Is McGahee part of the problem...

[fitnbills]

 

I can't help but think is Willis stayin away from camp to intentionally upset the staff, teammates, and fans of Buffalo? Or could it be he just doesn't care what anyone else feels or say?

 

 

To be honest when we choose WM I was estatic to say the least. I saw what he was able to do at the U along with his size and speed it made me very optimistic about our future. It didn't hurt that Edge and Portis were the two prior backs to come out of there, so obviously the expectations were high. But fast forward to 2006 and I must say I'm not so sure if I still like him b/c of his potential or is it b/c of the hype surrounding him?

 

I don't want to come off as I'm bashing him but I've yet to see him exibit that speed that he had at the U. I have yet to see him run hard and decisive (without being called out in the media by his coach for not hitting the holes quick enough), I've yet to see him be a great pass catching option out of the backfield, I have yet to see him protect the QB in pass protection.

 

So it makes me wonder what the hell would make him think it's ok to say he's the best back in the league. HE HAS YET TO PROVE A DAMN THING!

 

He doesn't practice with the team and much like Thurman said how do you call yourself a leader if you're not even here. He admitted that he didn't grow up a football fan and still doesn't follow it. He was asked while on the NFL Total Access what players do he watch and follow while not playing and he said none he doesn't watch football.

 

He was able to conjure up three top backs but I have a problem with any list that doesn't include LT on it somewhere.

 

I guess to me...if he really cared about winning and being a leader he would not only be in camp learning this brand new offense but also would be working on how to impliment better blocking techniques, and reads to get a jump on things. You first must lead by example if you expect to grab someone elses ear.

 

 

As some of you already posted... I'd rather have a bills roster full of players who are team oriented and desire to be here, than a talented player who is selfish and all about the money.

 

You will win more with heart than talent...

 

 

Just my thoughts!

[5 Wide]

I think the main issue with Willis lies in his true underlying motivation (or lack thereof). He seems to be a totally uninspired figure. He doesn't seem to be the type of player who covets the all mighty dollar above all, he just seems like the type of guy who happened to be good at football, and it keeps him from working a 9-5 job. It's like the question: what would you do if you won the megamillions? Would you sit around and do nothing for the rest of your life or would you truly make your mark on the world.....I have a feeling McGahee would choose option A. Option A is fine if you are one of the 250 million other average Americans, but it's not if you want to be an elite running back. He epitomizes just going through the motions.

[MattyT]

I think the main issue with Willis lies in his true underlying motivation (or lack thereof).  He seems to be a totally uninspired figure.  He doesn't seem to be the type of player who covets the all mighty dollar above all, he just seems like the type of guy who happened to be good at football, and it keeps him from working a 9-5 job.  It's like the question: what would you do if you won the megamillions?  Would you sit around and do nothing for the rest of your life or would you truly make your mark on the world.....I have a feeling McGahee would choose option A.  Option A is fine if you are one of the 250 million other average Americans, but it's not if you want to be an elite running back.  He epitomizes just going through the motions.

705264[/snapback]

While we do see some evidence of what you mention here, what do you think motivated him to work as hard as he did to come back from near-catestrophic knee injury? His dislike for working a 9-5 job? I dunno, but I seriously doubt it.

[5 Wide]

While we do see some evidence of what you mention here, what do you think motivated him to work as hard as he did to come back from near-catestrophic knee injury? His dislike for working a 9-5 job? I dunno, but I seriously doubt it.

705274[/snapback]

 

You do make a valid point, he did do a good job coming back from one of the most devastating injuries we've seen in many many years....It just seems like that fire has gone out. Maybe he needs a change of scenery, who knows but he just doesn't seem to take the game personally anymore.

[C.Biscuit97]

I think the main issue with Willis lies in his true underlying motivation (or lack thereof).  He seems to be a totally uninspired figure.  He doesn't seem to be the type of player who covets the all mighty dollar above all, he just seems like the type of guy who happened to be good at football, and it keeps him from working a 9-5 job.  It's like the question: what would you do if you won the megamillions?  Would you sit around and do nothing for the rest of your life or would you truly make your mark on the world.....I have a feeling McGahee would choose option A.  Option A is fine if you are one of the 250 million other average Americans, but it's not if you want to be an elite running back.  He epitomizes just going through the motions.

705264[/snapback]

 

I agree with a lot of this. On the Stephen A. Smith show, Willis stated he is not a fan of football. Not that there's anything wrong with this, but perhaps he approachs football as a 9 to 5. He doesn't want he needs to do but won't go out of his way to make an extra effort.

[H2o]

Don't forget that his agent is Drew. Also, he's got 2 or 3 "baby's mamas" right now trying to bleed him. Don't think he doesn't care about the money, because he does. His attitude is typical of most of "The U" guys. There are the few exceptions like Reggie Wayne, Edge, and Portis. But most of those guys do their own thing. He claims to be the best back in the league, but hasn't shown me anything like that. He's no Alexander, James, Portis, or Rudi Johnson. He definitely needs a fire lit up under his rear to get him going. If this continues, don't be surprised if he doesn't wear one of our uni's for long.

[C.Biscuit97]

While we do see some evidence of what you mention here, what do you think motivated him to work as hard as he did to come back from near-catestrophic knee injury? His dislike for working a 9-5 job? I dunno, but I seriously doubt it.

705274[/snapback]

 

 

No one can ever question McGahee's heart in coming back from this injury. It was truly amazing. However, I think he has a different mentality now. Back then, he wanted to prove his doubters wrong. He had to work to beat out an established back. Then he comes in and has success. And I think this success went to his head a little bit. He feel in love with being a football player and living the life, especially in Miami (which I don't blame him one bit ). But I don't know if he's truly committed to being the best he could be and being a leader for this team. This offense sorely lacks leadership and it would be nice to have your best offensive player become one. From some interviews, he really looks up to Edge. Edge doesn't go to OTAs and is a laid back type. Willis seems very similar. Only difference is Edge is a proven back and had a leader in Manning. My main concern with Willis is that he doesn't have the love of the game and is just wanting for his next big payday (I believe Mike Williams really didn't have a love for the game and played for the money). I don't have a problem with anyone trying to better themselves. But in a sport like football, I think this will show up eventually. I really hope I'm wrong about Willis and he will have an amazing year. I also hope that he will remember the organization that took a chance on him and reward them by agreeing to a fair contract. I, however, remain highly doutful.

[Bill from NYC]

HE HAS YET TO PROVE A DAMN THING!

 

705245[/snapback]

 

Always glad to see a new poster, but the above comment is simply not true.

If you watch every Bills game as most of us do and have not seen good things from Willis, I don't know what to say to you.

[Max997]

I can't help but think is Willis stayin away from camp to intentionally upset the staff, teammates, and fans of Buffalo? Or could it be he just doesn't care what anyone else feels or say?

 

 

Edge misses camp every year and it hasnt been a problem....McGahee is doing what every other Miami back and a lot of other Miami players do, he is staying home in Florida

 

People need to relax on this issue, its getting old....if he starts missing mandatory camps then its a problem

[MattyT]

Always glad to see a new poster, but the above comment is simply not true.

If you watch every Bills game as most of us do and have not seen good things from Willis, I don't know what to say to you.

705298[/snapback]

Especially in the area of blocking (which the original poster mentioned more than once). I'm not saying that he's Sam Gash or anything, but McGahee's a big improvement over Travis "Ole" Henry at protecting the QB.

[C.Biscuit97]

Edge misses camp every year and it hasnt been a problem....McGahee is doing what every other Miami back and a lot of other Miami players do, he is staying home in Florida

 

People need to relax on this issue, its getting old....if he starts missing mandatory camps then its a problem

705299[/snapback]

 

 

When Willis has 4 1500+ rushing seasons and is known as one of the best all around backs in the NFL, then I will have no problem with him skipping OTAs.

[Bill from NYC]

Especially in the area of blocking (which the original poster mentioned more than once). I'm not saying that he's Sam Gash or anything, but McGahee's a big improvement over Travis "Ole" Henry at protecting the QB.

705300[/snapback]

 

In 04, the Bills started winning just as soon as Henry was benched and Willis hit the football field. It was like clockwork.

Sadly, many forget so soon.

[fitnbills]

No one can ever question McGahee's heart in coming back from this injury.  It was truly amazing.  However, I think he has a different mentality now.  Back then, he wanted to prove his doubters wrong.  He had to work to beat out an established back.  Then he comes in and has success.  And I think this success went to his head a little bit.  He feel in love with being a football player and living the life, especially in Miami (which I don't blame him one bit    ).  But I don't know if he's truly committed to being the best he could be and being a leader for this team.  This offense sorely lacks leadership and it would be nice to have your best offensive player become one.  From some interviews, he really looks up to Edge.  Edge doesn't go to OTAs and is a laid back type.  Willis seems very similar.  Only difference is Edge is a proven back and had a leader in Manning.  My main concern with Willis is that he doesn't have the love of the game and is just wanting for his next big payday (I believe Mike Williams really didn't have a love for the game and played for the money).  I don't have a problem with anyone trying to better themselves.  But in a sport like football, I think this will show up eventually.  I really hope I'm wrong about Willis and he will have an amazing year.  I also hope that he will remember the organization that took a chance on him and reward them by agreeing to a fair contract.  I, however, remain highly doutful.

705296[/snapback]

 

 

Really well put. I also hope he will prove us wrong but he REALLY just seems so unmotivated. So content with the minimal.

[fitnbills]

Always glad to see a new poster, but the above comment is simply not true.

If you watch every Bills game as most of us do and have not seen good things from Willis, I don't know what to say to you.

705298[/snapback]

 

 

I say he hasn't done anything in respect to him claiming to be the best back. In him fulfilling is role as a leader. I feel very comfortable in saying you could replace him with anumber of backs that we don't necessally consider elite and they will post very similiar numbers. I can think of a good number of backs that if you gave them the ball as often as WM gets it would post numbers not too far off. He has the potential of a top tier back but in my opinion he hasn't consistently proved it. He seem to work in spurts.

[flomoe]

In 04, the Bills started winning just as soon as Henry was benched and Willis hit the football field. It was like clockwork.

Sadly, many forget so soon.

705319[/snapback]

 

I've been reading so many Willis bashing posts or posts questioning Willis' heart and desire to play football in Buffalo and I really have to wonder if anyone remembers a guy named Bruce. He was pretty much the same exact way in regards to showing up for anything prior to game 1.

I am not sticking up for Willis' behavior or lack of desire to participate in any OTA's with the team but when the whistle blows and it's time to step onto the turf, I am pretty sure that #21 will be there ready to take the ball and put his head into an opposing players chest. Willis showed last year, that he will play his heart out even when the team and coaching staff is crumbling around him.

 

IMO, there is nothing from last years team that should even be compared with this years team because you are comparing apples and orange Volkswagons. The coaching staff completely lost that team and every player, good or bad, was a direct reflection of it. Lets see what Willis and every other member of the "new" Bills do during camp, preseason and the first couple games before we start saying they have no heart or desire to play for the Buffalo Bills.

[MartyBall4Buffalo]

His attitude is typical of most of "The U" guys. There are the few exceptions like Reggie Wayne, Edge, and Portis.

705290[/snapback]

 

 

 

Clinton Portis-

http://cache.deadspin.com/sports/crazycrazyportis.jpg

 

Just curious have you ever seen Edge give interviews? He's basicaly as aloof as Willis McGahee except older and with gold teeth.

 

I've never heard reggie wayne give interviews so I cant comment on them. I'm pretty positive Edge and Portis are not the greatest examples of "non typical" whatever that means U guys. I would've said Jon Vilma, and Andre Johnson but whatever.

 

 

He's no Alexander, James, Portis, or Rudi Johnson.

 

True Alexander is great. He also has a great passing game. I take nothing away from him though. He's not my favorite rb but he's good. He also plays in the nfc west. It must be hard raking up yardage against the likes of the rams. niners and cardnials

 

I like Clinton Portis but once he left the confines of denver who had a good passing game and arguably one of the best system for runningbacks, his ypc fell from mid 5.5 his first 2 seasons to 3.8 and 4.3 ypc his last two seasons. He also has not suprisingly less runs for 20+ yards his last 2 years then our very own whiping boy of the moment Willis McGahee. Portis has 11 runs of 20+ yards the last 2 years McGahee has 14.

 

When Portis was in denver, where he had a good passing game so teams didn't stack the box he had 24 runs of 20+ yards in his 2 years there. He has only 11 in Washington 5 in 04 and 6 in 05. He only increased his td total when Mark Brunell experienced a passing revival. Everyone saw how portis fared in the playoffs when Brunell could no longer pass. It was really ugly. He's a good young rb, but hes not as effective now as when he played in denver.

 

 

I dont watch bengal games so I dont have much to say about rudi johnson, other then Hes not overly fast his ypc isn't that great. He's also not much of a receiving back So I'm gonna guess he puts up good #'s at least yards wise cause he plays on a team that can pass the ball...... <wink wink nudge nudge>

[cantankerous]

Funny how the only people all upset about McGahee's absense from camp are the people on this board. I have yet to see one article about how "upset" the coaches or front office are with him. Only local riff raff from people that aren't tied to the organization. This has gotten blown way outta proportion and it needs to be silenced...but you know with mandatory camp in 4 days, I think it will.

[apuszczalowski]

when he fails to show up to manditory camps, or does not look to be in shape during the season is when I will care that he missed VOLUNTARY Team meetings. Its not like he is just sitting home on his coach having more kids, he is training with all the rest of the U of Miami guys, and apparently is in alot better shape then last year.

 

But lets cut him for not showing up to voluntary practices, then next offseason we can all talk about how we didn't want Willis to go after he puts up huge numbers on another team and is in the Pro Bowl.

[Pyrite Gal]

Funny how the only people all upset about McGahee's absense from camp are the people on this board. I have yet to see one article about how "upset" the coaches or front office are with him. Only local riff raff from people that aren't tied to the organization. This has gotten blown way outta proportion and it needs to be silenced...but you know with mandatory camp in 4 days, I think it will.

705439[/snapback]

 

The only word I've heard that can be defined as negative was some mild words from Jauron that he was disappointed that more vets were not at the OTAs, but even this was a fairly mild "indictment" which in no way singled out Willis.

 

I think the posters which identify this as almost totally a fan complaint are on target (though probably some media idiot will hop on this bandwagon if their ratings are down or they are bored this summer).

 

Not only is this a voluntary camp (probably part of why the the Jauron complaint was so mild) but I have few problems with WM missing these sessions to attend the more rugged and focused workouts at the U.

 

Not only does the whining about WM show a blatant forgetfulness of the motivation it took to come back from the injury, but it also conveniently overlooks that the results of his workouts last year added 5-10 pounds of muscle mass to his frame. I think this added muscle not only is a clear objective demonstration of his motivation and commitment in the off-season, but I think that it was essential to him being able to take the pounding delivered to him in running into NFL LBs and DL players over 30 times a game.

 

Instead, this improvement simply seemed to lead to complaints that he had lost his breakaway speed (what is his 40 time?)

 

I love the commentary on TSW, ut the continual carping about missing OTAs (and even about his views on baby mommas) really makes TSW posters look really bad and more interested in the NFL as a soap opera rather than football.

 

Believe me, it other Bills would produce at their positions the equivalent of WM being the fastest Bill RB gain 2000 yards then I only wsish they were all this unmotivated.

[shagmago]

In 04, the Bills started winning just as soon as Henry was benched and Willis hit the football field. It was like clockwork.

Sadly, many forget so soon.

705319[/snapback]

..Unfortunatly the next year came and his toughness went away!