I have never been sold on Maroney. When he’s healthy, it takes too long for him to warm up. Until that time, he tends to bounce off the line rather than carving his way through the holes. I’m very frustrated with Maroney as the last 4 of 6 games in 2007 were 100 yarders for him, so I know he’s capable. RB Sammy Morris, IMO, is a better back. He “sees” opportunities quicker and makes better choices. As for next year, I would be happy with Sammy Morris as our starter with support from perennial favorite Kevin Faulk and rookie BenJarvus Green-Ellis who was promoted from the practice squad and is having a good run of it. LaMont Jordan (currently injured, may be ready for this Sunday) is probably my favorite back. At 5-10 230 lbs, he’s a bowling ball with legs and is an incredible power back, but is mostly used in the second half when the defense is tired.

As far as the Bills losing 3 out of their last 4, I was honestly shocked. Buffalo seemed to make some good moves this preseason and, with a strong start, was poised to own the AFC East. Losing to Miami was a real kicker to me, but now we both have something in common; they came into Foxboro, MA and Wildcat’d there way to an embarrassing loss for NE.

I think the attitude is Matt’s progressing along nicely. In the preseason, he looked like a liability and many thought he’d be gone come cut day, but the coaching staff knows something we don’t and kept him around. After our loss to Miami, fans were calling for his head and wanted draftee Kevin O’Connell to jump in (he did well in the 4th quarter of that game). After a good showing at Indy, I think fans are behind Cassel. I mean, he went into their house and, if it wasn’t for a few plays and some bonehead Belichick timeouts, would’ve beaten Manning and the boys.

It is certainly true Cassel’s benefitted from one of the easiest schedules in the NFL; many of the teams we’ve beaten haven’t been lighting up the gridiron. At any rate, I don’t think he’s a liability at all; he’s progressed well with his game management skills and shows good pocket presence. Most fans are confident he’ll only get better. I recently wrote a story comparing the Cassel of 2008 to the Brady of 2001 when he took over for the injured Drew Bledsoe. It’s crazy how similar the numbers are.

As far as playoffs, we’re holding our breath. If we’d beaten Indy, I’d have said we’re in good shape at 6-2 and atop the AFC East. Now, with a 3 way 5-3, I think the East is about as competitive as it’s ever been. If Cassel finds the deep ball with Moss, an issue this season, things will change…a lot.

I’ve had some serious concerns about our secondary. CB Ellis Hobbs is a serviceabel corner, but lacks the swagger Asante Samuel had. My homeristic belief was that opponents planned “around” Samuel because he was that good. Hindsight is 20/20, but I do miss Samuel; franchised in 2007, he met all his contract targets not to be franchised in 2008 and decided on a payday with the Eagles. Darn cap space.

Rookie CB’s Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley are doing ok, but can be hot and cold. SS Brandon Meriweather is the “vet” in the secondary and has taken over for longtime safety Rodney Harrison, who we sorely miss. Harrison was the on-the-field coach for the secondary and was good enough to recognize offenses and get in the box when needed. Like Samuel, I think opponents schemed around him. In addition, this is where we will sorely miss safety Tank Williams who suffered a season ending injury in preseason. He was a hybrid safety/linebacker who would come in for nickel and dime packages as well as rotate in at safety. With 7 years in the league, he had the perfect blend of experience and youth to be a real difference maker. Oh well…

Given the above, I think Evans will have a good game; that’s unfortunate for us Pats fans. His numbers this year are quite good and, given the softness our secondary is exhibiting, I wouldn’t put it past him to put up a 100 yarder with a TD for good measure.