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McGahee is next hurdle for Raiders
Oakland Tribune, Oct 21, 2005 by Jerry McDonald, STAFF WRITER
Think the Oakland Raiders had their hands full last week with LaDainian Tomlinson?
Just wait until they get a load of Willis McGahee.
Tomlinson had 140 yards rushing, ran for a touchdown, caught a touchdown pass and threw a touchdown pass against the Raiders.
McGahee, when asked how he compared with L.T., didn't flinch.
"I'm the best back. Case closed," McGahee said Wednesday during a conference call with Bay Area media.
McGahee, who visits Network Associates Coliseum on Sunday when the Raiders host the Buffalo Bills, went to the University of Miami. Like many other Hurricanes, he majored in football and minored in humility.
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He has taken to whipping his hip with an imaginary riding crop after touchdowns, and remarked this week, "I'm a workhorse -- a fine breed. You're not going to find too many like this."
Unlike former Miami teammate Phillip Buchanon, the ex-Raider who talked a good game but couldn't back it up, McGahee has statistical evidence that allows him at least to make an argument that he's No.1. If he's not the very best, he is at least in theconversation.
With 604 yards on 138 carries, McGahee trails only Seattle's Shaun Alexander (715 yards), Indianapolis' Edgerrin James (662) and Tomlinson (652) in the NFL rushing race.
McGahee has carried 60 times in his past two games -- both wins - - and the Bills are 9-1 when he gains 100 yards on the ground and 11- 6 when he starts.
As a senior at Miami, McGahee tore three ligaments in his left knee, including his ACL, in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State. He left school early for the NFL Draft anyway.
McGahee could do little more than a light jog at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the Bills surprised everyone by taking him with the 23rd pick in the first round.
In 2003, McGahee spent his first eight games as a rookie on the inactive list, and even after being elevated to the 53-man roster, he never played in a game.
After splitting time with Travis Henry last season -- he carried just twice and lost 3 yards against the Raiders in Week 2 -- McGahee took over as the starter on Oct.17. He reeled off seven 100-yard games and finished with 1,128 yards rushing.
Excellent on the perimeter at Miami, McGahee, 6-foot-2, 232 pounds, is pounding inside as well. He had a career-high 143 yards on 29 carries as the Bills beat the New York Jets 27-17 to even their record at 3-3.
"I think people have that perception (that he's an outside runner), but he's a powerful guy," Raiders coach Norv Turner said. "He breaks tackles. I think he's a complete runner."
Bills guard Chris Villarial said McGahee can run even against eight-man fronts, because he can usually beat at least one unblocked defender.
"His legs never stop moving," Villarial told the Buffalo News. "He breaks tackles. He's not going to go down with an arm tackle. He's got all the tools and he's showing it."
McGahee, who turns 24 today, has given the Bills consistent yardage to keep a conservative offense going. He has no gain of longer than 27 yards but has 17 of 10 yards or more.
The knee injury is a distant memory.
"I've got a very strong mind, so I'm not going to let anything bring me down," McGahee said.
Buffalo coach Mike Mularkey said McGahee has gained confidence as his repetitions have increased.
"He's come a long way in the year and a half that I've been here," Mularkey said.
McGahee has come so far he has his own Web site, where his fans can buy autographed items, ranging from an authentic jersey at $399.99 to a mini-helmet at $149.00.
Raiders defensive end Bobby Hamilton has no problem with McGahee blowing his own horn.
"He's feeling good about himself. Who wouldn't feel good about himself with 600 yards?" Hamilton said. "At the same time, that put's a chip on our shoulder. We want to show him what we're about. He might be the best but not on us."
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