It took the Bills a few weeks to get back to the smash-mouth offensive identity that served them so well the second half of last season. While the insertion of veteran QB Kelly Holcomb has served as a steadying influence and provided a much-needed passing threat, the biggest key to the offense's resurgence has been an increased workload for workhorse back Willis McGahee.
The third-year pro out of Miami (Fla.) emerged last season as a rising star, gaining 100-plus yards in seven of his 11 starts. He has continued to excel in 2005, rushing for 100 yards in three games thus far this season, and the Bills have a sparkling 9-1 record in games in which McGahee reaches the 100-yard mark.
On the season, McGahee has rushed for 654 yards and four touchdowns on 154 carries. He has been a key weapon for the Bills -- a team that remains right in the thick of the AFC East race, despite getting off to a slow start.
McGahee spoke with PFW about his performance thus far this season, his role on the team, the offense's improvement, his head-to-head battle with ex-Miami (Fla.) teammate Jonathan Vilma and his TD dance.
Q: The knee injury you suffered in the 2003 Rose Bowl -- is that totally in the past now?
A: It's so in the past, I don't even want to talk about it. I just put it behind me and don't even worry about it.
Q: Do you feel like you're as fast as you were before?
A: Yep.
Q: How long did it take for you to recover fully? One and a half years? Two years?
A: Two years.
Q: Do you finally feel you're 100 percent healthy -- and what was the clue that you were?
A: I can't tell you my clue, but I feel like I'm 100 percent healthy after working hard in the offseason.
Q: What things did you work on to get better this offseason?
A: My endurance, strength, my legs, upper body. I just touched on everything, to tell you the truth.
Q: Has it been a benefit seeing all these defenses this year after going up against them last year?
A: Actually, I know what to expect, I know how they play, I know what their tendencies are, but I'm not going to worry about it because everybody does different things come game time.
Q: Are you back to doing the things you were doing before you hurt your knee -- or even doing some things better?
A: Oh yeah. I just believe (with) my style of play this year I'm bringing a lot to the table. I'm doing a lot better -- I'm hitting the holes a lot harder than I was before. I can feel the difference.
Q: Are you worried about getting too much work? Too many carries?
A: Nope. Not at all.
Q: How many carries would be too many?
A: It's never too many. As long as I'm over 100 yards, it's never too many.
Q: Even if it takes 50 carries?
A: No. Now that's doing bad. (Laughs) If I'm over 100 yards, and I'm getting 50 carries, I'm not complaining.
Q: Tell me, is it a mindset the way you seem to get stronger as the game wears on?
A: It's definitely a mindset. It's just something I've always had. You've got to keep a positive mind. You've got to keep it going in your mind -- you can't let it sidetrack you.
Q: Is it like trying to impose your will on the guy trying to tackle you?
A: No doubt about it. As long as you think positive, there will always be something good at the end of the line. That's what I always try to do.
Q: How would you define your role on the Bills?
A: Give me the ball. That's what I would say. I consider myself a playmaker.
Q: Do you believe the offense is playing at the same level it was last year, when you reeled off eight wins in the last 10 games?
A: Oh yeah. Because we're doing the same things we did last year -- winning, moving the ball, passing, playing together.
Q: Is it frustrating when you rip off a couple of long runs like you've had, and they get called back because of penalties?
A: It is, but I don't worry about it.
Q: Tell me about the offensive line finally being back together healthy.
A: They're coming along good. Everybody's healthy, they're playing good. They're doing their jobs. I'm happy with them. The offense is happy with them.
Q: What has been the difference in the offense from earlier in the year?
A: We're all playing together. Everyone's on the same page. Everybody believes in each other; we know what we can do. As long as we're doing what we're supposed to do, we're unstoppable.
Q: You all feel that way?
A: Oh yeah, no doubt about it. The longer our offense is on the field, the more time the defense has to rest and put us back on the field -- that's what we're trying to do.
Q: It seems like you're doing a better job of getting the ball into the playmakers' hands now on offense -- true?
A: Oh yeah, because everybody's on the same page. The O-line's doing their thing, the running backs are doing their thing, the quarterback's doing their thing. We've just got to spread the love around.
Q: And now you've got another weapon to spread some love to in rookie WR Roscoe Parrish, right?
A: When he gets back, he's going to be a lot of trouble.
Q: In what ways? What will he add to the offense?
A: Aggressiveness, enthusiasm, just his athletic ability.
Q: How has the team's ability to get the ball to the receivers helped you?
A: It helps a lot. It takes pressure off me. The defensive coordinator has to worry about them not beating them deep, and then that just puts, like, six or seven guys in the box for me.
Q: And you believe you can win that battle, right?
A: Oh yeah.
Q: How did things go, going up against (Jets LB) Jonathan Vilma, a former Miami (Fla.) teammate, in Week Six?
A: It went pretty good. I own him right now (laughs).
Q: Will you let him know about the career-high 143 yards you got on the Jets' defense?
A: I'll let him know in the offseason. I don't want to bother him during the season.
Q: And having fellow former Miami (Fla.) star Roscoe Parrish up there, have you shown him around Buffalo a bit?
A: Yeah. He knows what's going on; he knows what to expect. There's really not much to show.
Q: Tell me about the TD dance you had vs. the Jets -- imitating a jockey whipping a horse. Is that something you're adding to your repertoire?
A: I don't know, man. It's just like -- get the horse the ball. I consider myself a rare, one-of-a-kind breed. You don't come across this breed every other week or year.
Q: Are you going to come up with something new every time you score now?
A: I don't know yet. You'll have to wait and see.
Q: Did you set any goals for yourself for this season?
A: I don't like to talk about it. I keep them to myself.
Q: Would you say you're on pace to reach them?
A: I'm OK. I'm doing pretty good right now.
Material from Pro Football Weekly.
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