Are fans down on McGahee already?

[Fanman]

I spoke w/ several Ravens fans at work recently and I seem to be the only one excited about getting Willis McGahee. What is the feedback others have seen since the trade? I expected fans to be very happy about it, but that doesn't seem to be the case so far. Is it just me?

FM

[UKRavenStockers]

I'll wait and see. I'm hearing from a worrying number of Bills fans and neutrals alike that McGahee (much like Jamal) has a worrying penchant for the tap dancing.

[Mista T]

I spoke w/ several Ravens fans at work recently and I seem to be the only one excited about getting Willis McGahee.

I don't know why you're excited, FanMan. I'm not "down" on McGahee per se, but I am again disappointed in our FO for overpaying in major trades for two years in a row. Until he demonstartes otherwise, I consider McGahee to be just average RB. I am not expecting to see improvement from RB unless Mike Anderson gets more carries and/or if Musa Smith can play healthy.

[jonboy79]

How anyone can look at McGahee as anything but a BIG, Ginormous upgrade over Jamal is beyond me. Jamal was among the WORST starting rb's in football for the past 3 seasons. Willis, barring Injury will put a smile on a lot of Ravens fan's faces.

[section553]

I am excited. I cant wait to see what having a back with his versitility will do for opening up the offense.

[purplepoe]

I don't know why you're excited, FanMan. I'm not "down" on McGahee per se, but I am again disappointed in our FO for overpaying in major trades for two years in a row. Until he demonstartes otherwise, I consider McGahee to be just average RB. I am not expecting to see improvement from RB unless Mike Anderson gets more carries and/or if Musa Smith can play healthy.

LOL.

Never happy are you Ted?

Sometimes I think you'd rather go 9-7 or 8-8 and stay way under the cap then compete for a Super Bowl.

PP

[HARRYOS29]

I spoke w/ several Ravens fans at work recently and I seem to be the only one excited about getting Willis McGahee. What is the feedback others have seen since the trade? I expected fans to be very happy about it, but that doesn't seem to be the case so far. Is it just me?

FM
I'm ok with Willis... I think we need to give him a chance. I think his off field excapades leave a bit to be desired. Two words for you willis...:hammer: BIRTH CONTROL. I read the piece, the interview with his mom...who said she was left in BUFFALO to clean up his mess. As a person who put 3 sons through college, I' ve cleaned up a mess or two in my day.... but 3 children to un wed Mothers....?? come on??
but... we didn't acaquire him for his off Field Prowess...if he can catch the Rock out of the Back field...and do more than run up to the line and fall down... I'm behind Willis %100.
sincerely
Harry O'
Sykesville

[HARRYOS29]

Willis... birth control...

[festivus]

Welcome aboard, Harry!

Harry, I don't mean to be critical, but *please* don't post in red. It makes my eyes bleed.

I'm excited for McGahee because he runs out of one back sets. I expect he'll be more productive then Jamal but more importantly you've essentially replaced Ovie Mughelli with Demetrius Williams. :thumbup:

[Art-Florida]

There is a very "wait and see" mindset about Willis. It is a great relief to be rid of Jamal, but Willis has some fans concerned in several areas.

I for one, am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, as are many others, but he's going to be on a short leash his first season or two here. The people in Buffalo were ecstatic too...at first.

It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.

[52RAYVENS]

LOL.

Never happy are you Ted?

Sometimes I think you'd rather go 9-7 or 8-8 and stay way under the cap then compete for a Super Bowl.

PP


:iagree:

[pyite32]

I am very excited about Willis coming here. It will be nice to have a back with some quickness, a back that doesn't need a fullback, and a back that can catch the ball (could we see the return of the screen pass this year?)

That being said, he will be limited to how well the line performs in run blocking. We need some serious improvement from last year in this area. I would also like to see some more creativity, I am getting tired of the straight ahead zone blocking, that never seems to open any big holes at the line.

... Also, now we can hold up signs that say "What you talkin' bout, Willis" when he scores!!

[deuce]

I am excited about Willis. I still liked Jamal but think he is a clear upgrade. In fact, I cant wait to get my first offensive players jersey when I pick up a #23.

[Bez513]

I'm excited too. Jamal was good but hasn't been the same since his 2000 yd season. We needed a change and getting a good RB like Willis is a good start.

[sopranocorleone]

I'm sorry, how exactly did the Ravens overpay last year? Are you referring to their trade for McNair? If you are, I have no clue what you're talking about. The Ravens gave up little for him in the way of draft and financial compensation. A fourth-round pick and $11 million guaranteed is a bargain for a quarterback who helped propel the team last year, and could help keep the Ravens in contention for at least two more seasons.

[Rochardrik]

I don't know why you're excited, FanMan. I'm not "down" on McGahee per se, but I am again disappointed in our FO for overpaying in major trades for two years in a row. Until he demonstartes otherwise, I consider McGahee to be just average RB. I am not expecting to see improvement from RB unless Mike Anderson gets more carries and/or if Musa Smith can play healthy.

What? Huh? Overpaid? How? In draft picks? The 93rd, and the 221rst this year? And a 90th (guess) next year?. Would we get a rb of his caliber at any of those positions? Uh, No!...... Will he perform better w/ the ravens than the Bills? Better'n Jamal? Uh,.... YES!:rolleyes:

[Rochardrik]

Willis... birth control... Momma say, They gurlz fooled him ta thinking they was takin' birth control, so they could have willis baby, 'n get his dollahs!:rolleyes:

[Khaine]

Welcome aboard, Harry!
I'm excited for McGahee because he runs out of one back sets. I expect he'll be more productive then Jamal but more importantly you've essentially replaced Ovie Mughelli with Demetrius Williams. :thumbup:

Amen to that Festivus.

I'm jazzed about it myself. I think only part of what he actually does will the the big boost the the O. Remember, using something different than the I formation and still being able to run every once in a while opens up a lot of options to the O. :thumbup:

I think if we add a few more play options (someone mentioned screens) etc it will improve offensive production by leaps and bounds. And it all does not need to be on Willis' shoulders. The threat of him, balanced on our young, up and coming WRs along with a QB who keeps his cool should make for a better balanced and more productive offense than we have seen in a long time (if ever). :jester:

[Fanman]

I am def excited about seeing what WM can do if he stays healthy. I see him a RB that can turn the corner...where Jamal had lost that ability 2 years ago. Welcome aboard Willis....I am looking forward to seeing "what you're talkin' bout" come game day.

FM

[ExiledRaven]

I expect he'll be more productive then Jamal but more importantly you've essentially replaced Ovie Mughelli with Demetrius Williams. :thumbup:

This was the second-most reason I was excited about this trade. Williams is going to be on the field much much more often and I am very excited to see what he can do with more playing time as much as I am excited to see McGahee be able to catch and run outside the tackles.

[Drkraven]

Momma say, They gurlz fooled him ta thinking they was takin' birth control, so they could have willis baby, 'n get his dollahs!:rolleyes:Agreed! :laugh: He needs to learn to wrap things up.

[WxKevin]

I am extremely happy with getting McGahee. I was a huge fan of his when at Miami. He is a big upgrade over Jamal at this time in Jamal's career.

I don't think we overpaid for him. Look at the Matt Schaub trade...that's over paying!

[Heap86]

I don't know why you're excited, FanMan. I'm not "down" on McGahee per se, but I am again disappointed in our FO for overpaying in major trades for two years in a row. Until he demonstartes otherwise, I consider McGahee to be just average RB. I am not expecting to see improvement from RB unless Mike Anderson gets more carries and/or if Musa Smith can play healthy.

Some things never change :grbac:

[RavensNTerps]

mista t, i'm confused how we overpaid?

We didn't trade away any picks for either McNair or McGahee that the FO didn't believe would be replaced with comp picks, except, perhaps, the third round pick this year (though, we did get 2 fourth round comps).

We basically traded nothing for McNair and a third round pick for McGahee (we'll have a 3rd round comp next year, book it)

[skimmy]

I think many of us who follow the Ravens closely in the offseason are excited as are those of us who are overall pro and college football fans because we know what Willis brings to the table from his college days in Miami and his first active year in Buffalo. I'm sure we'll see the rest of the fans warm up to Willis when they see his abilities on the field and hear/read more about him during camp, exhibition games and early part of the regular season.

Its hard to compare the McGahee trade to the hoopla surrounding the McNair trade last year, because fans were more familiar with McNair being a 10+ year pro from a team formerly in the same division that we still somewhat consider a rival. McGahee probably played the Ravens head to head 2 or 3 times but really didn't have any memorable moments against the Ravens, while we all probably saw McNair play the Ravens 15 - 20 times and twice in the playoffs and I know I found myself cussing him more times than I care to remember.

[Losac]

I am again disappointed in our FO for overpaying in major trades for two years in a row.
I know you are a McNair-hater, T, but how can you say we overpaid for him in the trade? We essentially just traded down 6 spots in the 4th round to get him, plus we get an extra 4th rounder on top of that.

As for McGahee, chances are very strong we get a 3rd rounder next year for the AD loss, so he essentially is costing us a 3rd rounder and 7th rounder this year. Not exactly breaking the bank.

If you are talking about his contract, would you rather give all that money to Jamal? Or depend on Musa, who seems to be made of glass?

McGahee's injury and attitude history has me concerned a bit, but I don't know how anyone who has followed this team as closely as you have can say we didn't just get a huge upgrade at RB.

[birdbrain]

I lost all respect for Jamal after this season when he bemoaned the bone spurs or chips he had and that was why he did not produce like he could have....he always has an excuse....Willis will be a nice change and we needed a change....the FO obviously does not think Mike Anderson suits our needs, so Willis comes into the fold. I agree that I look forward to passes out of the backfield to Willis. What would Mr. Drummond say?...haha

[RustonRifle]

I thought Ozzie and the staff did an outstanding job bringing in a quality back to fill the void. We would have more than likely gotten Wm with lesser picks but the Titans entered in to the equation and Ozzie offered what he needed to seal the deal.

Two thirds and a seventh for a starting caliber running back is not allot, especially when the third pick this season is the 92nd pick.

I wouldn't worry too much about your neighbor or friends fretting about the Ravens picking up WM.

These same fans more than likely said atleast some of the following;

"We can't lose Phil Savage, he's the brains behind the Ravens"
"Darn, the Browns signed Gary Baxter"
"Who's going to play Linebacker now that Hartwell left?"
"No, Ma'ake Kemoeatu signed with Carolina"
"What are we going to do withouit Will Dermps?"
"How will we replace Tony Weaver?"
"McNair is old, he won't play a whole season, plus Ozzie gave him too much money"
"Trevor Pryce is over the hill"
"The offensive line needs rebuilding, quarterback isn't the problem"
"What, the Browns signed Zastudil?"


And so on.........:hammer:

Judging from past performance the Ravens front office deserves the benefit of the doubt until the move proves otherwise.

[GreenWave52]

I'm in wait and see mode with McGahee. I loved him in college. I don't love his production in Buffalo. There are many factors that could have caused the poor production (poor o-line, 8-9 guys in the box, Willis not wanting to be there) so he may look a heck of a lot better in purple. But I want to see it first.

What we gave up to get him and the contract that is essentially a 4 year deal are both fine if he gives us bare minimum 1500 combined yards (rushing and recieving) and 8 TDs.

I'd like to see at least 1600-1700 combined and 10-12 TDs.

[RAVENOUS52]

I'm ecstatic about the Diff'rent Strokes Ozzie took to bring Willis to B-More!
He's a gamebreaker, folks and he has two of his fellow Hurricane idols (Ray and Ed) in the locker room to mentor and fuel his competitive fires...

This kid will be a beast provided our line is anywhere near where they were last season... Once that vertical game opens up as a result, it's up, up and away for our side of the scoreboard...I think I'll order my #23 McGahee jersey today!

[Khaine]

I've got my 52 and 20 Jerseys... My Wife has 86... I may get an offensive jersey yet... that is unless my wife ands up getting a 23 first. :jester:

[pyite32]

These same fans more than likely said atleast some of the following;

"We can't lose Phil Savage, he's the brains behind the Ravens"
"Darn, the Browns signed Gary Baxter"
"Who's going to play Linebacker now that Hartwell left?"
"No, Ma'ake Kemoeatu signed with Carolina"
"What are we going to do withouit Will Dermps?"
"How will we replace Tony Weaver?"
"McNair is old, he won't play a whole season, plus Ozzie gave him too much money"
"Trevor Pryce is over the hill"
"The offensive line needs rebuilding, quarterback isn't the problem"
"What, the Browns signed Zastudil?"


And so on.........:hammer:

Judging from past performance the Ravens front office deserves the benefit of the doubt until the move proves otherwise.

Love It!!! :rolling: :laugh: :happy: :rolling: :banana: :iagree:

[RAVENOUS52]

Just ordered my McGahee #23 jersey on NFL dot com!

It will be delivered by the middle of next month!! WOOHOO!

:rocking: "Now the world don't move, to the beat of just one drum...
What might be right for you, may not be right for sooooome...":banana:

[PurpleRulz]

I spoke w/ several Ravens fans at work recently and I seem to be the only one excited about getting Willis McGahee. What is the feedback others have seen since the trade? I expected fans to be very happy about it, but that doesn't seem to be the case so far. Is it just me?

FM

You are talking about Baltimore fans. We will find some reason to be unhappy even if it is obsessing over things that happened 23 years ago that no one living outside of Baltimore, or was born after 1975, cares about anymore.

[Khaine]

Hey, I live in California... and was born in 75... I care...

Oh wait... I'm a Baltimore fan... :jester:


But I'm still jazzed about Willis! I think he is gonna rock!
Yay!

[52decleetzu]

mista t, i'm confused how we overpaid?

We didn't trade away any picks for either McNair or McGahee that the FO didn't believe would be replaced with comp picks, except, perhaps, the third round pick this year (though, we did get 2 fourth round comps).

We basically traded nothing for McNair and a third round pick for McGahee (we'll have a 3rd round comp next year, book it)


Im confused as well,if you look at the contract it is basically a 4 yr deal for $20million.How that is overpaying I will never know,and as we have discussed those draft picks arent worth as much as you might think.Being that we pick at the end of the round,one is for next year(which lowers the value a round) and the 7th rounder is literally worth NOTHING we gave up the equivalent of a late 3rd rounder for the guy.

Pretty cheap for a RB in his prime that has a LOT of tread left on the tires.

[XXXV]

I'm not down on McGahee, but I can't say I'm excited either. I am still hesitant about the O-Lines run blocking...

Hopefully Willis will hit the hole faster than Jamal did...

I guess with 3 kids, Willis has shown he's pretty good at hitting holes...;)

[Mista T]

Never happy are you Ted?

Sometimes I think you'd rather go 9-7 or 8-8 and stay way under the cap then compete for a Super Bowl.

Dumbass comment, PP.:insane:

I don't think that McGahee is going to make much difference as to being a SB competitor. He's an upgrade to Jamal, but not by much.

As to staying under the cap, that's not the McGahee issue. It's surrendering so many draft picks when we will needs many in the upcoming years to sustain this aging team.



I know you are a McNair-hater, T, but how can you say we overpaid for him in the trade?

Cheap shot ... I'm disappointed in you too, Losac. :bag: I didn't bring McNair into this discussion - you did. And I don't "hate" anyone wearing purple. No one roots louder than I do for the 11 guys wearing purple.

My disdain is aimed at the front office for the damage done to our cap by overpaying for an old & average QB, and, to a lesser extent, to depleting our stock of draft picks to attain an average RB. Our losses due to overpaying McNair have been substantial, and now, due to the McGahee trade, it will be difficult to repackage multiple mid round picks to trade up for some quality rookies.

You can debate the term "average" all you want. McNair ranked 14th in QB rating, and McGahee ranked 34th in rushing average & 24th in rushing yards.

I'd have been happier going into 2008 with Boller and Mike Anderson/Musa/rookie in the backfield, and most of Adalius Thomas, Ed Mulitalo, Ovie Mughelli, Tony Pashos, plus a good number of mid round picks.

Nonetheless, when McNair hands off to McGahee, I will cheer wildly.

[Losac]

Cheap shot ... I'm disappointed in you too, Losac. :bag: I didn't bring McNair into this discussion - you did. And I don't "hate" anyone wearing purple. No one roots louder than I do for the 11 guys wearing purple.

My disdain is aimed at the front office for the damage done to our cap by overpaying for an old & average QB, and, to a lesser extent, to depleting our stock of draft picks to attain an average RB. Our losses due to overpaying McNair have been substantial, and now, due to the McGahee trade, it will be difficult to repackage multiple mid round picks to trade up for some quality rookies.

You can debate the term "average" all you want. McNair ranked 14th in QB rating, and McGahee ranked 34th in rushing average & 24th in rushing yards.

I'd have been happier going into 2008 with Boller and Mike Anderson/Musa/rookie in the backfield, and most of Adalius Thomas, Ed Mulitalo, Ovie Mughelli, Tony Pashos, plus a good number of mid round picks.

Nonetheless, when McNair hands off to McGahee, I will cheer wildly.
Sorry if it came off like a cheap shot - not my intention. I brought up McNair because you mentioned how you didn't like how the FO overpaid in a major trade 2 years in a row. I assumed the major trades you were alluding to were McNair last year and McGahee this year.

I disagree that Ozzie depleted our draft picks with those trades. We did get two 4th rounders this year, which cancels out what we gave up to get McNair. As for McGahee, I really do think we will get a 3rd round comp pick next year, so he is essentially costing us a 3rd rounder and 7th rounder. The 2 4th rounders make me feel a little better about losing this year's 3rd, because no one is better at finding late round gold than Ozzie.

Obviously the coaching staff was not confident with a Mike Anderson/Musa Smith tandem. Musa needs to stay healthy for an entire year before we can really rely on him as more than just a backup. Mulitalo? Great guy, but the line needs to get younger. Pashos and Mughelli are replaceable. AD hurts, I'll give you that - but I'm confident Rex will adjust his schemes to compensate for his loss.

[FadeToBlack]

How anyone can look at McGahee as anything but a BIG, Ginormous upgrade over Jamal is beyond me. ]
In fairness, his YPC isn't that much better than Tap Dancing Jamal. I'll conceed he has more potential, but potential is just another word for "ain't done shit."

[festivus]

In fairness, his YPC isn't that much better than Tap Dancing Jamal. I'll conceed he has more potential, but potential is just another word for "ain't done shit."
If he generates the same yards per carry as Jamal, but from one back sets rather than the I formation, that by itself is a huge upgrade to our passing game.