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Ray Rice Bandwagon Thread (1 Viewer)

Balco

Balco

Footballguy
I was very surprised to see some of the other backs taken before Ray Rice. This guy is going to be a very good back in the NFL, and it looks like he is having a nice camp.

Note from Camp Report

"Running back Ray Rice was impressive, faking out linebacker Antwan Barnes in the open field. He also ran over cornerback Ronnie Prude."

Article 2

"The offense enjoyed some success on stretch runs as McGahee and Ray Rice demonstrated nice change of direction skills and awareness in heavy traffic.

Overall the rookie Rice looked a bit more ready to play today than McGahee although the incumbent starter certainly had some fine moments. Rice has a very good burst and he can get lost in traffic which creates problems for the defense. The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south."

 
The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south

the above is huge and will be his biggest weakness

that and McGahee is really good and 27 so it may be a couple year before we know if Rice'll make it

 
Lash said:
The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and souththe above is huge and will be his biggest weaknessthat and McGahee is really good and 27 so it may be a couple year before we know if Rice'll make it
Click to expand...
That was his knock on that day. Ray Rice is a very good north south runner.
 
Lash said:
that and McGahee is really good and 27 so it may be a couple year before we know if Rice'll make it
Click to expand...
Obviously in redraft leagues, Rice likely won't have a huge impact this year. However, the golden rule in dynasty leagues is to never draft for opportunity, always draft talent. So while some dynasty owners will foolishly draft players like Forte and Kevin Smith before Rice, simply because it appears they have more opportunity, the smart owners will draft Ray Rice because he has more talent. He will get his shot, and he will be successful when he does.I remember the same line of thinking with Deuce McAllister when he came out. Great talent, but Ricky Williams is young, he will be blocked. That sure lasted long. Or Shaun Alexander. Ricky Watters was blocking him as well.
 
Balco said:
Lash said:
The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and souththe above is huge and will be his biggest weaknessthat and McGahee is really good and 27 so it may be a couple year before we know if Rice'll make it
Click to expand...
That was his knock on that day. Ray Rice is a very good north south runner.
Click to expand...
100% agree and McGahee is an overrated runner. I think this is Rice's job next year if he can be effective at this level this year.
 
I have to decide between Rice, Felix, CJ12 (Tenn, theres been so many CJs).

 
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:excited: Picked him at #5 in a dynasty last wknd -- will be trading up to grab him in another one in a few weeks.
 
Balco said:
I was very surprised to see some of the other backs taken before Ray Rice. This guy is going to be a very good back in the NFL, and it looks like he is having a nice camp.

Note from Camp Report

"Running back Ray Rice was impressive, faking out linebacker Antwan Barnes in the open field. He also ran over cornerback Ronnie Prude."

Article 2

"The offense enjoyed some success on stretch runs as McGahee and Ray Rice demonstrated nice change of direction skills and awareness in heavy traffic.

Overall the rookie Rice looked a bit more ready to play today than McGahee although the incumbent starter certainly had some fine moments. Rice has a very good burst and he can get lost in traffic which creates problems for the defense. The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south."
Click to expand...
Hi Balco,I like Rice too.

For the 2008 season, how do you see the carries being split between Rice and McGahee?

J

 
I've been on since 2006...

Impact this year is up in the air. Though it would not surprise me to see him get double digit TDs even splitting time.

 
Maroney=Speed said:
I'm on board. He will have better '08 numbers than most think.
Click to expand...
As for Rice's 08 numbers......I found this somewhat interesting on Rotoworld. Despite the presence of second-round rookie Ray Rice, the Ravens are planning to increase Willis McGahee's workload."There is no question in my mind that Willis McGahee can be a three-down back," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "I think this is the right time in his career to do it." Cameron oversaw the best years of LaDainian Tomlinson's career and got the most out of Ronnie Brown, so McGahee is in an ideal spot right now. Still, it's a good idea to grab Ray Rice as a handcuff if you go after McGahee.Source: Baltimore Sun Related: Ray Rice
 
I have the 5th pick in a couple dynasty drafts coming up soon. I've been thinking I would take either Smith or Forte. I'm wondering if the best move would be to take Rice instead. How many of you would actually pull the trigger in that situation?

 
zadok said:
I've been on since 2006...Impact this year is up in the air. Though it would not surprise me to see him get double digit TDs even splitting time.
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I'm as big of a Ray Rice supporter as anyone... but 10 TDs would be a surprise for me. Assuming McGahee doesn't miss any time due to injury, that is. So count me in.
 
Joe Bryant said:
Balco said:
I was very surprised to see some of the other backs taken before Ray Rice. This guy is going to be a very good back in the NFL, and it looks like he is having a nice camp.

Note from Camp Report

"Running back Ray Rice was impressive, faking out linebacker Antwan Barnes in the open field. He also ran over cornerback Ronnie Prude."

Article 2

"The offense enjoyed some success on stretch runs as McGahee and Ray Rice demonstrated nice change of direction skills and awareness in heavy traffic.

Overall the rookie Rice looked a bit more ready to play today than McGahee although the incumbent starter certainly had some fine moments. Rice has a very good burst and he can get lost in traffic which creates problems for the defense. The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south."
Click to expand...
Hi Balco,I like Rice too.

For the 2008 season, how do you see the carries being split between Rice and McGahee?

J
Click to expand...
Hi Joe - if I may field this one.....McGahee produced solid numbers on just 294 of the Ravens' 404 rushing attempts. If left alone, that leaves 110 carries for someone to take - and we're assuming that the # of rushes doesn't go down. Assuming that the RB2 (Rice) gets 80% of the remainder, give him 80-90 carries and about 2 targets a game. This also assumes that Cam Cameron doesn't force feed the gournd game, which may boost Rice's and McGahee's numbers.

But you didn't ask me, so I also would like more thoughts and opinions.

 
None_More_Black said:
Balco said:
Lash said:
The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south

the above is huge and will be his biggest weakness

that and McGahee is really good and 27 so it may be a couple year before we know if Rice'll make it
Click to expand...
That was his knock on that day. Ray Rice is a very good north south runner.
Click to expand...
100% agree and McGahee is an overrated runner. I think this is Rice's job next year if he can be effective at this level this year.
Click to expand...
lol
 
Young 8 said:
None_More_Black said:
Balco said:
Lash said:
The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south

the above is huge and will be his biggest weakness

that and McGahee is really good and 27 so it may be a couple year before we know if Rice'll make it
Click to expand...
That was his knock on that day. Ray Rice is a very good north south runner.
Click to expand...
100% agree and McGahee is an overrated runner. I think this is Rice's job next year if he can be effective at this level this year.
Click to expand...
lol
Click to expand...
Fantastic insight.
 
Even if he gets a decent % of the relief duty (not suggesting RBBC here), I'm more concerned about BAL's offensive productivity w/ below average qb play combined w/ a defense looking to be on the decline. I can envision BAL being down by 14 @ halftime more often than not - forcing them to throw a lot more than they'd like. And Smith/Flaco/Boller will struggle to keep the offense on the field IMO - especially when they're forced to pass and the defense is expecting it.

I have pick #4 coming up in a dynasty rookie/fa draft (along w/ #10), and have been considering Rice (talent >>> opportunity in dynasty). Unless Forte goes @ 3, then I'd likely go w/ Mendy. I just don't know if I can handle eating his rookie contract @ about 10% / yr. of my cap for 2-3 years - waiting for WM to get hurt.

I don't follow the college game closely (spending enough time here and on sundays in the fall), so any insider comments or opinions WHY Rice would be a better (long term) dynasty value over guys like Forte/CJ (TN)/etc. would be appreciated.

 
Joe Bryant said:
Balco said:
I was very surprised to see some of the other backs taken before Ray Rice. This guy is going to be a very good back in the NFL, and it looks like he is having a nice camp.

Note from Camp Report

"Running back Ray Rice was impressive, faking out linebacker Antwan Barnes in the open field. He also ran over cornerback Ronnie Prude."

Article 2

"The offense enjoyed some success on stretch runs as McGahee and Ray Rice demonstrated nice change of direction skills and awareness in heavy traffic.

Overall the rookie Rice looked a bit more ready to play today than McGahee although the incumbent starter certainly had some fine moments. Rice has a very good burst and he can get lost in traffic which creates problems for the defense. The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south."
Click to expand...
Hi Balco,I like Rice too.

For the 2008 season, how do you see the carries being split between Rice and McGahee?

J
Click to expand...
Barring injury to McGahee, Rice will be a non factor in fantasy leagues. Cam Cameron has already stated that he sees McGahee as a 3 down back this season:Ravens to add to McGahee's workload

But McGahee obviously will always have injury concerns, and Rice just needs that opportunity. Rice can catch the ball to, so if Cameron's belief that McGahee can stay in on 3rd downs is wrong, Rice can show his stuiff as a thrid down back. I see a 75/25 split for the two.

 
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thecardiackid said:
I don't follow the college game closely (spending enough time here and on sundays in the fall), so any insider comments or opinions WHY Rice would be a better (long term) dynasty value over guys like Forte/CJ (TN)/etc. would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Like I said earlier the top reason is that Rice is more talented then those guy you mentioned. I am not knocking McGahee at all, he had a very nice season for the Ravens last year, and obviously is slated to carry the load once again this year. So just to be clear for those contemplating nabbing Rice in a redraft, only do so late, if at all, as a handcuff for McGahee. Rice will get his chance sooner than most think. Things happen in the NFL that provide opportunity - Injuries, ineffectiveness, and salary cap issues. I can definitely see Rice starting one game due to McGahee being dinged up this year.There have been a lot of players who seemed stuck behind others who just needed the opportunity - McAllister, Shaun Alexander, Marion Barber, Larry Johnson . . . etc.
 
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ratbast said:
I have to decide between Rice, Felix, CJ12 (Tenn, theres been so many CJs).
Click to expand...
As team ACME, we thought we had to decide between RR and CJ12 too...Check it out: got both! Couldn't have asked for a better result from slots 1.11 and 1.13. 1.01 1. MAC McFadden, Darren OAK RB 1.02 2. CELT Stewart, Jonathan CAR RB 1.03 3. JEDI Mendenhall, Rashard PIT RB 1.04 4. RAGE Smith, Kevin DET RB 1.05 5. FETT Forte, Matt CHI RB 1.06 6. RAGE Jones, Felix DAL RB 1.07 7. BARF Ryan, Matt ATL QB 1.08 8. DOPE Flacco, Joe BAL QB 1.09 9. DOPE Charles, Jamaal KCC RB 1.10 10. JEDI Hardy, James BUF WR 1.11 11. ACME Johnson, Chris TEN RB (wow. tough choice.)1.12 12. BARF Slaton, Steve HOU RB 1.13 13. ACME Rice, Ray BAL RB (cool. who woulda thunk it?)1.14 14. FLYT Torain, Ryan DEN RB1.15 15. MAC Thomas, Devin WAS WR 1.16 16. SITH Sweed, Limas PIT WRSorry, don't normally post this kind of stuff but was just so excited about RR (and CJ12) just had to share with the guys that would really appreciate it. Now back to your regularly scheduled program...-Wile E
 
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hooptd said:
I have the 5th pick in a couple dynasty drafts coming up soon. I've been thinking I would take either Smith or Forte. I'm wondering if the best move would be to take Rice instead. How many of you would actually pull the trigger in that situation?
Click to expand...
I was in the same boat.I traded back to 7 and got him there.
 
acme said:
ratbast said:
I have to decide between Rice, Felix, CJ12 (Tenn, theres been so many CJs).
Click to expand...
As team ACME, we thought we had to decide between RR and CJ12 too...Check it out: got both! Couldn't have asked for a better result from slots 1.11 and 1.13.

1.01 1. MAC McFadden, Darren OAK RB

1.02 2. CELT Stewart, Jonathan CAR RB

1.03 3. JEDI Mendenhall, Rashard PIT RB

1.04 4. RAGE Smith, Kevin DET RB

1.05 5. FETT Forte, Matt CHI RB

1.06 6. RAGE Jones, Felix DAL RB

1.07 7. BARF Ryan, Matt ATL QB

1.08 8. DOPE Flacco, Joe BAL QB

1.09 9. DOPE Charles, Jamaal KCC RB

1.10 10. JEDI Hardy, James BUF WR

1.11 11. ACME Johnson, Chris TEN RB (wow. tough choice.)

1.12 12. BARF Slaton, Steve HOU RB

1.13 13. ACME Rice, Ray BAL RB (cool. who woulda thunk it?)

1.14 14. FLYT Torain, Ryan DEN RB

1.15 15. MAC Thomas, Devin WAS WR

1.16 16. SITH Sweed, Limas PIT WR

Sorry, don't normally post this kind of stuff but was just so excited about RR (and CJ12) just had to share with the guys that would really appreciate it.

Now back to your regularly scheduled program...

-Wile E
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Wow, Steve Slaton at 12? He is a 3rd rounder. I am putting my money where my mouth is and am taking Ray Rice at # 5.8.2.2009 Edit: I have been wrong on players before, but I don't think I have ever misjudged a player as bad as I did Slaton before. I just could not see him making the transition to from the spread option to a traditional offense. I saw several of his NFL games, he is going to be a good one.

 
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Cowtippers said:
Maroney=Speed said:
I'm on board. He will have better '08 numbers than most think.
Click to expand...
As for Rice's 08 numbers......I found this somewhat interesting on Rotoworld. Despite the presence of second-round rookie Ray Rice, the Ravens are planning to increase Willis McGahee's workload."There is no question in my mind that Willis McGahee can be a three-down back," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "I think this is the right time in his career to do it." Cameron oversaw the best years of LaDainian Tomlinson's career and got the most out of Ronnie Brown, so McGahee is in an ideal spot right now. Still, it's a good idea to grab Ray Rice as a handcuff if you go after McGahee.Source: Baltimore Sun Related: Ray Rice
Click to expand...
;) Cam Cameron has never shown himself to be a RBBC type of coach, he prefers to utilize one guy, and to lean on him , heavily..McGahee should see upwards of 50 receptions and double digit TDs, perhaps cranking out his most productive season since turning pro..If Cameron can get the production we saw out of Ronnie Brown last season ( before tearing up his knee), we should similar results in Baltimore..
 
Balco said:
Joe Bryant said:
Balco said:
I was very surprised to see some of the other backs taken before Ray Rice. This guy is going to be a very good back in the NFL, and it looks like he is having a nice camp.

Note from Camp Report

"Running back Ray Rice was impressive, faking out linebacker Antwan Barnes in the open field. He also ran over cornerback Ronnie Prude."

Article 2

"The offense enjoyed some success on stretch runs as McGahee and Ray Rice demonstrated nice change of direction skills and awareness in heavy traffic.

Overall the rookie Rice looked a bit more ready to play today than McGahee although the incumbent starter certainly had some fine moments. Rice has a very good burst and he can get lost in traffic which creates problems for the defense. The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south."
Click to expand...
Hi Balco,I like Rice too.

For the 2008 season, how do you see the carries being split between Rice and McGahee?

J
Click to expand...
Barring injury to McGahee, Rice will be a non factor in fantasy leagues. Cam Cameron has already stated that he sees McGahee as a 3 down back this season:Ravens to add to McGahee's workload

But McGahee obviously will always have injury concerns, and Rice just needs that opportunity. Rice can catch the ball to, so if Cameron's belief that McGahee can stay in on 3rd downs is wrong, Rice can show his stuiff as a thrid down back. I see a 75/25 split for the two.
Click to expand...
That's pretty much how we see it too. I'd kind of presumed Cameron might be leaning that way but to see him actually saying it as I covered in the Email Update I sent last night is a bigger thing. We'll see.J

 
None_More_Black said:
Young 8 said:
None_More_Black said:
Balco said:
Lash said:
The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south

the above is huge and will be his biggest weakness

that and McGahee is really good and 27 so it may be a couple year before we know if Rice'll make it
Click to expand...
That was his knock on that day. Ray Rice is a very good north south runner.
Click to expand...
100% agree and McGahee is an overrated runner. I think this is Rice's job next year if he can be effective at this level this year.
Click to expand...
lol
Click to expand...
Fantastic insight.
Click to expand...
sure, like saying I think this is Rice's job next year based on ABSOLUTELY NOTHING :own3d:

 
Young 8 said:
None_More_Black said:
Young 8 said:
None_More_Black said:
Balco said:
Lash said:
The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south

the above is huge and will be his biggest weakness

that and McGahee is really good and 27 so it may be a couple year before we know if Rice'll make it
Click to expand...
That was his knock on that day. Ray Rice is a very good north south runner.
Click to expand...
100% agree and McGahee is an overrated runner. I think this is Rice's job next year if he can be effective at this level this year.
Click to expand...
lol
Click to expand...
Fantastic insight.
Click to expand...
sure, like saying I think this is Rice's job next year based on ABSOLUTELY NOTHING :thumbup:
Click to expand...
I am basing it on being a Rutgers season ticket holder and having had Mcgahee on my main fantasy team twice. I think Rice's game will translate well to the NFL and I think McGaheee, who for two years could not manage a run over 19 yards, is overated. My opinion on the two rbs talent level, simple as that.
 
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None_More_Black said:
Young 8 said:
None_More_Black said:
Young 8 said:
None_More_Black said:
Balco said:
Lash said:
The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south

the above is huge and will be his biggest weakness

that and McGahee is really good and 27 so it may be a couple year before we know if Rice'll make it
Click to expand...
That was his knock on that day. Ray Rice is a very good north south runner.
Click to expand...
100% agree and McGahee is an overrated runner. I think this is Rice's job next year if he can be effective at this level this year.
Click to expand...
lol
Click to expand...
Fantastic insight.
Click to expand...
sure, like saying I think this is Rice's job next year based on ABSOLUTELY NOTHING :thumbup:
Click to expand...
I am basing it on being a Rutgers season ticket holder and having had Mcgahee on my main fantasy team twice. I think Rice's game will translate well to the NFL and I think Mcgaheee, who for two years could not have a run over 19 yards, is overated. Simple as that.
Click to expand...
ok, and i think McGahee will be the starting RB in 2009we're even

 
I think he is un-special. Buried behind a franchise back for the forseeable future. Like him as a handcuff to McGahee, but not much more.

 
Young 8 said:
None_More_Black said:
Young 8 said:
None_More_Black said:
Young 8 said:
None_More_Black said:
Balco said:
Lash said:
The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south

the above is huge and will be his biggest weakness

that and McGahee is really good and 27 so it may be a couple year before we know if Rice'll make it
Click to expand...
That was his knock on that day. Ray Rice is a very good north south runner.
Click to expand...
100% agree and McGahee is an overrated runner. I think this is Rice's job next year if he can be effective at this level this year.
Click to expand...
lol
Click to expand...
Fantastic insight.
Click to expand...
sure, like saying I think this is Rice's job next year based on ABSOLUTELY NOTHING :thumbup:
Click to expand...
I am basing it on being a Rutgers season ticket holder and having had Mcgahee on my main fantasy team twice. I think Rice's game will translate well to the NFL and I think Mcgaheee, who for two years could not have a run over 19 yards, is overated. Simple as that.
Click to expand...
ok, and i think McGahee will be the starting RB in 2009we're even
Click to expand...
I'm not the GM of the team dude, this is an opinion thread. I think Ray Rice will be a better back then Mcgahee.
 
just to fan the pot and stir the fire a little bit:

Willis McGahee, RB BAL

News: Ravens RB Willis McGahee did not practice Sunday because of a lower left leg injury. "We are hoping to get him back soon," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. "I don’t know what the term is on him right now, but we are hopeful." Rookies Ray Rice and Allen Patrick filled in for McGahee.

Analysis: McGahee is coming off a productive season in which he had 1,207 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He also had a career-high with 43 catches for 231 yards and a touchdown while only missing one game due to injury. McGahee missed the 2003 season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in college, but since then, he has missed just three regular-season games due to injury. He might suffer minor bumps and bruises, but McGahee usually shows up on Sunday. He was Baltimore's best offensive player in 2007 and will enter 2008 in his prime at 27 years old. He's worth a late first-round Fantasy draft pick and could put up even bigger numbers this season. This injury doesn't appear to be serious.

 
massraider said:
I think he is un-special. Buried behind a franchise back for the forseeable future. Like him as a handcuff to McGahee, but not much more.
Click to expand...
I think you probably have never seen Rice play.From the Ravens message board:

"The two most impressive performances during the AM session on Saturday were those of Ray Rice and Derrick Martin. During what is sometimes described as the 4 minute drill (one that assumes the offense has a comfortable lead and their job is simply to kill the clock) Ray Rice regularly made positive yardage despite the entire defense committed to stopping the run. Tom Zbikowski knifed through regularly during the drill as a run blitzing linebacker. He was more comfortable with the assignment as practice continued. Initially he showed some hesitancy.

But back to Rice, he makes the most of limited real estate and has a knack for getting small and moving forward. On one play during the 4 minute drill, Rice converted a third and 4 with a 6 yard run between Ben Grubbs and Jason Brown. Besides his success during this drill, Rice demonstrates solid open field awareness on screens, is sure-handed and follows his blockers well. He’s an obvious student of the game judging from his sound fundamentals."

I understand the skepticism re: Rice taking carries away from an established starter like McGahee, and I understand the statements from Cameron, and his history with LT and Ronnie Brown in developing 3 down backs. But Rice will force the Ravens to use him, just like he forced his way onto the field at Rutgers. Although it seems too easy a comparison to make, Rice has the potential to be the second coming of MJD. Maybe he won't be a fantasy starter, but he and McGahee can be a devastating 1-2 punch if they get anything out of the QB position.

 
Ray Rice was my #1 target in both dynasty leagues considering the price tag.

I think in two years the cream will rise to the top. He seems to have everything you want in a RB, many are concerned with his height or overall weight, but his BMI seems to be ideal.

Scouts have stated he is the best inside runner to come out in the draft and the NFL is all about inside running.

Maybe the most important for me is gut feeling, just a hunch with all the info in front of me including, character, durable, vision, and quickness, I think he pans out to be a stud RB.

Dynasty owners get him now before the value goes way up!

 
super sleeper said:
massraider said:
I think he is un-special. Buried behind a franchise back for the forseeable future. Like him as a handcuff to McGahee, but not much more.
Click to expand...
I think you probably have never seen Rice play.From the Ravens message board:

"The two most impressive performances during the AM session on Saturday were those of Ray Rice and Derrick Martin. During what is sometimes described as the 4 minute drill (one that assumes the offense has a comfortable lead and their job is simply to kill the clock) Ray Rice regularly made positive yardage despite the entire defense committed to stopping the run. Tom Zbikowski knifed through regularly during the drill as a run blitzing linebacker. He was more comfortable with the assignment as practice continued. Initially he showed some hesitancy.

But back to Rice, he makes the most of limited real estate and has a knack for getting small and moving forward. On one play during the 4 minute drill, Rice converted a third and 4 with a 6 yard run between Ben Grubbs and Jason Brown. Besides his success during this drill, Rice demonstrates solid open field awareness on screens, is sure-handed and follows his blockers well. He’s an obvious student of the game judging from his sound fundamentals."

I understand the skepticism re: Rice taking carries away from an established starter like McGahee, and I understand the statements from Cameron, and his history with LT and Ronnie Brown in developing 3 down backs. But Rice will force the Ravens to use him, just like he forced his way onto the field at Rutgers. Although it seems too easy a comparison to make, Rice has the potential to be the second coming of MJD. Maybe he won't be a fantasy starter, but he and McGahee can be a devastating 1-2 punch if they get anything out of the QB position.
Click to expand...
No, I've seen him play. I saw him get good blocking at Rutgers, and I saw him follow his blockers. What I didn't see was whatever makes people classify players as 'special'. He may very well wind up being a solid player, I could see him potentially succeeding with a good team around him, and gaining yards as a between-the-tackles guy. Solid, but not spectacular. I could also see him being a career backup. I think the idea that he will cut into McGahee's time is hilarious, and a good example of people falling in love with rookies.

The way I feel about Rice is the way I feel, and I posted it in here just to make my opinion heard. If he turns into the next MJD, I fully expect some toolbox to bump the thread. Fine with me. Not trying to start a holy war, just offering another viewpoint. I don't think he has much opportunity for at least two seasons, and don't think he has the talent to cut into McGahee's time.

And really not impressed with some blurb from training camp. Check any TC thread on this board. There's breathless accolades for people that won't see the light of day when the bullets start flying.

 
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super sleeper said:
massraider said:
I think he is un-special. Buried behind a franchise back for the forseeable future. Like him as a handcuff to McGahee, but not much more.
Click to expand...
I think you probably have never seen Rice play.From the Ravens message board:

"The two most impressive performances during the AM session on Saturday were those of Ray Rice and Derrick Martin. During what is sometimes described as the 4 minute drill (one that assumes the offense has a comfortable lead and their job is simply to kill the clock) Ray Rice regularly made positive yardage despite the entire defense committed to stopping the run. Tom Zbikowski knifed through regularly during the drill as a run blitzing linebacker. He was more comfortable with the assignment as practice continued. Initially he showed some hesitancy.

But back to Rice, he makes the most of limited real estate and has a knack for getting small and moving forward. On one play during the 4 minute drill, Rice converted a third and 4 with a 6 yard run between Ben Grubbs and Jason Brown. Besides his success during this drill, Rice demonstrates solid open field awareness on screens, is sure-handed and follows his blockers well. He’s an obvious student of the game judging from his sound fundamentals."

I understand the skepticism re: Rice taking carries away from an established starter like McGahee, and I understand the statements from Cameron, and his history with LT and Ronnie Brown in developing 3 down backs. But Rice will force the Ravens to use him, just like he forced his way onto the field at Rutgers. Although it seems too easy a comparison to make, Rice has the potential to be the second coming of MJD. Maybe he won't be a fantasy starter, but he and McGahee can be a devastating 1-2 punch if they get anything out of the QB position.
Click to expand...
Hi SS,Who is this writing on the message board?

J

 
I like Ray as the #4 in this draft... but when Bal took him, that killed his value. Hes behind a very good workhorse, whoes also in his prime. RR is going to have to wait atleast 2 yr before he gets a decent chance. Too bad.

 
#4 RB on my list as well too.

In a recent dynasty startup I went heavy on WR/TE/QB and targeted Rice and Michael Bush as cheap, high quality RBs. May be rugged for a year or two, but looking for both to get their opportunity.

 
I think he's a guy that could be huge the second half of the season. McGahee is lazy and is out of shape coming into camp yet again. He doesn't know the playbook and that's going to be a huge problem. He had all sorts of problems in the passing game in Buffalo because he never knew what his assignments were and had no clue on how to read a defense. He's obviously done somewhat better in Baltimore though, although I'm not sure that his pass blocking has been any better.

McGahee is good for at least one game missed due to injury though and I think that Rice will show enough to get playing time.

And I'm not sure that Cameron will have the ability to ride McGahee like a workhorse. if he gives McGahee as many carries as he gave LT and Brown, McGahee will end up like Brown.

 
Balco said:
I was very surprised to see some of the other backs taken before Ray Rice. This guy is going to be a very good back in the NFL, and it looks like he is having a nice camp.

Note from Camp Report

"Running back Ray Rice was impressive, faking out linebacker Antwan Barnes in the open field. He also ran over cornerback Ronnie Prude."Article 2

"The offense enjoyed some success on stretch runs as McGahee and Ray Rice demonstrated nice change of direction skills and awareness in heavy traffic.

Overall the rookie Rice looked a bit more ready to play today than McGahee although the incumbent starter certainly had some fine moments. Rice has a very good burst and he can get lost in traffic which creates problems for the defense. The only knock against Rice today would be a tendency to do too much moving east and west and not enough north and south."
Click to expand...
Not really saying much when you can fake out Barnes and run over Prude. Much more impressive if it were Lewis and McAlister. I do agree however that he will be a good change of pace back.
 
I think the Ravens are gonna be pretty content to have Rice duplicate the Musa Smith role of last year and, barring unforeseen circumstances, put up the numbers noted by Jeff P above. Late in a half, Musa was a pretty effective burst of energy coming off the bench and I think Rice will get his feet wet in the pros in the same manner.

The downside, of course, remains Baltimore QBing and its ineffectiveness at keeping them in a position where they can advantageously keep giving the rock to the big guys in the backfield.

 
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