McGahee's role in opener
Ravens coach John Harbaugh says running back Willis McGahee will be ready for the season opener against the Bengals, but how effective will he be?
McGahee reported to training camp out of shape, and this morning reportedly had arthroscopic knee surgery. That means he is going to be inactive for a couple of weeks.
McGahee might dress, and play on a limited basis, but I can't see him at full tilt. I hope rookie Ray Rice is ready, and if I were the Ravens, I'd be looking for another running back as well.
Comments
I think we are starting to see why Billick could not use Willis last year, there is a work ethic issue. I am really starting to come to the conclusion that Ozzie is the one that put Billick in such a bad position. Draft picks that are not making it (J. Green cut today not to mention the mention the WR's...this is a make it or break it year for Clayton), brining in guys like WIllis that cannot play 3 straight downs, and now more than half of last year's starters "hurt" for training camp and Ed Reed somewhat showing up the organization today.
I do not have a good feeling about this. I really like Harbaugh, but this is bigger than him. Could be worse...we could have kicked Brett Farve to the curb!
Posted by: Drew | August 11, 2008 9:15 PM
Mike, you think Shawn Alexander would be on the team's radar?
Posted by: Jef | August 11, 2008 9:20 PM
Wow, pretty critical Mike. I know you're not high on his work ethic, but you've got to admit, this kid gets the job done on gameday. He's a workhorse. You've got a better sense for it than I, but I wouldn't count on Ray Rice emerging as an every down back anytime soon. He's too young and definitely too small. Vet RB just doesn't make sense for us either. They let it all ride on Willis a year ago. So far, so good. Let the kid do his job.
Posted by: Steve | August 11, 2008 9:34 PM
Harbaugh and theRavens
do not need W. McGahee !!! Simple Philosophy and policy ...."out of shape..out of a job" 111
Posted by: Norman M. Samuels | August 11, 2008 9:46 PM
I heard Bam Morris was available. Unfortunately no address or phone number.
Posted by: pete | August 11, 2008 10:01 PM
Still wish we had Jamal. We paid too much for overrated, out of shape, McGahee. He probably won't be effective for at least a month if not more.
Posted by: Bill | August 11, 2008 10:19 PM
You Mean Like Musa Smith or Mike Anderson who are not Corey Ross clones Like Rice....actually Ross looks Better so far...Rice seems like He gets thrown down as soon as as He's touched....... Ross has Drive and Power.
Posted by: Rob | August 11, 2008 11:28 PM
Harbaugh's hands are tied - he must stick with McGahee this season. The good news is Willis will be gone after this year; Ravens get a top five draft pick and 2009 season will be a good one. Willis will get picked up by one more team for his final year in the NFL - Dallas, Oakland or Miami.
Posted by: RON YOUNG | August 11, 2008 11:38 PM
Good thing we let Jamal go huh ?
Posted by: Doc Kearns | August 12, 2008 9:18 AM
Another nice move by the so called Wizard of Oz. Oh, and thanks for all of the great #2 picks, the WR deep threat, the OL & the QB's.
OVERRATED !!!
Posted by: Cereal Blogger | August 12, 2008 10:46 AM
My vote is to go after Marcus Mason if the 'Skins put him on the practice squad. The past two weeks, he almost never went down on first contact.
Posted by: skaybaltimore | August 12, 2008 11:22 AM
How quickly everyone seems to forget that McGahee was one of the few bright spots we had on the offense last year. He was top-ten in rushing, and all of a sudden Cory Ross looks good to some of you people? Let's take a second, take a breath, and relax. There is no excuse for Willis showing up out of shape, and hopefully the athro will clean the knee out. But once he's back to shape, and I think he will be by week 2 or 3, he's the best running back in on this team, and one of the better in the league. And as for Ray Rice, you can't argue with production, so give the kid a week or two before you boot him of the team, ok Rob?
Posted by: Ryan | August 12, 2008 12:39 PM
Well, now we know why Buffalo was ready and willing to move McGahee.
Posted by: patrick | August 12, 2008 12:54 PM
I hate Willis. He's a lazy bum and always has been.
Posted by: Axl Rose | August 12, 2008 1:49 PM
jamal wouldn't fare any better, he's only doing well in Clown town because of their OLINE and the fact they are a pass first offense.
Go out and rent a clue chief
Posted by: double b | August 12, 2008 3:36 PM
RB are defined during the season. There is every year a guy stepping up you would never expect. If Rice is the guy we don’t have to worry too much, because Willis as his “back up” will be there....and there is still a MVP out there nobody picked up so far...
Posted by: Pete | August 12, 2008 4:15 PM
McGahee really sounds like a bum who doesn't have heart and doesn't care. I hope this is not really the case and he bounces back from this to have a big year. But showing up two years in a row out of shape is pretty telling. He's enjoying his millions a lot.
Posted by: Dave | August 12, 2008 4:18 PM
Ron,
Hanging around the Orioles a little too much.
"Ravens get a top five draft pick and 2009 season will be a good one."
What are you smoking ??? Its one game into preseason and you are already saying we will be top five draft pick team.
Everyone needs to take a chill pill. I doubt anyone over in Colt Land is throwing themselves off a bridge because Manning has not shown up yet after surgery.
Its one MONTH until the first game. Lots of time for healing and coming together.
Posted by: HappyRaven | August 12, 2008 4:40 PM