Raven Reviews: Not to Critique Baltimore, But Shouldn't Willis McGahee Start?

By no means do I want to go and spoil a good thing, but it is a legitimate question to ask, given the early productivity of the Ravens' running back tandem in Ray Rice and Willis McGahee.

Both are fairly middlin’ when it comes to total yards on the year; they rank 19th and 20th in the league, respectively. But look a little closer and see that McGahee seems to be as productive as Rice in a reserve role, and slightly more adept at finding the end zone.

With six fewer carries on the year, McGahee has four more touchdowns, the same number of runs for 20 or more yards (1), nearly twice the amount of first downs (11) and nearly one yard more in per carry average (5.9).

Of course, much of this is relative to when McGahee carries the ball - primarily in short yardage situations and around the goal line. But if you are trusting McGahee, with his injury history and all, to shoulder the bulkier rushing assignments, would it be blasphemous to enter him as the starter and allow Rice to be the speedy, hands-out-of-the-backfield, change-of-pace back?

We’ve seen New Orleans make Reggie Bush into this kind of weapon. We’ve seen the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers have the same effect with Ahmad Bradshaw and Darren Sproles. I know that everything is going well with the Ravens' offense, and there’s no reason to create controversy when none exists.

But for what he’s earning, and the rebirth of his running prowess, shouldn’t McGahee have the opportunity to take back what he’s lost? Rice is good, there’s no question about it. But McGahee has been showing signs since last season of returning to form as an elite back. If the franchise has designs on making him a tradeable commodity in favor of Rice, the least they could do is show off his talent as a starter.

And, in turn, preserve Rice for the stretch run of the playoffs.

Again, I’m not advocating Rice losing his gig; it’s all just supposition. I’m sure no one wants to trade a great back and reduce the offense’s ability to wear down defenses.  It’s no secret that the Ravens haven’t always been in love with McGahee’s work ethic or propensity for injuries. But that seems to be behind him, and it may be worthwhile to consider maximizing his talent for short-term goals and long-term success.

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