Ravens leaning on McGahee

Jul/20/08 03:32 PM Filed in: Willis McGahee
WillisMcGahee
Whatchu talkin bout? Willis!

As we fast approach the 2008 NFL season, the message to new head coach John Harbaugh should be clear: Lean on #23. With more uncertainly at the quarterback position than ever before, the burden now falls squarely on the shoulders of second-year Raven Willis McGahee. While showing flashes of brilliance in a dismal 2007 season, McGahee should have no problem accepting a greater role in 2008.

Jamal Lewis is happily bowling over defenders in Cleveland for a dynamic passing offense, but McGahee has no such luxury. He will face plenty of eight- and nine-man fronts this season, much like he did in Buffalo.

Simply eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark is no longer an entity in the NFL. Should McGahee reach that mark in '08, it will not automatically ensure the Ravens of success. Just as important will be the number of total touches he gets, and how often he makes the key runs. Moving the chains may prove to be difficult in the passing game, and with the QB position still up for grabs despite the Ravens inking first round pick, Joe Flacco to a 5year, $30 million dollar contract, it will only make it all the more crucial that McGahee is the feature offensive threat on the ground.

Keep an eye on McGahee's increased workload this year. Should he flourish under the circumstances, the 2008 campaign for the Ravens will help ease the painful memories of last year's 5-11 debacle.

(roberts-rants.blogspot.com)