After playing in only three games last season due to a shoulder injury, RBLaurence Maroneyis anxious to perform again. According to a *Boston Globe *story, Maroney's injury-plagued 2008 season helps fortify his appreciation for the game. “I’m overexcited because missing a lot of time for the first time in my life, missing a whole year of any sport for the first time since I started football when I was 9, it was a reality check to just really let you know that you can’t take this game for granted." Maroney understands a running back-by-committee system might be on display Monday night against the Buffalo Bills but getting back on the field is exactly where he wants to be.
In other news, the Boston Herald reports tonight is the ultimate test for QB Tom Bradyand the offensive line. Since the preseason has come and gone, Brady will be tested under pressure making the job of the offensive line as important as ever. "There's always a lot of pressure on us to protect Tom," left guard Logan Mankins[stats] said. "As with any O-line in the league, if you can't protect your quarterback, you're not going to win. We have to do a good job if we want to win games."
Brady's mindset for the season remains the same as always. "When I go out there, we're trying to score points on every single possession. We're not trying to run three plays and punt. We're trying to score a bunch of points."
