The phrase is that history repeats itself. Just like Jamal Lewis asserted himself at the end of his Baltimore tenure, riding second string to an up and coming Willis McGahee, we now see Willis McGahee doing the exact same thing now as a backup to Ray Rice. To me, I see the same thing happening to Willis that happened to Jamal years ago. This was a display of what he is still capable of doing.
If you are unaware of what I am talking about. In Sunday’s 21-13 win over the Raiders, McGahee ran for a career high 167 yards on 16 carries and three touchdowns. He is not done in this league, not by a longshot. However after this post season plays out, he will more than likely be released to become a free agent. He is still a starter and a natural fit for him would be New England.
The knock on Willis has always been injuries, but over his 6 year career he has never suited up for less than 13 games. He is however 2 seasons removed from his last 1000 yard season, but a different venue, which would promise him more repetitions might be just what he needs to have another 1000 yard season. Next season he will be 29, a year before the dreaded curse of 30. There are a few teams where his talent could work.
As I said earlier the Patriots would be a great fit, however the Browns are always looking for running help and actually have key pieces in a decent offensive line. Also the Bills could once again use his services, especially if a run happy coach like Bill Cowher comes to town to coach. The Redskins could always use some help since Portis has had a rough time getting more than 10 games in a season.
There are many possibilities for McGahee, but one thing is crystal clear, he is still an effective running back at the NFL level and still has what it takes to start in this league. True this was against a very bad Raiders run defense, but given the right tools (an offensive line who can open holes for him) he could put up a final 1000 yard rushing season.
As far as his cards go, many of his autographed cards are only fetching between $1 – $3 a mighty fall from his peak days when his cards were fetching over $50. The card pictured below is just one of the many that can be had for that price as it went for $2.50. For a player who is still capable of being an impact starter these prices are very low and although he will never be a Hall of Famer, he is a must have in a football fan’s collection.
I think that part of the reason that the card illustrated went for so little is:
- It’s a crummy sticker
- Mr. Scribbles McScratchy can’t seem to be bothered to make a reasonable effort with his signature
That’s a pretty ugly auto.
I don’t think that the Browns will look his direction that hard. Jerome Harrison and Chris Jennings both performed well in the second half of the season. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cleveland continues to work the guys they have, and try to improve in other key areas, such as a real QB to replace the Bradyderek Quinnanderson two-headed monster.
I’ve always like McGahee as a player, and I think he’d be a perfect fit in Seattle. Yeah, the Seahawks have had a revolving door of over-the-hill disappointments lately, like Julius Jones and Edge. Justin Forsett was a revelation in the second half of the season, but the Hawks will need to pick up a bruiser to offset overuse of the relatively undersized Forsett.
McGahee would be the perfect fit, especially as he hasn’t hit 30 yet, and can actually knock over a tackler. Julius Jones has the upright stamina of an ice cream cone.