The Facts:
Rice has repeatedly vowed to rededicate himself to regaining his old form, saying he's willing to get back in optimal condition. Rice played at a heavier weight this season and also dealt with hip flexor and quadriceps injuries that robbed him of his explosiveness and tackle-breaking ability. GM Ozzie Newsome says he came away from a conversation with Rice convinced that the RB will have a resurgent season in 2014. "I think Ray is committed to being as good a football player as he has been," Newsome said Wednesday.
Reported by the Baltimore Sun
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Does that mean Rice returns to past form? We wouldn't bet on that. The three-time Pro Bowl runner just completed the worst season of his NFL career, gaining just 660 rushing yards and averaging 3.1 yards per carry -- the lowest numbers Rice has generated since becoming a full-time starter four years ago. As Rice finished 30th in the NFL in rushing, the Ravens ranked 30th as a team, averaging only 83 yards per game. The Ravens were last in yards per carry, averaging 3.1 yards. They finished with a franchise-worst 1,328 rushing yards, a major dropoff from previous seasons when the running game was a trademark strength of the franchise. As Sun staffer Aaron Wilson notes, some of the decline of the running game can be attributed to a smaller offensive line. The Ravens also had to deal with multiple injuries to Rice and backup Bernard Pierce, who dealt with shoulder, knee, hamstring and toe injuries. Of course, a down season often means fantasy value in the following draft. It'll be worth watching how he handles himself this offseason.
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