Some five months before the 2007 season, the Ravens, having jettisoned Jamal Lewis, were in the market for a feature back. They would send their '07 third- and seventh-round picks, as well as a 2008 third-rounder to the Bills for Willis McGahee, Buffalo's 2003 first-round selection. It was a lot to give up, but the Ravens, coming off a 13-win season, felt they were one player away from a serious run at another Super Bowl. Turns out, they'd only win five games and head coach Brian Billick would lose his job.
McGahee would rush for more than 1,200 yards in his first season in Baltimore (4.1 average), with seven touchdowns, but he's struggled this year. In 10 games, he's managed just 521 yards on 3.4 yards per carry, and now splits time with rookie Ray Rice and Le'Ron McClain.
Last Sunday against the Redskins was one of McGahee's worst efforts since coming to Baltimore (11 rushes, 32 yards, lost fumble), and he readily admitted as much yesterday. Via the Carroll County Times' Aaron Wilson:
McGahee acknowledged the painful reality of his unproductive season punctuated by a shaky performance during a 24-10 win over the Washington Red-skins. McGahee seemed sad about the situation. "I'm back to normal, but I played like doo-doo," McGahee said. "It's nothing to be happy about it, just have to do better this game." ...Points for frankness, Willis. If it's any consolation, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron insists that the Ravens will continue to be a "running back-by-committee" offense, which means there will be a place for McGahee. Unfortunately, the Ravens inked Willis to a $40 million deal soon after trading for him, which is a lot of money to have tied up in a backup.
When asked if the coaching staff still believes in him, McGahee replied: "To tell you the truth, I wouldn't. I haven't had the best season. Right now, Le'Ron [McClain] and Ray [Rice] are the hot guys. You stick with your guns."
But, hey, Baltimore is 9-4, they have a franchise quarterback and, as usual, have a tenacious defense that can win games all by themselves. If they make a deep playoff run, nobody will care what McGahee makes, or where he's situated on the depth chart. Not until this offseason, anyway.
