Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2010 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. This year, we plan to publish more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens

Player Page Link: Ray Rice Player Page

Each article will include:

[*]Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member

[*]Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads

[*]FBG Projections

[*]Consensus Member Projections

The Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

[*]Focus commentary on the player (or players) in question, and your expectations for said player (or players)

[*]Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"

[*]Avoid redundancies or ... this should be about incremental analysis or debate

While not a requirement, we strongly encourage you to provide your own projections for the player (players):

Projections should include:

[*]For QBs: Attempts, Completions, Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Attempts, Rush Yards, Rush TDs

[*]For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs

[*]For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs

Now let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Ravens were 7th in rushing attempts last season and 25th in passing attempts. I expect them to balance this out more in 2010 with the arrival of Boldin and Stallworth to the WR corps. Baltimore will still run the ball plenty and I expect them to win a lot of games and be ahead in the 3rd and 4th quarter which should put them in position to run the ball in order to close out games, so there will still be plenty of rushing attempts.

Last season they ran the ball a total of 468 times and Rice had 254 attempts. That seems reasonable. He also had about 140 more attmpts than the next RB on the team, McGahee. No reason Rice can't get another 240-260+ attmpts which works out to about 15-17 carries a game. Both he and McGahee had 5.0+ ypc last season and the OL is solid, again no reason to project Rice for much less than 5 ypc.

Ray Rice had 7 Tds vs McGahee who had 12. Rice could see a slight uptick in his rushing Tds although it is difficult to project Tds with any type of sccuracy.

Where Rice is going to have a dip most likely is in receptions. 78 was a lot last season but Baltimore had no presence at the WR2 position, however that won't be an issue this season with Boldin, Mason, and Stallworth leading the way. And Baltimore drafted not one but two TEs to go behind Heap. I remember when Steven Jackson had 90 receptions and people were projecting the same for the next season. Don't be that guy. A much more reasonable number might be somewhere in the 40-50 range.

Projection: 250-1250-8Td and 45-400-2Td

1,650 total yds, 10Tds, 45 receptions. Should be good for an automatic top10, perhaps higher.

 

[fightingillini]

A yardage and reception monster. Easily a top 5RB in PPR. I disagree with Ministry of Pain that Rice's recpetions will drop to 45. Rice is a main weapon in the BAL passing game, and the arrival of Boldin isn't going to change that. Boldin will take some recpetions from Rice, but I see Bolding taking more from Mason and Heap. BAL likely will pass the ball a little more in 2010 than in years past.

250 car, 1200 yds, 9TD

65 rec, 550 yds, 2 TD

 

[Concept Coop]

As a Rice owner in just about every league last year it was frustrating to see McGahee snagging all his TDs early in the year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sure seemed like they fed Rice the ball in the red zone more and more as the year went on. McGahee still sniped a TD here and there but Rice was given the opportunities in the 2nd half where he was just taken out in the 1st half of the season. If this is correct and continues, I could see Rice easily getting a double digit rushing TD total.As stated by a poster above, 78 receptions is a LOT. Rice clearly has the trust of Flacco (if for nothing else, his very high reception percentage). This number could easily go down, but Cam Cameron likes to throw to his running backs and this has been quite effective. Given the OC's preference to call these plays, Flacco's trust in Rice, and Rice's glue hands I think it is very safe to expect nothing less thabn 60 receptions next year if he plays in 16 games. 5.3 ypc will be very tough to reproduce. It is hard to expect anything more than 4.5 ypc from anyone but given the new WR weapons and the stout o-line I'm going to pencil him in for 4.8 ypc.260 carries x 4.8 ypc = 1248 yds 10 TD + 60 rec x 9 ypr = 540 yds 2 TDThat being said, I think he's got a high ceiling. If McGahee falters or they want to phase him out for some reason, Rice could easily achieve 300 carries and 15+ TD (the Ravens were tied with Miami for the most rushing touchdowns last year - 22. The year before they had 20). His ypc could also stay above 5 ypc. Boldin and Stallworth are certainly good reasons for the defense to stay honest. And if the defense does blanket those guys, Flacco just might find Rice open quite a bit, leading to another ~80 rec season but with a higher ypr. He looks to be a very safe pick (high floor) in this improving offense but with explosion (#1RB) potential.

I remember seeing a stat somewhere that showed Willis was TWICE as effective in the redzone. Not only does that not change this year, but when Willis moves on, there will be a replacement drafted to fill that role, IMO.

 

[rzrback77]

Ray Rice played a significant role in my local league championship last year. However, his current ADP of RB 4 and 4th overall seems too high to me. I personally think that the Ravens will continue the increases in the passing game. Flacco is starting his third year and his improvements have been solid. From 60.0% up to 63.1% completion percentage, from 6.9 ypa up to 7.2 ypa, from 14 TDs up to 21. Then, the Ravens have added Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth to their receiving options. Flacco was injured some last year and the passing focus decreased down the stretch. I think that the Ravens move toward favoring the pass in 2010.

Less team rushes would not necessarily hinder Ray Rice, but the previous effectiveness of McGahee and McClain do give them alternates to rest him. Supposing that the Ravens are in a clock kill mode protecting leads, which I think will happen some this year, McGahee and McClain may see more chances late in the game.

When the Ravens drafted two rookie receiving TEs, the general thought was that Todd Heap was done, but I have heard stories that he may be a viable target more often in 2010, based on the offensive line improvements. If that is true, then some of the RB dump off passes could be redirected to the TE. Ray Rice caught 78 passes on 101 targets a year ago and I don't think that it is reasonable for him to be used that often again in the passing game.

Lots of opportunity for the Ravens to reduce his work-load and extend his effectiveness in my opinion to warrant caution drafting him at the number four slot. Still a very solid performer, but will be hard pressed to finish as high as he did a year ago.

Ray Rice 16 gms 240 carries (15 per game) 1176 yds 4.9 ypc 75 targets 58 catches 77.3% 493 yds 8.5 ypc and 8 TDs

 

[baconisgood]

As a Rice owner in just about every league last year it was frustrating to see McGahee snagging all his TDs early in the year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sure seemed like they fed Rice the ball in the red zone more and more as the year went on. McGahee still sniped a TD here and there but Rice was given the opportunities in the 2nd half where he was just taken out in the 1st half of the season. If this is correct and continues, I could see Rice easily getting a double digit rushing TD total.

McGahee had 56 touches weeks 1-7 and 68 touches weeks 9-17 and his TDs were split down the middle as well. 6 of Rices 8 TDs came in the first half of the season even though he averaged 3 more touches a game weeks 9-17 than he did 1-8.

 

[pantherclub]

Depending on what happens with Vince Young but I would not be surprised to see Rice go #1 overall. His team offense should improve and he proved he is a monster player. I really wouldnt worry about his td's. Def a top 3 pick.

 

[baconisgood]

Depending on what happens with Vince Young but I would not be surprised to see Rice go #1 overall. His team offense should improve and he proved he is a monster player. I really wouldnt worry about his td's. Def a top 3 pick.

In PPR he is definitely worthy of #1 pick discussion, but in non ppr leagues why aren't you worried about his TDs when discussion his top 3 status? Peterson has averaged almost 14 TDs a year in 3 years, CJ 13 in 2, MJD 13+ in 4, Turner 27 TDs in 27 games with ATL (28/28 if you count the playoff game)- there's 4 stud RBs who since getting the starters role have combined for 11 years of starting with only 1 season in single digits and none of these backs has any serious time share concerns.

 

[bigmiiiiike]

How many times has a player repeated 60+ or 70+ receptions the following season? Steven Jackson had 90 catches in '06, but never more than 50 at any other time in his career. Marshall Faulk had a 5 year stretch where every year he had 80+ receptions. Westbrook had a 4 year run where he went 73, 61, 77, 90. Tiki Barber had a 5 year run with 66+ catches. Outside of these guys, I can't think of anyone who ripped off multiple monster reception seasons from the RB spot, and they were very elite players.

Not that Rice isn't elite, but I feel like he was more a product of the Ravens' offense, or lack of receiving talent. Now that they've added Boldin and Stallworth, I think it's realistic that he's still used as a receiving weapon, but that his total slips to about 50 catches.

250 carries, 1250 yards, 50 catches 450 yards, 10 total TDs

 

[baconisgood]

As a Rice owner in just about every league last year it was frustrating to see McGahee snagging all his TDs early in the year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sure seemed like they fed Rice the ball in the red zone more and more as the year went on. McGahee still sniped a TD here and there but Rice was given the opportunities in the 2nd half where he was just taken out in the 1st half of the season. If this is correct and continues, I could see Rice easily getting a double digit rushing TD total.

McGahee had 56 touches weeks 1-7 and 68 touches weeks 9-17 and his TDs were split down the middle as well. 6 of Rices 8 TDs came in the first half of the season even though he averaged 3 more touches a game weeks 9-17 than he did 1-8.

I wasn't talking about total touches. I was referring to touches inside the 5 or even inside the 10. I know Rice didn't succeed every time but it seems like he actually got the ball inside the 5 a few times in the second half of the season. I remember thinking the only way he was going to score was on a 20+ yard TD but as time went on he finally started to get some looks inside the 10.

If he did he didn't manage to convert many of them.

 

[pantherclub]

Depending on what happens with Vince Young but I would not be surprised to see Rice go #1 overall. His team offense should improve and he proved he is a monster player. I really wouldnt worry about his td's. Def a top 3 pick.

In PPR he is definitely worthy of #1 pick discussion, but in non ppr leagues why aren't you worried about his TDs when discussion his top 3 status? Peterson has averaged almost 14 TDs a year in 3 years, CJ 13 in 2, MJD 13+ in 4, Turner 27 TDs in 27 games with ATL (28/28 if you count the playoff game)- there's 4 stud RBs who since getting the starters role have combined for 11 years of starting with only 1 season in single digits and none of these backs has any serious time share concerns.

My point is that I think his td's will come up since Willis took a bunch last year and add to the fact that I think the offense will be a lot better. Thats all.

 

[baconisgood]

Depending on what happens with Vince Young but I would not be surprised to see Rice go #1 overall. His team offense should improve and he proved he is a monster player. I really wouldnt worry about his td's. Def a top 3 pick.

In PPR he is definitely worthy of #1 pick discussion, but in non ppr leagues why aren't you worried about his TDs when discussion his top 3 status? Peterson has averaged almost 14 TDs a year in 3 years, CJ 13 in 2, MJD 13+ in 4, Turner 27 TDs in 27 games with ATL (28/28 if you count the playoff game)- there's 4 stud RBs who since getting the starters role have combined for 11 years of starting with only 1 season in single digits and none of these backs has any serious time share concerns.

My point is that I think his td's will come up since Willis took a bunch last year and add to the fact that I think the offense will be a lot better. Thats all.

Ok- Why is Willis not going to get the attempts? From a basic perspective Willis had 19 rushes and 3 targets from inside the 10 and turned them into 10 TDs and Willis' TD total and touches totals were split virtually down the middle throughout the year. Also McClain had 3 Rushes and 1 target for 2 TDs. Rice had 14 rushes and 1 target for 3 TDs. Even if you drop it to touches inside the 5 yard line Rice is still significantly outperformed. And its not just the basic numbers that concerns me- its the logic of it. Rice is clearly a better RB and receiver than Willis in the open field, if you are going to spell Rice you don't want to do it between the 20s where his value is the highest.

 

[Sweet Love]

How many times has a player repeated 60+ or 70+ receptions the following season? Steven Jackson had 90 catches in '06, but never more than 50 at any other time in his career. Marshall Faulk had a 5 year stretch where every year he had 80+ receptions. Westbrook had a 4 year run where he went 73, 61, 77, 90. Tiki Barber had a 5 year run with 66+ catches. Outside of these guys, I can't think of anyone who ripped off multiple monster reception seasons from the RB spot, and they were very elite players.

Not that Rice isn't elite, but I feel like he was more a product of the Ravens' offense, or lack of receiving talent. Now that they've added Boldin and Stallworth, I think it's realistic that he's still used as a receiving weapon, but that his total slips to about 50 catches.

250 carries, 1250 yards, 50 catches 450 yards, 10 total TDs

I agree with this point, but I will take it a step further. If (and it seems they will) the Ravens open up the offense in '10, the second they get in a game where Flacco has a few turnovers, I don't see the defense holding up like they used to. they are an aging D (in the pivitol roles/key players) and the old "bend but don't break" of the last few years, may start to break. They were successful as a team last year due to ball control and short stuff...will likely favor Boldin, but if Mason fades as Boldin comes along, they have literally switched one guy for another. I see the team passing a lot in the beginning of the season (compared to last year), but don't be surprised if the passing splits (week 1-9 and week 10-17) decrease in the second half of the year as they re-embrace the run and "short stuff".

 

[pantherclub]

Depending on what happens with Vince Young but I would not be surprised to see Rice go #1 overall. His team offense should improve and he proved he is a monster player. I really wouldnt worry about his td's. Def a top 3 pick.

In PPR he is definitely worthy of #1 pick discussion, but in non ppr leagues why aren't you worried about his TDs when discussion his top 3 status? Peterson has averaged almost 14 TDs a year in 3 years, CJ 13 in 2, MJD 13+ in 4, Turner 27 TDs in 27 games with ATL (28/28 if you count the playoff game)- there's 4 stud RBs who since getting the starters role have combined for 11 years of starting with only 1 season in single digits and none of these backs has any serious time share concerns.

My point is that I think his td's will come up since Willis took a bunch last year and add to the fact that I think the offense will be a lot better. Thats all.

Ok- Why is Willis not going to get the attempts? From a basic perspective Willis had 19 rushes and 3 targets from inside the 10 and turned them into 10 TDs and Willis' TD total and touches totals were split virtually down the middle throughout the year. Also McClain had 3 Rushes and 1 target for 2 TDs. Rice had 14 rushes and 1 target for 3 TDs. Even if you drop it to touches inside the 5 yard line Rice is still significantly outperformed. And its not just the basic numbers that concerns me- its the logic of it. Rice is clearly a better RB and receiver than Willis in the open field, if you are going to spell Rice you don't want to do it between the 20s where his value is the highest.

Just more confidence in general in Rice. then bulk of Willis's td's were in the beginning of the year and I dont see that happening again. Plus the fact that WIllis is a year older on an already brittle body.

 

[baconisgood]

then bulk of Willis's td's were in the beginning of the year and I dont see that happening again

You have it backwards. Willis' TDs were split down the middle- the bulk of RICE's TDs came the first half of the season.

 

[JPeso]

How are you guys only projecting him for 45 catches? I understand being conservative, but his floor if he plays the season is 60, ceiling of 85.

 

[identikit]

How are you guys only projecting him for 45 catches? I understand being conservative, but his floor if he plays the season is 60, ceiling of 85.

Looks like only one guy's doing that....

 

[JPeso]

How are you guys only projecting him for 45 catches? I understand being conservative, but his floor if he plays the season is 60, ceiling of 85.

Looks like only one guy's doing that....

And another guy for 50. Sorry, I should have said 45-50. Accept my apology.

 

[Multiple Scores]

250-1400-12 and 60-500-5 for a total of 1900/17.

A top flight RB1 who I own on zero teams.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

The Ravens are going to be an interesting team to see evolve this year with the acquisition of Anquan Boldin. Personally, I don't think this acquisition makes them more explosive in the passing game, but it does make them tougher and more dangerous in clutch situations.

As it stands though, the Ravens passed the ball on 54.4% of their offensive plays. I would not forecast a significant increase from this as they had 546 pass attempts & sacks combined in 2009. If this number crept above the 560 number, I could buy that, but not much more. Why would they...? They have a great situation at RB and a very solid offensive line.

So 2010 is about forecasting the existing re-distribution of production. When you look at Rice's 2009 season, it could parted almost down the middle by the bye week. The Ravens got off to a fast 3-0 start. This was propelled by the surprising performance of Flacco who posted the following line:

68/104/839/6/2

It was an impressive first three weeks for Flacco and it seemed to affect the way the Ravens play called the following three games, all losses. Where as Flacco averaged 34.7 attempts those first 3 games, the next 3 he averaged 40.3. While Flacco still performed well, the Ravens ran a total 53 running plays during this losing streak. It was during the bye week, where the Ravens seemed to downshift in the passing game and rely much more heavily on Rice to establish their offensive pace and tempo. Flacco would not exceed 35 pass attempts in any game the rest of the season and Rice who had averaged 12.2 carries/game prior to the bye week, averaged 18.1 the rest of the way. In addition, prior to the bye week, Rice accounted for 52% of the non-QB rushing attempts. After the bye week, that percentage increased to 62%. I suspect you'll see the Ravens be closer to that latter number in 2010, even surpassing it.

Where Rice may get some breather time is on third down, believe it or not. Now that the Ravens brought on Boldin, this might be a good time for the Ravens to periodically give Rice a breather as they won't be as dependent on him to make plays in the passing game in those situations. Plus, it would allow the Ravens to have McClain or McGahee shoulder more of the pass blocking assignments out of the shotgun saving Rice. Not saying Rice becomes a two down player, but you may see him less on that down and more on the first two.

That said, Rice is a pretty safe bet. He's a tough runner that has a superior receiving skillset, a defense that still can get after it even if it is getting long in the tooth, and an o-line that has been successful with lesser talent in establishing a run game. Expect a Top 5 season from Rice.

Prediction: 282 Rushes, 1390 Rushing Yards, 7 TD's; 59 Receptions 448 Receiving Yards, 3 TD's.

 

[cr8f]

How many times has a player repeated 60+ or 70+ receptions the following season? Steven Jackson had 90 catches in '06, but never more than 50 at any other time in his career. Marshall Faulk had a 5 year stretch where every year he had 80+ receptions. Westbrook had a 4 year run where he went 73, 61, 77, 90. Tiki Barber had a 5 year run with 66+ catches. Outside of these guys, I can't think of anyone who ripped off multiple monster reception seasons from the RB spot, and they were very elite players.Not that Rice isn't elite, but I feel like he was more a product of the Ravens' offense, or lack of receiving talent. Now that they've added Boldin and Stallworth, I think it's realistic that he's still used as a receiving weapon, but that his total slips to about 50 catches.250 carries, 1250 yards, 50 catches 450 yards, 10 total TDs

The exception to your list is St Louis' horrible offensive line.

 

[Thomsen]

I think Rice is looking at more carries, and more room to run. Last season his carry total per game increased to 18 per game and I think he'll stay around the same. The additions of Stallworth and Boldin will force defenses to respect the pass and give Rice plenty of room to run. The Ravens O-line is one of the most talented in the league, and I don't see Cameron changing much about the offensive strategy.

Looking at schedule, they have a great playoff schedule: @HOU, NO, @CLE, CIN. And after a tough start to the season Rice should destroy DEN, BUF, MIA, ATL TB. I think it is fair to assume that the Ravens will be nursing a lead or playing close games most of the season, so Rice should be plenty involved.

275 carries, 1375 yards (5.0 ypc), 9 TDs (more room, more big plays). 65 rec (should decrease a bit), 585 yards, 2 TDs.

 

[az_prof]

As a Rice owner in just about every league last year it was frustrating to see McGahee snagging all his TDs early in the year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sure seemed like they fed Rice the ball in the red zone more and more as the year went on. McGahee still sniped a TD here and there but Rice was given the opportunities in the 2nd half where he was just taken out in the 1st half of the season. If this is correct and continues, I could see Rice easily getting a double digit rushing TD total.As stated by a poster above, 78 receptions is a LOT. Rice clearly has the trust of Flacco (if for nothing else, his very high reception percentage). This number could easily go down, but Cam Cameron likes to throw to his running backs and this has been quite effective. Given the OC's preference to call these plays, Flacco's trust in Rice, and Rice's glue hands I think it is very safe to expect nothing less thabn 60 receptions next year if he plays in 16 games. 5.3 ypc will be very tough to reproduce. It is hard to expect anything more than 4.5 ypc from anyone but given the new WR weapons and the stout o-line I'm going to pencil him in for 4.8 ypc.260 carries x 4.8 ypc = 1248 yds 10 TD + 60 rec x 9 ypr = 540 yds 2 TDThat being said, I think he's got a high ceiling. If McGahee falters or they want to phase him out for some reason, Rice could easily achieve 300 carries and 15+ TD (the Ravens were tied with Miami for the most rushing touchdowns last year - 22. The year before they had 20). His ypc could also stay above 5 ypc. Boldin and Stallworth are certainly good reasons for the defense to stay honest. And if the defense does blanket those guys, Flacco just might find Rice open quite a bit, leading to another ~80 rec season but with a higher ypr. He looks to be a very safe pick (high floor) in this improving offense but with explosion (#1RB) potential.

The logic of this posting is pretty much how I see it. It seems likely that his receptions will fall some, but he is so good catching and running after catch that it is unlikely that it will fall a ton. It seems likely that his TD opportunities will increase. It seems likely his ypc will fall some but again, because of that good OL and his talent, not too far.

 

[Go deep]

With Flacco in his 3rd year and the acquisitions of Stallworth and Boldin, i can only assume the Ravens will pass a bit more than last year. I also thnik those passes will go down field more, limiting Rice's receptions. They will still run alot, and Rice should see plenty of carries. However, i think the Ravens will still limit his carries to keep him fresh. That will likely include short yardage again with Mcgahee and Mcclain there.

236 carries, 1119 yards, 6 TD's, 51 rec., 468 yards, 1 TD.

 

[drater]

Counting on Stallworth to produce more than than a couple pulled hamstrings and multiple weeks on the sidelines in matching sweatsuits is extremely short sighted. It's almost like the year off for killing that guy erased people's memories of how over hyped and under productive he was previously.

As for Rice, more carries, slightly less receptions, top 2-5 season depending on scoring format.

270 carries, 1275 yards, 8 TD, 65 rec, 575 yards, 3 TD

 

[Brothers Mayhem]

With Flacco in his 3rd year and the acquisitions of Stallworth and Boldin, i can only assume the Ravens will pass a bit more than last year. I also thnik those passes will go down field more, limiting Rice's receptions. They will still run alot, and Rice should see plenty of carries. However, i think the Ravens will still limit his carries to keep him fresh. That will likely include short yardage again with Mcgahee and Mcclain there.236 carries, 1119 yards, 6 TD's, 51 rec., 468 yards, 1 TD.

This assessment makes the most sense to me. Everyone seems to believe that the 2010 campaign will boast an improved Flacco, an improved, if not consistent Rice and many projections have Boldin posting decent numbers. It just seems to me that we are getting into that area where there may not be enough balls to go around. If we repeat or increase Flacco's numbers and Rice's numbers, then account for Boldin to have a fantasy impact - either someone is going to be disappointed or the Ravens will be posting some monster offensive stats this year. Forgive me if I am wrong, but I can't see the Ravens evolving into an offensive juggernaut of a team such as the Saints or the Colts. At least not just yet - for that to happen, I think they must adopt a change in their offensive philosophy.Not mention, we still have the remaining backfield, Mason, Stallworth and whichever young player that makes his stride this year to account for as well. What % of Rice's receptions last season were designed plays and what % were check downs? With the addition of Boldin and Stallworth, along with an improved Flacco - I believe those checkdown receptions are greatly reduced. I may be whiffing here, but until we get to see Rice's role played out more than just one season, it is going to be almost impossible to know how they intend to utilize him.The Raven staff said a lot when they made the move to bring in Boldin and Stallworth.

 

[T with T]

Counting on Stallworth to produce more than than a couple pulled hamstrings and multiple weeks on the sidelines in matching sweatsuits is extremely short sighted. It's almost like the year off for killing that guy erased people's memories of how over hyped and under productive he was previously.As for Rice, more carries, slightly less receptions, top 2-5 season depending on scoring format.270 carries, 1275 yards, 8 TD, 65 rec, 575 yards, 3 TD

and the fact that stallworth is mentioned in having any barring to Rices stats is pretty funny... I see rice getting more room to run receptions might drop to 60-65 but i see 1400 yards rushing at about 260 carries10 tds60-65 catches for 600 yards 2tds2000 yards from scrimmage 12 tds and 60-65 receptions... that should put him easily over 300 points and top 2

 

[KellysHeroes]

I don't think he gets over 40 recs... not with Boldin and Mason as starting WRs. If I had Ray I would be selling this off-season if I'm getting top 4 value.

 

[Cookiemonster]

I don't think he gets over 40 recs... not with Boldin and Mason as starting WRs. If I had Ray I would be selling this off-season if I'm getting top 4 value.

I compared Rice to Emmit before last season and he has only confirmed my opinion. I'm not selling E. Smith for top 4 value.

 

[T with T]

I don't think he gets over 40 recs... not with Boldin and Mason as starting WRs. If I had Ray I would be selling this off-season if I'm getting top 4 value.

I compared Rice to Emmit before last season and he has only confirmed my opinion. I'm not selling E. Smith for top 4 value.

 

[T with T]

why sell a top 2 for supposed top 4... so your telling me that rices catches will drop from 78 to under 40.....??? thats almost a 40 catch reduction... cmon if that were to happen rice would get another 60 carries then and be over 300... he will be focal point of the offense... even if his catches dip to 60 which I think is a baseline, I think his goalline opp and tds increase and rushing yards increase as he had 250 carries which isn't bad but a guy like rice could handle 300-50... I would give him 300 carries 50 catches and call it a day... he will still be elite just more rushing yards

 

[MrSoup]

Ray Rice is just a great football player.

/thread

 

[the spanker]

No one worried about McGahee and Boldin eating into Rice's numbers?

McGahee has looked good in preseason.