Thread Tools

Display Modes

**RoyWilliams** · 08-13-2007, 11:27 AM

McGahee looks to get off on right foot -- baltimoresun.com

Quote:

When the Ravens open their preseason tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles, the first player introduced at M&T Bank Stadium will be new running back Willis McGahee.

The Ravens are hoping tonight will mark the first steps toward revitalizing a once-proud running attack.

But McGahee is more focused on his footing with his fan base.

"I need to feel the love," McGahee said about coming out of the tunnel first. "I want it noisy and loud. If I feel the love, I can go out there and do what I got to do."

McGahee eagerly wants to be embraced by his home crowd after enraging fans during his final months with the Buffalo Bills.

He first asked for a contract extension after gaining a career-low 990 yards past season. He then suggested in a January magazine article that the Bills should be moved to Toronto.

That led a Buffalo News columnist to write that McGahee had "worn out his welcome." And Bills fans began burning McGahee jerseys and posters, all of which can be seen on the YouTube Web site.

Since being traded to the Ravens for three draft picks, McGahee has tried to distance himself from his troubled exit from Buffalo and concentrate on a new start with the Ravens.

He said his introduction tonight is "always going to be something I will remember."

Said McGahee: "It's always nice to have your fan base behind you. I might come out with a jig or two."

It'll be a challenge for McGahee to make his preseason debut a memorable one, because few truly are.

Although coach Brian Billick has been cryptic on how long starters will play - they'll go "until I'm satisfied and they're satisfied," he said - McGahee likely won't last more than a couple of series.

That means about four to five carries, which will be tough for any judgments to be made.

"I don't know that Monday night is the report card," offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel said. "I like where he is right now. We're excited that he's here and see great promise."

If McGahee lives up to that promise, the Ravens can recharge their running attack.

From 2000 to 2004, the Ravens ranked in the top half of the NFL in rushing, including No. 1 in 2003.

But the Ravens fell to No. 21 in 2005 and dropped to a franchise-worst No. 25 last season.

The Ravens expect to bounce back this year once McGahee begins to mesh with the team's new and more athletic offensive line.

"It's all starting to fall into place for me," McGahee said. "Once I get used to it, I can be more relaxed and don't have to be tense with what I got to do and how I got to do it."

The Ravens' running backs might be the most motivated group this year.

**BeastJacobs** · 08-13-2007, 11:29 AM

This a big, talented, young RB, he's not really a HOF back so far but. He's good mostly.

**ball in the baskett** · 08-13-2007, 12:06 PM

i hope he does well this season i like the guy hes got talent

Ravens52 · 08-13-2007, 03:08 PM

i was there when McGhaee came to Baltimore in red, white, and blue. He heard the Insane Sylum (Memorial Stadiums nickname) that night. Trust me, he will get the love. Lewis' performance last year running was hopeless and McNair hopes to have run support. He will probably get it