Crowded Backfield

One of the questions going into the Ravens voluntary mini-camps is who will emerge as the starter at running back.  The three contenders are Willis McGahee, Ray Rice and Le’Ron McClain.  Last year McGahee was out of shape and injured, and looked like a dud after signing a very sizable new contract with the team.  Rice was a rookie surprise, and added very good versatility to the Ravens backfield.  And Le’Ron McClain, the “Thunder” in last year’s running game, was the AFC’s starter at fullback, the position he played before emerging as a great, reliable power back. Last season, part of the reason for Joe Flacco’s success was the strong running game backing him up, especially McClain’s ability to wear down opposing lines, and keep the pass rush at bay for the Delaware rookie.  If McClain is again in the halfback slot, depending on Lorenzo Neal’s return or retirement, we could see him take on a bigger role if McGahee is again underwhelming.  If McGahee shows that he is in playing shape and will be a top-class running back, the debate could be over at that, and he would be the workhorse for the team.  So, now if all goes right with McGahee, and McClain has to play fullback, Ray Rice is the missing piece of the puzzle.  A second round pick, Rice is not a guy who was just an add-on, as this team has taken out a serious investment in the Rutgers product. A role that would be a stretch, but quite possible is that Rice could be a Wildcat Formation back.  He’s quick on cuts, can break tackles and has great bursts of speed at one time.  The Ravens showed for the first time in many years last year that they can successfully pull off the trick play, and Rice could be their wild card in the backfield.  For the first time I can remember, the Purple Birds of B-More are looking at an offense that could actually be…good woah