Baltimore backfield breakdown, the sequel
Last week I attempted to break down the Ravens backfield situation and came to the conclusion that folks may be going overboard on Ray Rice's redraft value. The local rags have been pumping Rice relentlessly, but the team never figured to abandon its multi-pronged attack.
In a revealing interview with CBSSports.com offensive coordinator Cam Cameron removed all suspense, declaring his backfield a true committee attack.
What did we learn from Cameron that ran counter to what the local media has been reporting?
For the 2009 season, the song remains the same as last week's analysis. Rice may emerge as a RB3/Flex option, but he's going to be splitting carries with Willis McGahee and losing short-yardage work to McClain. It's still a backfield to avoid until the mid-rounds of fantasy drafts.
Comments
The fact that Cam Cameron still envisions McClain as an RB is no surprise. He loves him. I think he'll definitely be in line for goal line work, but i doubt he gets the amount of carries he did last year.
Ray Rice is the guy you want in a dynasty league, but his 2009 will likely be inconsistent. He is an RB3/4 with upside.
Willis may see some action, but i wouldn't touch the guy in a re-draft until after i drafted a kicker.
Posted by: BeastOrBust | June 17, 2009 02:20 PM
It's only a matter of time before McGahee is out with an injury again, so he isn't much of a factor.
Sure McClain may hoard most of the goal-line carries, but Rice's real value is the catches he'll get (in PPR leagues). The two may have close to an equal carry split, but I think Rice will still be getting more touches each game.
Posted by: Reaper | June 17, 2009 03:41 PM
Box office poison. With so many decent options out there, I'm staying a million miles away from Baltimore's ground game, even in dynasty.
Posted by: Captain Obvious | June 17, 2009 05:25 PM
It would be absurd not to target Ray Rice in a dynasty. I don't care anyone says except for John Harbaugh, and he has already said that he envisions Rice as their future featured back. I've also read that the Ravens would trade McGahee in a heartbeat if he wouldn't cost the team $10mil in cap casualties. This is a smoke screen to keep everyone happy, clearly. Mclain is working almost exclusively at FB, and McGahee is barely even healthy. Rice is clearly the choice. The dude dominated in college, had a very production rookie year considering his workload and the fact he was nicked up for half the year, and has bulked up and been running "almost" exclusively with the first team. He is the only player in the backfield with upside and his head coach's open vocal support. They didn't draft a perennial 1,800 yard rusher in college in the 2nd round to be a situation player. Seems pretty obvious to me how this one will play out, especially once Willis gets hurt again.
Posted by: Trickydyk | June 17, 2009 05:44 PM
i love hearing the heartbreak and denial of all the ray rice owners. the ravens had a very successful 3 headed attack last year. there's no reason for them to do anything all that differently this year. if you were a head coach, why would you grind rice into the ground when you can have a successful three-headed committee? sorry rice owners, but you got too excited too early. welcome to RBBC.
Posted by: veggieb | June 17, 2009 06:07 PM
Pass on McGahee at all cost. Do not draft him too many injuries and is way worn out. He is on my not to draft list. Ray Rice is the RB i want this season.
Posted by: Misfit | June 17, 2009 06:43 PM
Lest we forget that McGahee has averaged over 1100 combined yards and 7 TDs over the past 3 years, and he was injured for a number of games last season. He ran for 60 yards and 2 TDs against the Steelers in the AFC Championship game last year. He's been declared healthy. When he's on, he's a beast. They can't let a guy making that much just carry part of the load. I'd run him 'til he drops.
The Ravens have a better O-Line Flacco is maturing, and McClain is paving the road, meaning McGahee is up for big yards. I'll be happy to take him as my third RB in rounds 5 or 6, thank you.
Posted by: McHoser | June 17, 2009 08:58 PM