3. Willis McGahee
I listed McGahee as the most underrated running back in Ravens history. He was a very good running back for the Ravens. Here is what I said about McGahee in my breakdown of the most underrated Ravens:
"“When you talk about great running backs from the Ravens’ past, it’s too often just a conversation about Lewis and Rice. McGahee needs to be the third name and he must be included in the conversation. When the Ravens got McGahee he was a star running back. He became a role player and that’s why he probably is so underrated.”"
I’m backing up what I said earlier, he’s the third best running back in Ravens history. While Ingram certainly has a chance to get the number three spot, McGahee as of today is the third best back in team history. When Rice was drafted the Ravens the Ravens basically had two number one running backs. It didn’t hurt that Le’Ron McClain was a fullback who had a heck of cameo as a running back.
So that’s the perspective but let’s talk about McGahee a bit. McGahee was a tough running back. He had one of the best stiff arms you’ll ever see. He ran with purpose and was one of the most exciting play-makers to ever wear a Ravens uniform. McGahee did a lot of the things that Ingram did. He was a solid contributor in as a receiving option in the backfield. That may actually be the most underrated aspect of his career. In 2007 he had 43 receptions. In 2008, he had 24 receptions. The defense always had to account for him in the passing game when he ran a route. He was also strong in pass protection. There was nothing he couldn’t do.
2. Ray Rice
Who should be number one? Ray Rice or Jamal Lewis? It’s a debate that you could have for hours. Rice is basically 1B while Lewis is 1A. Rice and Lewis both had six seasons with the Ravens. Rice had 6,080 rushing yards, while adding 3,034 receiving yards. Lewis had 7,801 yards in his time with the Ravens with 1,365 yards as a pass catcher. The two best backs in franchise history were very different types of players. Rice was hard to bring down because of his low center of gravity and elusiveness. He was slippery and quick with enough power to grind out the tough yards.
Rice had some of the best moments in franchise history. With him, you remember more than just the stats. The fourth and 29 conversion against the San Diego Chargers was easily the most incredible play of his career. Joe Flacco dumped the ball off to him on a short pass and Rice weaved his way to the first down. It was almost like a Barry Sanders run in the sense that he ran much more than 29 yards to get those 29 yards. A fan favorite moment will always be opening a 2009 playoff game against the Patriots with an 80 yard touchdown.
Rice was a superstar for the Ravens. Before Lamar Jackson, Rice may have been the most dynamic player to play offense for the Ravens.
1. Jamal Lewis
Lewis was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Lewis immediately made an impact with 1,364 yards on the ground as a rookie. Lewis had 7,801 of his 10,607 career rushing yards in Baltimore. In his prime he was one of the best running backs ever. In 2003 Lewis had 2,066 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Lewis was a touchdown machine. He had at least six touchdowns in five out of nine seasons. Lewis is one of the most underrated running backs in NFL history. While he ranks 25th all time in rushing yards, he could have had more. He missed his second season to injury. Another 1,000 yard season would have gotten him inside the top 20.
His physical style of play beat him up. Longevity is the biggest thing working against Lewis in terms of getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Lewis played a physical and ferocious way that couldn’t be sustained.