Ray Rice Promoted to "feature" back?

**StingerNLG** · 08-04-2009, 12:49 PM

Maybe I'm mis-reading this. If I am, please correct me:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/r...,1789202.story

There have been many obvious changes with Ray Rice this offseason, more than just his promotion to the Ravens' top running back.

Willis is now the #2 man on the roster it appears.

His commitment to hard work this offseason has made the 5-foot-8, 210-pound running back a leading candidate to become the team's breakthrough player. Although offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said the Ravens want to continue a running back by committee also featuring Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain, Rice has taken the majority of his snaps with the first team.

It's sounding a little like we are trying to quietly move back into a standard mode of "feature" back?

**baltimore_hokie** · 08-04-2009, 01:04 PM

it doesn't really matter who is the "#1" right now, or at any point in this season for that matter, the carries will get spread around our backfield. i love this move from a coaching standpoint because it validates ray's hard work and could light a fire under willis. i see this as a motivational ploy more so than a reflection of the amount of carries each will be given. we have three talented ball carriers that will all be at their best with rest from the others getting touches. each has their own unique skill set that can be utilized in different situations.

**psuasskicker** · 08-04-2009, 01:06 PM

As a fantasy football player, I hope you're right and it stays status quo in the media. I have Rice as a sleeper and want him in both my leagues this year.

- C -

**srobert96** · 08-04-2009, 01:22 PM

I read another quote from Cam where he specifically states that he wants to keep it as a RB by committee. The Ravens will not be going the feature back route as long as they have 3 guys who are very good carrying the rock.

Feature backs are becoming a thing of the past in the NFL due to the pounding these guys take. If you have the ability to spread the carries out between three very good backs and keep them fresh and healthy why wouldn't you?

The Ravens run the ball enough that there are plenty of carries to go around. I think you will see the most carries by McGahee followed by Rice. I think McLain will see his carries diminished and most of them will come in goal line situations and towards the end of the game when they are hopefully running the clock out on a victory.

**ravenjoe** · 08-04-2009, 01:25 PM

My prediction is that Willis will have a very productive year, and be the no.1 featured back come playoff time.

**Ravens23** · 08-04-2009, 01:28 PM

I agree with ravenjoe

**Jeremiah W** · 08-04-2009, 01:35 PM

The best rushing attacks recently have all had 3 feature backs. The Giants and Titans last year not only had a dynamic 1, 2 punch, but also had a domnant and versatile FB as well as a 3rd or 4th rb in the mix that could fill in or break people off on special teams.

Right now I love the depth the Ravens have at RB. I do not think it has been better since Jamal and Holmes were both young and healthy. Willis and Rice both looked very good in the practice I saw, and now behind them we have an experienced McClain and some fresh talent in Peerman and Parmale tha should also vastly upgrade the depth over last year if Rice or Willis get hurt.

I think having a big play feature back does more to affect the D than having a big play Wr. Anytime a guy can break a tackle and take it to the house on a handoff, the reads and the play action are so much more effective than if the Dbs are sure the front 7 can bring the back down after a 5 or 6 yard gain even if they break 2 tackles. That is what kept the Frank Walker, Jim Leonard and Fabian Washington coverage group from getting torched. They never really had to worry about run support at all and had Ed Reed helping them over the top. That one little extra concern of having to keep an eye on the ball to make sure that guy does not have it can be all a good Wr needs to break wide open.

**RAVENOUS52** · 08-05-2009, 11:37 AM

"Feature" back means nothing in BMORE because the bottom line is the plays are going to be called for whichever back is hot at the time, just like last season.

**camdenyard** · 08-05-2009, 11:52 AM

"Feature" back means nothing in BMORE because the bottom line is the plays are going to be called for whichever back is hot at the time, just like last season.

Beats the days of Allen and Brookins...

**RavenTD** · 08-05-2009, 11:52 AM

News just in.

3 headed monster spotted in Baltimore. A warning has been sent out to all defenders of the 31 other NFL teams.

**Dave Lap** · 08-05-2009, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by RAVENOUS52

"Feature" back means nothing in BMORE because the bottom line is the plays are going to be called for whichever back is hot at the time, just like last season.

Yeah, that and whoever Cam thinks matches up better against a particular defense.