"Laurence Maroney missed Sunday's season-opening win against the Cincinnati Bengals with a thigh injury.

The Patriots running back has battled injuries throughout his five years in New England, and he knew his absence would add fuel for his detractors.

"You got your critics out there, and there's nothing better than just to go out there and have that game that you've been hoping to have," Maroney said last night. "You can just look out there and wait at your locker like, 'Come on media, I'm waiting for you,' and be like, 'Boo-yah, there y'all go. What happened to the critics now?' But all we're doing is just postponing it. I think I'm going to have my chance one day, and when it comes I'm going to be prepared for it and take advantage of it."

It was especially frustrating for him to miss Game 1. He had 17 carries for 62 yards and two scores in the preseason, but his reps were inconsistent and spent mostly with the backups."