Sammy Morris

Morris, Fred Taylor (34) and Kevin Faulk (34 in June) are joined in the Patriots' backfield by sub-30 year-olds, Laurence Maroney and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Together they form a deep unit, but one that creates a situation where when everyone is healthy, it's tough to guess which player will make the most fantasy impact on a week-to-week basis. As a result Morris, who has the trust of the New England coaching staff, can't be considered much more than a late-round dart or in-season pickup, when injuries hit.

Morris led New England in carries last season, resulting in a 4.7 YPC average and seven rushing scores. He’s a solid veteran who excels in no area, and Laurence Maroney should return healthy in 2009. Moreover, Fred Taylor was signed during the offseason. Still, Taylor is 33 years old and approaching 2,500 career carries, while Maroney has proven injury-prone while continuing to disappoint. The backfield is likely to be a committee, but Morris has the coaching staff’s trust, and the Patriots offensive line is fantastic in run-blocking, so Morris can provide value if the situation presents itself.

The Patriots seem to feel okay about Morris' recovery from last year's sternum/clavicle issue, as they did not make much of an attempt to add RB depth in the offseason. Morris will rejoin a backfield that also includes starter Laurence Maroney, all-purpose back Kevin Faulk and fullbacks Heath Evans and Kyle Eckel. Given Maroney's late-season emergence in 2007, it seems pretty clear that Morris will be more of a complementary player (a role that suits him well) this year.

Morris is essentially taking the place of Corey Dillon and will provide the Pats with a back who is more likely to lower his shoulder and power on than starter Laurence Maroney, who often relies on his elusiveness. Morris can also be an effective receiver out of the backfield and unlike Dillon he does not appear to have a problem with being used in a complementary role. Because fellow RB Kevin Faulk is ideally suited to a change-of pace role, Morris would be counted on to handle most of the rushing load in should Maroney suffer an injury at any point.

With Ricky Williams serving a full-season suspension, the Dolphins have expressed confidence that Morris can be the full-time backup to Ronnie Brown. However, Brown will get 300+ carries, so don't expect much from his backups, who will share 100 or so carries.

While Morris and Lamar Gordon may actually be in competition for who takes the first hand-off of the season, keep in mind that Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are the #1 and #2 RB's on this team and were it not for each of their individual issues (contract/suspension), Morris would have no chance of seeing fantasy worthy action. Once this season begins to take shape, Morris will battle with Gordon for the #3 back and will likely slide into a 4th string RB who sees limited action during passing downs and at the goal line. The Dolphins Offensive Line severely damages any fantasy value this RB group may offer, so, pending injury, no player outside of Brown or Williams will have anything close to fantasy value in 2005.

With Travis Henry, Olandis Gary and possibly even Willis McGahee in the mix, Morris is fighting just to make the team in 2003. He does have decent value on special teams, but that's about it.