Patriots tailback Laurence Maroney sums up his training camp outlook in a single nine-letter word:

"Finishing. It's all about finishing," Maroney said after yesterday's morning workout at Gillette Stadium. "No matter what I'm doing - if it's a block, a pass route or running - you have to finish it. Everything is about finishing."

The mantra of finishing is not just a simple response to the Patriots' 17-14 loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. The concept has been handed down by coach Bill Belichick to put the recent past in perspective. Finishing is really about the Pats' new beginning. The fresh start will take on a new dimension when the Pats host the Baltimore Ravens in the first preseason game Thursday night at Gillette.

"We are all starting from scratch and Laurence is working on everything and finishing his plays," Belichick said. "Whatever it is, that (finishing) is important, and there are a lot of things we are working on at this point."

Maroney is anxious to face live competition and solidify his hold on the starting job. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound running back gained 835 yards on 185 carries last season with six touchdowns in 13 regular-season games. Belichick platooned Maroney with Sammy Morris through the first six games, but Maroney assumed the job full-time when Morris went down with a chest injury. Maroney excelled in the playoffs, rushing for 280 yards and three touchdowns on 61 carries.

"That (the playoffs) gave me a little bit more confidence in myself," he said. "Once I put my mind to it, I know I can be a good back in the NFL. It's just a point of being patient and just going out and doing what I do best. I'm almost there. I wish I was a little bit further but I can't complain because I'm a lot further than I was last year. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm not far away from it."

Maroney tops the depth chart, but the Patriots have five players fighting to be the primary ball carrier. Kevin Faulk is the veteran third-down specialist, but Morris, Oakland Raiders import LaMont Jordan and rookie BenJarvus Green-Ellis are in the mix."