Willis McGahee Getting Back to His Old Self?

[Alexir]

The reason you start Willis over Rice is even though its a team effort, you are going to get 110% out of both of them. Willis will want to keep his more carries but Ray will want them back so each will be "trying out" for the coaches playing their best football.

[shaikh015]

What a way to start the season 2 kudos Willis.....He had something like 1 td in the beginning and one at the end of the chiefs game....

[Bltravens]

Against teams that have defenses with teeth I think we'll be seeing more Mcgahee as the traditional HB with Rice spelling him for a change of pace. The way Rice plays against teams like the Steelers or if we see the Titans again, teams like that, will be huge for us. To combat the zone blitzing in Pitt we need to find a way to get Rice the ball in space to keep their edge rushers honest.

[lowrider]

Well so far I've been eating my words. He has done everything to prove me wrong. I'm almost ready to admit I was wrong but I'll give it a few more games before I say I was wrong. But so far, I've been very wrong about McGahee. And I'm glad I have been. Him and Heap have been the x factors on our offense. We will need them.

Small backs aren't reliable backs. They get taken down too easily. But they are explosive. Rice is more explosive and will have those 10 and 20 yard runs where McGahee will have more of 5 yard runs consistently. I bet our backs are having fun with the holes that our line is giving them, and how defenses can't stack the box anymore. I know I'm having fun watching them.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Alexir' date='22 September 2009 - 11:26 PM' timestamp='1253676374' post='240156']
The reason you start Willis over Rice is even though its a team effort, you are going to get 110% out of both of them. Willis will want to keep his more carries but Ray will want them back so each will be "trying out" for the coaches playing their best football.
[/quote]
The only reason I wouldn't do it [i]now[/i] is to conserve Willis and keep him reasonably fresh [i]throughout[/i] the season. Sure, he's getting almost the same amount of touches as Ray Rice, but you have to consider when each guy is getting the ball [i]situationally.
[/i]
A healthy and fresh Willis McGahee in the second half of the season is extremely dangerous, as we saw towards the end of last season. If he's expected to be a major contributor during the playoffs, the coaches need to keep this delicate balancing act going so both he and Ray Rice aren't beaten up too badly, too soon.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='flynismo' date='21 September 2009 - 08:22 PM' timestamp='1253578953' post='239612']
Yay, you've seen the light! Now I'm hoping that Clayton shuts me up, and I'm going to be one happy camper.
[/quote]
I hope our corners shut me up! I know they faced Lebron & Kobe sized dudes Sunday, I just wanna see sumthin from them when NO disadvantages are present.

[flynismo]

[quote name='lowrider' date='22 September 2009 - 11:46 PM' timestamp='1253677564' post='240160']


[b]Small backs aren't reliable backs. [/b]They get taken down too easily. But they are explosive. Rice is more explosive and will have those 10 and 20 yard runs where McGahee will have more of 5 yard runs consistently. I bet our backs are having fun with the holes that our line is giving them, and how defenses can't stack the box anymore. I know I'm having fun watching them.
[/quote]

I guess Barry Sanders, Tiki Barber, MJD etc didn't get that memo?

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Steelerkillers' date='22 September 2009 - 11:54 PM' timestamp='1253678049' post='240168']
I hope our corners shut me up! I know they faced Lebron & Kobe sized dudes Sunday, [b]I just wanna see sumthin from them when NO disadvantages are present.[/b]
[/quote]
Foxworth did his job well in Week 1; the Chiefs picked on Washington more because Foxworth, more or less, had his side of the field covered pretty well (or so the replays showed.)

We'll see how both of them do as the season progresses, though.

[lowrider]

[quote name='flynismo' date='22 September 2009 - 11:56 PM' timestamp='1253678174' post='240170']
I guess Barry Sanders, Tiki Barber, MJD etc didn't get that memo?
[/quote]
I was referring to the short yardage amounts. It's harder for them inbetween in the tackles. I'm not saying that they can't be good. But small backs aren't better and more inconsistent inbetween the tackles. Which is why big backs get the short yardage carries.

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='22 September 2009 - 11:53 PM' timestamp='1253678029' post='240167']
The only reason I wouldn't do it [i]now[/i] is to conserve Willis and keep him reasonably fresh [i]throughout[/i] the season. Sure, he's getting almost the same amount of touches as Ray Rice, but you have to consider when each guy is getting the ball [i]situationally.
[/i]
A healthy and fresh Willis McGahee in the second half of the season is extremely dangerous, as we saw towards the end of last season. If he's expected to be a major contributor during the playoffs, the coaches need to keep this delicate balancing act going so both he and Ray Rice aren't beaten up too badly, too soon.
[/quote]


You mean, the bigger back is getting the ball near the goal line? When it comes down to it, I trust Cam and Coach Harbaugh in how they decide to use their offensive weapons...

[diaz04]

All i know is that im pretty sure we can destroy the pitsburg steelers.

[Ed_Reed20]

I love the way McGahee is running. Anyone who doubted whether he was the best RB on the team is definitely eating crow. Hopefully he stays healthy all season.

[magurkin52]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='23 September 2009 - 10:50 AM' timestamp='1253717445' post='240242']
I love the way McGahee is running. Anyone who doubted whether he was the best RB on the team is definitely eating crow. Hopefully he stays healthy all season.
[/quote]
This is one of many posts on this McGahee thread that leaves me scratching my head. Ray Rice has more total yards, more yards per carry, and more yards per catch than McGahee, and therefore Ray Rice is not the best back in Baltimore and no longer deserves to be the starter? WHAT? Mcgahee has the touchdowns because he has gotten all of the goal-line carries, but none of his touchdown runs have been spectacular, more of a credit to the O-line and smart, balanced play-calling. Ray Rice could have scored in all of those scenarios too- arguably the best goal-line back in the league is 5'7" MJD. It's great to see that McGahee has finally gotten his act together and is playing well but he is not the best back in Baltimore.

[WinnipegRaven]

[quote name='magurkin52' date='23 September 2009 - 09:34 AM' timestamp='1253720052' post='240270']
This is one of many posts on this McGahee thread that leaves me scratching my head. Ray Rice has more total yards, more yards per carry, and more yards per catch than McGahee, and therefore Ray Rice is not the best back in Baltimore and no longer deserves to be the starter? WHAT? Mcgahee has the touchdowns because he has gotten all of the goal-line carries, but none of his touchdown runs have been spectacular, more of a credit to the O-line and smart, balanced play-calling. Ray Rice could have scored in all of those scenarios too- arguably the best goal-line back in the league is 5'7" MJD. It's great to see that McGahee has finally gotten his act together and is playing well but he is not the best back in Baltimore.
[/quote]
McGahee is getting the yards when it counts, consistently. Rice has explosive speed, the ability to make defenders miss in open space, a nice stiff arm and can turn the corner. McGahee is being used as he was meant to be, one move and up the gut. Rice is more of a 1st and 2nd down RB, with McGahee being used to get those 3rd & 2's/3's. I don't think Rice's profile lends itself to being a great goal line back personally. His ability to make defenders miss in open space and in one on one situations can not be understated though and man what a stiff arm!

And MJD best goal line back?? Not sure what qualifies him as the best goal line back in the game today.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='magurkin52' date='23 September 2009 - 11:34 AM' timestamp='1253720052' post='240270']
This is one of many posts on this McGahee thread that leaves me scratching my head. Ray Rice has more total yards, more yards per carry, and more yards per catch than McGahee, and therefore Ray Rice is not the best back in Baltimore and no longer deserves to be the starter? WHAT? Mcgahee has the touchdowns because he has gotten all of the goal-line carries, but none of his touchdown runs have been spectacular, more of a credit to the O-line and smart, balanced play-calling. Ray Rice could have scored in all of those scenarios too- arguably the best goal-line back in the league is 5'7" MJD. It's great to see that McGahee has finally gotten his act together and is playing well but he is not the best back in Baltimore.
[/quote]

Did I ever say Rice doesn't deserve to be the starter anymore? Rice earned his job through the off-season and pre-season and has done nothing to lose it. You bring up those statistics but Rice has more opportunities between the 20s than McGahee so what do you expect?

You have no way of knowing whether Rice would've scored if he'd been McGahee's place on those runs.

You can credit the o-line but you also have to McGahee credit for lowering his shoulder and running through contact on all three of his TD runs. McGahee is the better RB because he's bigger, stronger and better in pass protection.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='J-man' date='22 September 2009 - 07:42 PM' timestamp='1253662973' post='240076']

BTW, I thought the nickname for the Browns was Clowns.
[/quote]

I've always called them the Frowns, but Clowns is also good

[Marc2k6]

[quote name='flynismo' date='21 September 2009 - 11:05 PM' timestamp='1253588703' post='239682']
McGahee is an animal.
Thanks for the twenty points for my fantasy team this week!!
[/quote]
Yeah I have him also.

It seem that a lot of people want it to be McGahee over Rice and vice versa but they are both doing well for us right now. We should show support for both of our guy's. There is no need to put extra stress on either of them, they can both get carries. With that being said Willis is a beast, he can make a way out of no way!

[flynismo]

[quote name='Marc2k6' date='23 September 2009 - 04:53 PM' timestamp='1253739201' post='240402']
Yeah I have him also.

It seem that a lot of people want it to be McGahee over Rice and vice versa but they are both doing well for us right now. We should show support for both of our guy's. There is no need to put extra stress on either of them, they can both get carries. With that being said Willis is a beast, he can make a way out of no way!
[/quote]

Heck yeah, I'm loving the McGahee/Rice rotation. Watching a fresh McGahee and Rice slashing defenses in the second half is a thing of beauty.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='23 September 2009 - 01:11 PM' timestamp='1253725888' post='240311']
Did I ever say Rice doesn't deserve to be the starter anymore? Rice earned his job through the off-season and pre-season and has done nothing to lose it. You bring up those statistics but Rice has more opportunities between the 20s than McGahee so what do you expect?

You have no way of knowing whether Rice would've scored if he'd been McGahee's place on those runs.

You can credit the o-line but you also have to McGahee credit for lowering his shoulder and running through contact on all three of his TD runs. McGahee is the better RB because he's bigger, stronger and better in pass protection.
[/quote]

Right now, I'd have to say McGahee has the edge, simply because he's a more complete back than Rice and has much more experience. But I love me some Rice too, I don't want his touches to drop at all.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='flynismo' date='23 September 2009 - 05:49 PM' timestamp='1253742579' post='240414']
Right now, I'd have to say McGahee has the edge, simply because he's a more complete back than Rice and has much more experience. But I love me some Rice too, I don't want his touches to drop at all.
[/quote]

I agree. As well as McGahee has played, I think Rice should be touching the ball at least 15 times a game.

[SaVaGe]

A running back is only as good as his offensive line, unless your barry sanders. Last year the box was stacked because every team expected it with our rookie QB, we still did good but now that coverage will be dropping back more often it opens up the field for McGahee or any RB to run. McGahee was this good last year but fell victim to a 1 dimensional offense.

[SaVaGe]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='23 September 2009 - 06:03 PM' timestamp='1253743414' post='240419']
I agree. As well as McGahee has played, I think Rice should be touching the ball at least 15 times a game.
[/quote]

I'd rather have McGahee on run downs and rice in the pass game.

[MagicianCamille]

Willis has been very impressive. Just look at the stat rankings for overall touchdowns scored in the NFL.

I've always been for using McGahee as our primary rusher and Ray Rice for the short pass yard plays that give him room to run after the catch. That's when Ray Rice excels.

[Ravensfan23]

We have 3 good backs that can domonate a game at any time. The Ravens will continue to go with the hot handed runner.

As long as the Ravens can keep the balance rushing attack we will have a really good offense.

Remember the Ravens has had 2 close games, so we haven't seen McClain as that 4th quarter close out back yet.

I think the Oline as well as McClain's lead blocking in the running game.

The Ravens will continue to get this running game geared up for the long haul of the season.

Remember the Ravens have a few road games that might be bad weather games and we will need the running game.

We will only get better

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='23 September 2009 - 08:46 PM' timestamp='1253753184' post='240488']
Remember the Ravens has had 2 close games, so we haven't seen McClain as that 4th quarter close out back yet.
[/quote]
Didn't he score in the fourth quarter againts Kansas City? O.o

[smashmouth]

[quote name='magurkin52' date='23 September 2009 - 11:34 AM' timestamp='1253720052' post='240270']
This is one of many posts on this McGahee thread that leaves me scratching my head. Ray Rice has more total yards, more yards per carry, and more yards per catch than McGahee, and therefore Ray Rice is not the best back in Baltimore and no longer deserves to be the starter? WHAT? Mcgahee has the touchdowns because he has gotten all of the goal-line carries, but none of his touchdown runs have been spectacular, more of a credit to the O-line and smart, balanced play-calling. Ray Rice could have scored in all of those scenarios too- arguably the best goal-line back in the league is 5'7" MJD. It's great to see that McGahee has finally gotten his act together and is playing well but he is not the best back in Baltimore.
[/quote]

The reason Willis is getting the goal line carries is actually simple. Mcgahee is stronger out of the two, this is the reason we have training camp. If Ray Rice was as good or better during TC at goal line plays then he would be the one with the TD's, but its not the case.

McGahee has also complemented Rice's stats also, when we needed some offesne going Mchagee came in gave a big spark and then all of a sudden Rice come's in and breaks some nice off tackle runs. McGahee is the better inbetween the tackles back, and goal line. Rice is great off the edge and is amazing on screen plays. There both good reciever's out of the backfield.

[jfc13]

[quote name='SaVaGe' date='23 September 2009 - 07:26 PM' timestamp='1253748372' post='240453']
I'd rather have McGahee on run downs and rice in the pass game.
[/quote]
Pass game? This is Ray Rice, not Jerry.

Just kidding, Ray is doing good with the passes, but I think Heap is a little better for the short passes - if for no other reason than his height gives Joe the extra option of throwing high if a defender is near.

As for McGahee and Rice, I think they complement each other nicely and they should each be in the game during the times that complements their strengths - as others have pointed out: Ray during the longer runs with a more open field and Willis when we need the bulldog to get through the masses and into the endzone [or for the short first down]. I can't wait to see McClain get his carries, too.

[ravensgirlx88]

His blocking is AWESOME!!! 4 TD'S IN 2 GAMES? Sounds like the old Willis to me! We have a crazy run game right now!

[YYZ66]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='23 September 2009 - 02:27 PM' timestamp='1253726850' post='240312']
I've always called them the Frowns, but Clowns is also good
[/quote]

Brain Baldinger calls them the Flying Mangini's. I kinda like that one.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='YYZ66' date='25 September 2009 - 10:22 AM' timestamp='1253895769' post='241198']
Brain Baldinger calls them the Flying Mangini's. I kinda like that one.
[/quote]
lol i heard that one too on playbook thought it was hilarious.