Ray Rice To Be Teams Feature Back Against Chiefs

[Raven07]

according to Aaron Wilson courtesy of his twitter page, is reporting that Rice has in fact informed the media, that he will in fact be the Teams Feature back going into Week 1's match up against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium....

Think its a great move on the Ravens part because Rice is smaller, he's packed on more muscle, is versitle both as a Runner and as a reciever, and can get into the open field, using is size and speed to burst through Kansas City's Defensive Front, whom is moving to a 3-4 defensive system, and lacks talent in various points on the front...

Meanwhile, McGahee has accepted his "backup role" and embraced the Teams decision to move forward to go with Rice in the week 1 match up.

Could be a very interesting day for Rice indeed

[flynismo]

No surprise.

Ironically, Rice looks like Priest Holmes v_2.0

[20ravens52]

This is a mistake. IMO Rice is a good running back but he is not nearly as good of a 1st down and 2nd down back as Mcgahee. Yes rice is a stronger rice but, he is not really the type of back that really moves the pile because of his frequent juke move. I believe that he should be in at RB on 3rd down situations and other "passing" situations.

Mcgahee knows that they will be wanting his services on first and second downs; be it during that first game or a few games down the road.

[Ed_Reed20]

I'm not saying McGahee should stir up controversy but it seems like he's accepted the back-up role without a fight. He's bigger than Rice, stronger and much better in pass protection. Regardless, I'm really looking forward to what Rice will do against KC. Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL but from what Rice has shown in pre-season he should have a big day against their defense. He's probably the closest thing the Ravens have to a legit play-maker this year.

P.S. Ray actually hasn't scored a touchdown in the NFL. He should score at least one against KC.

[flynismo]

We're fortunate to even be having this debate! I love our team!

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='flynismo' date='09 September 2009 - 01:36 PM' timestamp='1252517779' post='231294']
We're fortunate to even be having this debate! I love our team!
[/quote]
Exactly. To have a former Pro Bowler as our backup is a blessing that not every team has.

[PuRock]

Let's wait until game day to see how much of a feature back he will be used as. You can never know about the information that is leaked to the media.

I do think we will lean on him much more over last year but to what extent? In today's game it really proves to install that change of pace guy. It'll be interesting come Sunday night, what our rushing attack will have looked like.

I personally love Ray Rice, and I think he is a nice feature back. But I can't see Harbs and Cam going away from the Smörgåsbord of runners.

[hazeleyes]

I think that Willis isn't putting up with a fight because he's gonna show what he can do. I think he's just quiet about being the back up cause he's will show up on the field and remind the coachs why he was one of the best backs in the league. He will show up on that field he even said in an interview he wants everyone to sleep on him and have no expectations. I think he's gonna show Rice who the best back is I can't wait and see

[Alexir]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='09 September 2009 - 01:34 PM' timestamp='1252517652' post='231293']
I'm not saying McGahee should stir up controversy but it seems like he's accepted the back-up role without a fight. He's bigger than Rice, stronger and much better in pass protection. Regardless, I'm really looking forward to what Rice will do against KC. Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL but from what Rice has shown in pre-season he should have a big day against their defense. He's probably the closest thing the Ravens have to a legit play-maker this year.

P.S. Ray actually hasn't scored a touchdown in the NFL. He should score at least one against KC.
[/quote]

Because last time he opened his mouth about not getting playing time, Harbaugh thought he wasnt putting the team first and that he was being selfish. [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Harbaugh is doing this just because he drafted Ray Rice and wants to make his own team up.

Guarantee McGahee will be used like a piere thomas by week 6 when they realize Ray Rice runs between the tackles like Reggie Bush.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='hazeleyes' date='09 September 2009 - 02:07 PM' timestamp='1252519672' post='231299']
I think that Willis isn't putting up with a fight because he's gonna show what he can do. I think he's just quiet about being the back up cause he's will show up on the field and remind the coachs why he was one of the best backs in the league. He will show up on that field he even said in an interview he wants everyone to sleep on him and have no expectations. I think he's gonna show Rice who the best back is I can't wait and see
[/quote]

You may be right. I'm looking forward to what Rice will do but McGahee is the better overall back.

[theFRANCHISE]

For the record, even though Ray Rice is one of my starters in fantasy football, I also handcuffed Willis Mcgahee to him, so I benefit from either one starting.

But that aside, the fact of the matter is, it doesn't matter who the starter is so long as the designated back for each week takes the ball and runs with it (no pun intended.) If anything, having McGahee as a backup speaks to the depth this team has if it can afford to keep him playing situationally rather than getting all the carries.

Additionally, this works out to the Ravens' advantage in the long run, as this keeps McGahee fresh as the season progresses. It's crucial that he stay healthy until the run to the playoffs, when he'll likely get the bulk of his carries. And while McGahee is carrying the load, Rice then gets time to recover, and by the time the playoffs roll around, both guys will be healthy enough to split carries and keep defenses off-balance.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='09 September 2009 - 02:13 PM' timestamp='1252520021' post='231302']
For the record, even though Ray Rice is one of my starters in fantasy football, I also handcuffed Willis Mcgahee to him, so I benefit from either one starting.

But that aside, the fact of the matter is, it doesn't matter who the starter is so long as the designated back for each week takes the ball and runs with it (no pun intended.) If anything, having McGahee as a backup speaks to the depth this team has if it can afford to keep him playing situationally rather than getting all the carries.

Additionally, this works out to the Ravens' advantage in the long run, as this keeps McGahee fresh as the season progresses. It's crucial that he stay healthy until the run to the playoffs, when he'll likely get the bulk of his carries. And while McGahee is carrying the load, Rice then gets time to recover, and by the time the playoffs roll around, both guys will be healthy enough to split carries and keep defenses off-balance.
[/quote]

I have Rice in one my leagues too. I've got him starting in the "flex" spot this week.

Good point. And I'm sure the team will want to get McClain involved no matter how effective Rice and McGahee may be. All you have to do is look back at the final drive against the 'Skins lat year. I think they worked 8 minutes off the clock just pounding the ball up the middle.

[CorvusCorax]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='09 September 2009 - 02:13 PM' timestamp='1252520021' post='231302']
For the record, even though Ray Rice is one of my starters in fantasy football, I also handcuffed Willis Mcgahee to him, so I benefit from either one starting.

But that aside, the fact of the matter is, it doesn't matter who the starter is so long as the designated back for each week takes the ball and runs with it (no pun intended.) If anything, having McGahee as a backup speaks to the depth this team has if it can afford to keep him playing situationally rather than getting all the carries.

Additionally, this works out to the Ravens' advantage in the long run, as this keeps McGahee fresh as the season progresses. It's crucial that he stay healthy until the run to the playoffs, when he'll likely get the bulk of his carries. And while McGahee is carrying the load, Rice then gets time to recover, and by the time the playoffs roll around, both guys will be healthy enough to split carries and keep defenses off-balance.
[/quote]

Very well put. They are both starters in my eyes. Does it matter in the long run? Not really. McGahee knows he'll be having just as many attempts as Rice gets. Also, this gives the opposing team less film for them to look at.

[flynismo]

[quote name='hazeleyes' date='09 September 2009 - 02:07 PM' timestamp='1252519672' post='231299']
I think that Willis isn't putting up with a fight because he's gonna show what he can do. I think he's just quiet about being the back up cause he's will show up on the field and remind the coachs why he was one of the best backs in the league. He will show up on that field he even said in an interview he wants everyone to sleep on him and have no expectations. I think he's gonna show Rice who the best back is I can't wait and see
[/quote]

I think you're exactly right when it comes to Willis' perspective on this.

[flynismo]

Guys, just think how BRUTAL our running attack is going to be this year.

First off, I honestly believe that we have the best OL in the league.

Then, the three headed monster. Rotating Rice, McGahee AND McClain throughout the entire game ensures that all three of them are fresh. So the fourth quarter going up against worn out defenses should be just a regular barrel o' monkeys to watch.

And to top it all off, Flacco is going to emerge and command respect, preventing the usual 8- and 9- men in the box and spreading the defenses out.

I can't wait.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Alexir' date='09 September 2009 - 12:13 PM' timestamp='1252519998' post='231300']
Because last time he opened his mouth about not getting playing time, Harbaugh thought he wasnt putting the team first and that he was being selfish. [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Harbaugh is doing this just because he drafted Ray Rice and wants to make his own team up.

Guarantee McGahee will be used like a piere thomas by week 6 when they realize Ray Rice runs between the tackles like Reggie Bush.
[/quote]
I still cant believe your comparing Rice to Bush, I like Mcgahee too but the knock on Rice is not his toughness or running North/South, its breakaway speed and size. I too believe Mcgahee will get alot of carries this year it might be because Rice has a rough couple weeks, but its not going to be cuz Rice is a softie.

[20ravens52]

I feel like Willis is he better "overall" back(experience, waiting for blockers, power, breaking tackles with that nasty stiff arm, vision, and top end speed)
and he knows this.

Yeah sure Ray Rice does 1 or 2 things better than Willis like his good agility, and catching the ball but, Willis is more a better all round back.


I'd like to hear what you have to say if you think otherwise.

[edreedfromtheu]

I argued so hard against Rice being drafted, mainly because we had plenty of capable running backs, and we really needed corner depth in what was a corner-heavy draft.

But, I have to admit that I am so happy to see the Ravens finally running screen plays and actually SELLING the run before they throw the screen! Boller was horrible at this. And Rice is a perfect back for it. I am very happy with how the running game should be this year. And it wouldn't be possible unless McGahee took the "demotion" like a man.

Speaking of McGahee, he looks so focused. I am really looking forward to the Ravens on offense this year. I know, that sounded crazy as it was coming out of my mouth!

Is the situation good for fantasy? No. But you have to set fantasy football aside if you are a true fan and want to see the team do well.

What's really great about Rice starting, is that McGahee will be in on third downs more often... and I trust him blocking a whole lot more than I trust Rice. And McClain... is just a do-it-all beast. Ravens are going to be fun to watch!

[Bltravens]

Rice is still the 3rd down back, unless we go split backs formation is the only time Mcgahee will be on in 3rd down situations.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Alexir' date='09 September 2009 - 02:13 PM' timestamp='1252519998' post='231300']

Guarantee McGahee will be used like a piere thomas by week 6 when they realize Ray Rice runs between the tackles like Reggie Bush.
[/quote]

Wow...Rice runs nothing like Bush between the tackles. Rice has one of the nastiest stiff arms this side of MJD. Bush probably thinks "stiff arm" is what happens if you stay curled up in the fetal position too long when you see Ray Lewis coming for you.

[Ravensfan23]

I think Willis McGahee put up his fight by showing up at OTA and Camp in probably the best shape of his career. I think he showed his fight by not stirring things up and putting everything on flim. I think he put up his fight when he trucked Kelley Toloavou during the first practice of training camp.

Willis doesn't have to worry about being the #2 because he will get his touches, and the type of back that Willis is, it doesn't matter when he gets his touches. Unlike a RB like Jamal Lewis who said he needed about 15-20 touches just to get warmed up to get the most out of his running sytle, McGahee can come off the bench and be a instant impact for the offense. Much like the Cowbody game.

I think the Ravens will use McGahee a lot sunday and for the entire season. For me it all goes back to the oline. If those guys can open up some nice whole, then both Rice and McGahee has the potential to strike big in the running game. I made the prediction that both Rice and McGahee will rush for over 1,000 yards this year and i still beleive that.

We didn't see it in the preseason but i think the Ravens running game will be explovise this year. Last year we were good running the ball because we ran so much, but out YPC wasn't that impressive. This year we will see much bigger plays out of the running game and that will only help out the play action.

[flynismo]

[quote name='20ravens52' date='09 September 2009 - 02:47 PM' timestamp='1252522054' post='231317']
I feel like Willis is he better "overall" back(experience, waiting for blockers, power, breaking tackles with that nasty stiff arm, vision, and top end speed)
and he knows this.

Yeah sure Ray Rice does 1 or 2 things better than Willis like his good agility, and catching the ball but, Willis is more a better all round back.


I'd like to hear what you have to say if you think otherwise.
[/quote]

Neither of the two are the total package, like an LT or Larry Johnson. They complement each other quite nicely though. I can't say that the one is more complete than the other; they bring different, but equally imposing, skill sets to the table.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='flynismo' date='09 September 2009 - 02:37 PM' timestamp='1252521457' post='231313']

First off, I honestly believe that we have the best OL in the league.

[/quote]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I think the G-Men have the best o-line in the league. I don't think they've lost anyone from last year and ESPN was pushing for them to win the MVP as a unit.

Still, the Ravens o-line is very good right now and could easily be the best the best if they stick together for 2-3 years.

[Hog Farmer]

Putting Rice in is a mistake. A big mistake. We need a back with enough power to move the pile. The Chiefs have a massive front and will be blitzing their linebackers. Actually Rice or Magheyhee will have a tough day.

[Alexir]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='09 September 2009 - 03:08 PM' timestamp='1252523284' post='231331']
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I think the G-Men have the best o-line in the league. I don't think they've lost anyone from last year and ESPN was pushing for them to win the MVP as a unit.

Still, the Ravens o-line is very good right now and could easily be the best the best if they stick together for 2-3 years.
[/quote]

Yeah I agree. Plus they got Madison Hedgecock as FB (who I think is the best FB in the league).

If Rice doesnt dust the Chiefs defense then he is getting replaced fast.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Alexir' date='09 September 2009 - 04:28 PM' timestamp='1252528108' post='231354']
If Rice doesnt dust the Chiefs defense then he is getting replaced fast.
[/quote]
I wouldn't necessarily say that; the Chiefs have a decent set of linebackers, despite how porous their defense was last season. I'd give him at least through Week 2 against the Chargers or Week 3 against the Browns before making a decision on how to proceed. Obviously, things could easily change in-game and McGahee or McClain could start to get more carries as each game wears on, but other than that, there's no need to "settle" on a starting RB until Week 4 against the Patriots on the road. And even then, I have faith on all three guys since all three are starter-quality, especially for most other teams.

[Ravensfan23]

Here's a little Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and LeRon McClain from last year, to get everyone a little excited about Sunday.

Smash
[url="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2008122000/2008/REG16/ravens@cowboys#tab:watch"]Week 16[/url]
[url="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2009010400/2008/POST18/ravens@dolphins#tab:watch"]WildCard Week[/url]

Dash
[url="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2008101905/2008/REG7/ravens@dolphins#tab:watch"]Week 7[/url]
[url="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2008110903/2008/REG10/ravens@texans#tab:watch"]Week 10[/url]
[url="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2008122000/2008/REG16/ravens@cowboys#tab:watch"]Week 16[/url]

Flash
[url="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2008110203/2008/REG9/ravens@browns#tab:watch"]Week 9[/url]

I expect to see even more of this come Sunday.

[Bltravens]

whos the dude running around throwin up the negative rep ratings like their candy to everything thats being said?

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Bltravens' date='09 September 2009 - 06:38 PM' timestamp='1252535883' post='231398']
whos the dude running around throwin up the negative rep ratings like their candy to everything thats being said?
[/quote]
Probably a troll. I wouldn't worry about it, the reputation ratings really don't do/mean anything as of right now.

[ZIBBY28]

[quote name='Raven07' date='09 September 2009 - 01:19 PM' timestamp='1252516783' post='231286']
according to Aaron Wilson courtesy of his twitter page, is reporting that Rice has in fact informed the media, that he will in fact be the Teams Feature back going into Week 1's match up against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium....

Think its a great move on the Ravens part because Rice is smaller, he's packed on more muscle, is versitle both as a Runner and as a reciever, and can get into the open field, using is size and speed to burst through Kansas City's Defensive Front, whom is moving to a 3-4 defensive system, and lacks talent in various points on the front...

Meanwhile, McGahee has accepted his "backup role" and embraced the Teams decision to move forward to go with Rice in the week 1 match up.

Could be a very interesting day for Rice indeed
[/quote]
i agree with what you said for the most part, except for the part about KC's front seven.. i think their front 7 on defense is the best aspect on their team. They've loaded up on talent in the draft the past two years with Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey, plus have pro bowlers like tamba hali and derrick johnson at LB and added mike vrabel.. the transition to a 3-4 will be tough fitting personell to the system, but they have some damn talented players to make it happen.

that being said, i dont think we'll have problems running the ball. we have a great o-line and scheme to fit the strengths of each RB on this team. plus, when you run the ball 35 times a game, it wears on defenses and eventually the team is bound to break one. i love the makeup this team has