team wherever possible, but there seems to be more going on here. Time for experimenting is over. It's time to play hard-ball.

  • broncoman24

    I definately question this move. I can't figure out why he wants to trade for another RB when we hardly ever run it to begin with. Maybe its just me, but I felt like everytime Moreno started to get in a groove, McD would revert back to passing. I don't see how any RB can get the chance to warm up when they are getting the ball once every ten plays. For every run we pass 10x. Again maybe this is me, but that was the way it felt against Jax. I would like to see the pass to run ratio for that game. Don't mean to negative, but it is little frustrating. We have been spoiled for too long I guess. Welcome to the team Maroney!

  • Jackfnburton

    Let's not forget that Buck is actually still banged up. The fumble was costly but he isn't 100 percent right now. I doubt it was just the fumble. He's simply not the same back he was last year. And all we have behind him is Lance Ball and Andre Brown. Tell me we couldn't use a veteran downhill runner with good upside who is available for peanuts. Would you rather have Lance Ball in the game?

  • http://broncoszone.blogspot.com/ Jon

    I've never liked Maroney, but I love this trade

  • Jack

    Great deal for the Broncos. Don't like the fact that McD is continuing to look for an RB when the number one and two aren't 100%, and has two RB's that are rookies? And the powerback gone for the year on IR? Broncos get an experienced back who is familiar with the system (won't take long to bring up to speed on the offense), and gave up what? a 4th round, and also got a 6th round pick in return? If he helps at all, this was a major steal at this point in the season, and with the possibility that either KnowMo or Buck (after getting healthy) could always aggravate their injuries–the what? Fans would probably be complaining that McD didn't pick up an RB . . .

  • dazbroncos

    I wonder the gains of getting him by giving up a 4th to get him. I know its not a lot but by the sounds of it he was going to get cut anyway at which point we could of had him for no loss at all…

    just saying….

  • areferee

    From the DPO:

    The Broncos reached an injury settlement with wide receiver Brandon Stokley and he was formally released off the team's injured reserve list today.

    Defensive lineman Lionel Dotson was signed by the Miami Dolphins off the Broncos practice squad. The Broncos also released linebacker Worrell Williams from the practice squad – D.J. Williams' brother.

    Defensive lineman Jeff Stehle, who was with the Broncos in training camp, and linebacker Titus Brown were signed to the practice squad.

  • ahbronc

    maybe its your spelling

  • http://twitter.com/DantePakistan Michael Land

    Great just what we need, another 1st round RB that can't break a run longer than 4 yards.

  • SouthBroncs

    At least Maroney already knows the offense so there won't be a learning curve. He can plug him in there right away.

  • Fivedenverfans

    great pickup 2 young studs at rb

  • herc_rock

    Maroney and a 6 for a 4? That's a fleecing. You make this trade every time.

  • Nisse

    maybe i have dyslexia and maybe english is not my nativ language, and maybe i just dont bother to do a spell check all the time.

    but i can understand why u wrote that, i got pretty owned.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    The Post had a report on that a few months ago. For as many trades as Shanahan did in Denver, McDaniels has done more. A lot more. Especially on draft day.

    Might be a good project for the offseason, we're a bit preoccupied the next few months!!

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    It also could mean Buck his past his prime, and Lance Ball and Andre Brown are both at least backs with upside/projects. It'll be interesting to see who the Broncos release. My guess is CB.

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    He only has one year left on his contract though. Free agent in six months. Think that's the kicker.

  • Doom92

    Either way we have another running back that does NOT make the hit. Moreno played like a puss, he had a number of ops to gain 4-5 more yards and went to dancing instead.

    Its true, Maroney is the same… But I do agree – him and a 6th for a 4th seems on the surface to be a steal, but maybe the patriots think they are dumping something as well???

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    They don't seem to need him this year, and he isn't signed beyond 2010. Really it's a steal for the Patriots too.

    When you think about it, Broncos might have been able to give up nothing and get him in free agency next year.

  • Doom92

    He is doing rather well in Cleveland… To me he looks much bigger than he was here (last year) but the plays I've seen him make were brutal… He flat runs people over.

    Hey thats it… McImmature doesn't like hard running smash mouth running backs, he prefers tippy toed dancers…lol.

  • Rbschaeffer22

    you can call the tandem…. M&M's! lol

  • anthony33

    I wouldn't think CB gets cut. Good Lord, it was a damn fumble… it's going to happen. Probably Brown IMO.

    The problem as I see it, is that McD has everyone so paranoid of making a mistake that they play tight. No emotion or intensity, just tight, which leads to more mistakes.

    And what the hell is it with him ALWAYS wearing long sleeves no matter how hot it is… does anyone else notice this? I don't know, maybe an arm of narly tatoo's… skin problem… I don't know?? And the guy needs to take a PR class and get past using “you know” and “uh” 500 times during a 5 minute presser. Dude is starting to freak me out.

  • anthony33

    Yep… remember Jarvis Green? I don't think the Pats dump guys that can still play.

    They may miss by a year or two, but that's it.

  • anthony33

    I think McD is confused… shouldn't they be looking for someone that can TACKLE a RB, or maybe at least get in front of a frickin' kick returner?

    I'll bet Maroney doesn't get 50 carries all year… what's the point.

  • anthony33

    Biggest mistake Bowlen made was not hiring Pioli. Going to haunt us for years to come. Think about it… Pioli vs Xanders.

    Bowlen needs to get Rick Dennison on his speed dial.

  • anthony33

    I'm just pissed off tonight.

  • TheTroglodyte

    LMAO!!! OMG I thought I was the only one who caught that. He had on a damn heavy jacket while it was raining too. I mean I know it was raining but good god man, it's over 100 degrees with 100% humidity! I actually like the guy but grab ur sack and man up a second!

  • Aksturg7

    McD could find a cure for cancer and some people would find a reason to bitch about it. Sure we may have had a chance at him as a free agent next year, but we need help this year. Buck looked like he was still hurt. Notice how noone is trashing Belicheck for wasting first round pick. Had McD done this, some of your heads would have exploded.

  • Katch22

    Ya 2 fumbles helped out their team…… GET OVER IT!!! I'm sick of hearing about guys who are not around anymore!

  • Doom92

    No one is twisting your arm to read it… As you are cleaning up the barf and wiping the tears from your eyes just say NO! :-)

  • Doom92

    I have a co-worker here that is from Boston and is as die-hard Pats fan as we all are Broncos fans… Any way, he as with other Pats fans I have talked to are all pretty much in agreement that it was a complete wasted pick and talk about that fairly regularly. But Belicheck making a bone head pick really doesn't effect us enough to talk about it… We are not Pats fans!?!

  • lars94

    “The problem as I see it, is that McD has everyone so paranoid of making a mistake that they play tight. No emotion or intensity, just tight, which leads to more mistakes.”

    You nailed it!!

  • areferee

    How about “Boney and Maroney”?

  • areferee

    How about “Boney and Maroney”?