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Buffalo is Talking Willis

Buffalo is Talking Willis

The two principals of a major off-season trade will be front and centre when the Buffalo Bills play host to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Running back Willis McGahee, now a Baltimore Raven, was dealt after Buffalo grew tired of the cocksure running back’s attitude and criticism of a city that gave him a shot despite a brutal knee injury during his college days at Miami.

In return, the Bills were given a third-round pick which was used to draft quarterback Trent Edwards, who as luck and timing would have it, will get his third consecutive start.

McGahee knows the Bills faithful at Ralph Wilson Stadium will be giving him a rough ride.

“I don’t have a chip on my shoulder,” said McGahee who showed promise but not a great deal of passion during his three years in Buffalo. “At the end of the day, we’re all going to shake hands at the end of the game and go on about our business.”

Not so easily assumed with the fans, however.

Most in Buffalo will remember McGahee as somewhat of an ingrate. He often referred to himself as the best running back in the NFL and worst of all, in the eyes of his critics, he slammed Buffalo as an inferior city and suggested the team just move on down the highway to Toronto. When questioned about the latter comments this week, McGahee played dumb (one of his strengths, by the way.)

“Oh my goodness, who said that?” McGahee said during a conference call with Buffalo media. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Right now we’ve got one thing in mind and that’s to win, baby.”

While the Ravens has struggled on offence thus far, McGahee is having a solid season. His 525 rushing is fourth best in the NFL and the 4.1 yards per carry is the highest of his career.

On the downside, McGahee finally reached the end zone for the first time last weekend, hardly the scoring machine it was hoped.

“I think he’s the complete package and he’s shown that,” Ravens coach Brian Billick said. Meanwhile, Billick’s opposing quarterback this week will get another attempt to prove he is the complete package as the simmering Bills quarterback controversy continues.

Edwards will get his third consecutive start, but will be in for a stout test from the attacking Ravens defence.

“It’s exciting, it’s something you work for your entire life,” said Edwards, who has been issued no guarantees beyond this week. “Growing up, you watch guys taking the field every Sunday, the starters, and you always want to be one of those guys.

“I’m excited, but I know I still have a long road ahead of me.”

One of those who is considerably less than excited is J.P. Losman, who began the season as starter but was replaced by Edwards due to injury. Losman claims he is ready to return after missing two and a half games, but didn’t get the call.

“What do you think?” Losman said when asked for his reaction to coach Dick Jauron’s decision.

“You know what, this is part of the game. We’re just going to have to play it out and see.“What matters is that if I get another shot here, I’m going to have to play with a chip on my shoulder again and I’m going to have to prove to whoever that I can play at this level as a starter.

“Do I feel I deserve another shot? Of course.”