Laurence Maroney and the New England Patriots play the Minnesota Vikings this week. Maroney was asked some questions about returning to the Metrodome and about the Gopher football program.
From the Star Tribune article Maroney says Mason can utilize talent better and Mercury News article Former Gopher Maroney appears to have his doubts about Mason:
Asked if he had heard about the "Fire Mason" chants during recent home games, former Gophers running back Laurence Maroney, a rookie first-round draft pick of the New England Patriots, said, "I'm not going to get up on that because it's none of my business. But we [Minnesota] got a great group of guys that can play.
"Sometimes, I feel like Mason doesn't realize the talent that he does have. He overlooks a lot of people. I don't know for what reason, but he overlooks a lot of people. He doesn't give them a chance. They have a great receiving corps, a great running back corps, and he just doesn't know how to use what he has sometimes."
And:
During his first two seasons at Minnesota, Maroney teamed with Marion Barber III, now a key member of the Dallas Cowboys' backfield.
"Even though I did play a lot, there was a lot more than me and Marion," Maroney said.
"We had great receivers. We had [Aaron] Hosack and a lot of other receivers.
"I don't think [Mason] knew how much talent he really had on the team. I think he got so far caught up into how good we were running the ball. If we wanted to, we could have spread the field effectively.
"But it's been like that for awhile," Maroney added. "They've been stuck in this running mentality that they really don't know what type of receivers they have. So they really haven't given them a chance."
And:
Mason didn't seem upset by Maroney's comments when contacted Wednesday evening.
"I believe in freedom of speech," Mason said. "I've always had a great relationship with Laurence. He never expressed anything like that to me."
Maroney said Mason's coaching wasn't a factor in him leaving school early for the NFL. He leads the Patriots and all NFL rookies in rushing with 361 yards on 86 carries (a 4.2-yard average) with three touchdowns.
"I rushed for 1,000 yards every year in college. What else was there to prove?" he said.
"Did I want to take my next 200 or 300 hits in college or the NFL?"
Maroney emphasized that he feels Mason should keep his job.
"I don't think they need a new coach," he said. "I just think he needs to open his eyes and look at his team."
I completely agree with Maroney’s take on Coach Mason. That and the need of PR help. By the way, I am also still waiting on the opening up of the offense and some passing of the ball.
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