McGahee down about rough season

OWINGS MILLS -- The truth hurts, and so does his body.

In an extremely candid interview Thursday, Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee acknowledged the painful reality of his unproductive season punctuated by a shaky performance during a 24-10 win over the Washington Redskins. 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."

McGahee rushed for just 32 yards on 11 carries against the Redskins, losing a fumble, dropping a pass and bobbling a pitch that went out of bounds.

He missed practice Wednesday because of a family issue, but returned to work Thursday and remains hopeful that he can turn things around.

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."

Since rushing for a season-high 112 rushing yards and scoring two touchdowns against the Houston Texans he has gained just 58 yards over the past four games. His longest run was seven yards during that period, and he was benched against the Cincinnati Bengals.

McGahee has rushed for just 521 yards and five touchdowns with a 3.4 average on 152 carries. He is on target to post career lows for rushing yards, rushing average and carries one year removed from leading Baltimore with 1,207 rushing yards.

His role has continued to decline as the Ravens have emphasized a committee approach to the running game.

"It's still going to be running back by committee, we like that," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "I think it's good for us from a game-plan standpoint. We're not going to overreact if a guy plays really well, and give this guy the stamp as the starter or a guy doesn't play well and he's not going to play. Every guy has a rough game every now and then, and we're going to need every one of these guys down the stretch."

McGahee has dealt with injuries to his eyes ribs and ankle and underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in August following an offseason where he rarely attended workouts and minicamps.

"I'm not making any excuses," McGahee said. "I made a decision to go out there and play, and I haven't been performing the way I can."

McGahee dismissed the notion that he's simply one long run away from shaking out of his slump.

"I'm looking for a whole complete season, not just one carry," he said.

Although it would be expensive for the Ravens to part ways with McGahee after the season, he knows that this year has raised doubts about his future status with the organization.

"You can't pout," McGahee said. "You look at the last performance I had, it wasn't good. You have to deal with your medicine."

(hometownannapolis.com)