Ray Rice began the preseason as the Baltimore Ravens' starting running back. And the former Rutgers star is entering the season as the starter over Willis McGahee. "Right now, I know I'm the starting running back, but I know it's a logn season and the more the merrier in our backfield," Rice said today. "I'll be starting the game, but I'm sure we'll all be in there at some point." Rice will work in tandem with McGahee and fullback Le'Ron McClain, but has established himself as a tougher, more durable runner after bulking up during the offseason. Source: National Football Post
'Starting' for the Ravens doesn't mean anything at HB - all 3 will get carries but Rice might get the lions share.
How is this news? We've known this almost the whole offseason. He is the starter. I wasn't crazy about the decision after seeing Willis' monster camp, but after watching the way Ravens Rookie Running back Ray Rice from Rutgers (ok he's not a rookie anymore) played in the preseason, I'm real excited about our running game in '09.
i like the title. its like, "who cares what the coach says, im starting!" Let's see if it works: I'm starting for the Patriots at Quarterback
I think Mcgahee is a better runner at this point but Rice catches the ball alot better, i think they are trying to transition to Rice as the feature back long term and eventually cut ties with Mcgahee, maybe as early as next season depending on Rice's production, Mcgahee's cap number, etc.