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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Is McGahee going to be a factor this year?
        
(Message started by: Tony_O on Aug 7^th, 2004, 8:48pm)

Title: Is McGahee going to be a factor this year?
Post by Tony_O on Aug 7^th, 2004, 8:48pm

McGahee sheds nerves, scores 4 TDs in scrimmage against Browns

By JOHN WAWROW, AP Sports Writer
August 7, 2004

AP - Aug 5, 5:43 pm EDT
More Photos

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) -- Four touchdowns, one big stiff-arm and a standing ovation: Not bad for Willis McGahee's first time competing in an NFL setting.

``Today was a good day,'' the Bills running back said Saturday after a scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns. ``I was a little nervous on the first series, but after the second series, when I kind of got into a rhythm, everything went good for me.''

Selected 23rd overall in the 2003 draft, the former University of Miami star missed all of last season recovering from reconstructive surgery on his left knee, which he hurt in the national championship game against Ohio State earlier that year.

He experienced his first full-contact session in training camp earlier this week, and the scrimmage Saturday was McGahee's first time lining up against an opponent since he was hurt.

After scoring up the middle on a 1-yard plunge to cap a six-play, 65-yard drive, McGahee scored on three consecutive plays from the 2 during a goal-line drill. First he went off tackle to the left. Then he swept left and dived into the end zone, sneaking the ball just inside the pylon. And he finished with a strong run, punching through a small hole off right tackle.

On his way back to the sideline, McGahee was greeted by a standing ovation from the crowd behind the Buffalo bench at the Bills training camp site in suburban Rochester.

``It's good to know that they're behind me and they want to see how I do,'' McGahee said. ``And I'm just glad to score and let them know that I can still do certain things.''

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Although looking tentative at times, he finished with 10 carries for 40 yards and one reception for 8 yards.

McGahee's most impressive run came at the end of a 5-yard gain. Sweeping right, he stiff-armed one defender and then dipped his shoulder, knocking over Cleveland defensive back Michael Jameson before the two tumbled into the sideline.

``That was good to see,'' Bills coach Mike Mularkey said. ``It's your first time in live-action since that infamous game, so I think the rust is coming off slowly but surely.''

Updated on Saturday, Aug 7, 2004 4:31 pm EDT

Title: Re: Is McGahee going to be a factor this year?
Post by Philly on Aug 9^th, 2004, 9:31am

I think he will be a factor in that he will steal some carries away from Travis Henry and diminish his value. (Notice that Henry is no longer a top 10 pick when he went as early as 3 or 4 in some drafts last season?)

However, unless Henry gets hurt, I don't see McGahee getting enough carries to warrant any fantasy attention. Even with him spelling Henry, Henry should still post nice fantasy numbers.

Title: Re: Is McGahee going to be a factor this year?
Post by DOLFAN on Aug 10^th, 2004, 3:46pm

I think Willis will post better #s than most people think. The coaches want to see how far along he is, and what he can do. He will not start the season, but will be a factor and should get 5-6 TDs this year along with 500+ yds. He will be a good change of pace/fresh legs RB in the 2nd half of games. I think they will bring him along slowly and give him more reps as the season goes on.

It also would not surprise me if he ends the season as the starter.

Title: Re: Is McGahee going to be a factor this year?
Post by sameoldsameold on Aug 10^th, 2004, 3:48pm

not to mention if henry gets injured he wont have to play through it now that mcgahee is around....i see him getting some nice carries and showing he belongs in the NFL...

Title: Re: Is McGahee going to be a factor this year?
Post by StegRock on Aug 12^th, 2004, 10:16pm

Without a doubt, he will have an impact. BUT, the impact will primarily be "indirect", i.e. to Travis Henry. While McGahee himself, barring an injury to Henry, will probably not register numbers worth fantasy consideration (at least not week in and week out in a predictable and, thus, playable fashion) this year, his cut of the carries will knock Henry down from a solid #1 fantasy back to somewhere between a mid-range #2 and high-end #3. I do, however, think Henry is a total stallion and has an EXTREMELY bright future in the NFL ahead of him, just probably NOT with the Bills and probably NOT how his numbers this season will bear out. For more on that, go here:

http://www.fantasyfootballer.com/cgi-bin/theGridiron/YaBB.cgi?board=55;action=display;num=1081037304.