Willis McGahee Would Boost Running Game

Oct 28 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee (23) runs during fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Saints 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

As the Broncos enter their bye week, there are some areas the team needs to improve on. The running game is one focus the team needs to improve on. Willis McGahee could be the answer.

I was believed that the Broncos would become a more balanced team by mixing a little bit of passing and running into the offensive game plan. It seems like since Willis McGahee was let go via free agency, the Broncos have tried to stray away from the running game. This was proven in 2013 when Peyton Manning broke numerous records on his way to a MVP season. But the team did not have a true balance on offense. Do not get me wrong, Knowshon Moreno was a nice option when the team needed to pick up some valuable yards to keep the drive going or to keep the clock moving. The most alarming thing for me for their running game is the lack of experience. Montee Ball has only started three games in his entire career, Ronnie Hillman is an accident waiting to happen, and I have not seen a whole lot from C.J. Anderson.

Willis McGahee would be a huge boost for the Broncos in their running game. He is familiar with the system as he worked with Manning in 2012 and was a solid option in their balanced offensive attack until he suffered an injury late in the season that sidelined him the remainder of the year. I can understand that the Broncos would be cautious because of Willis McGahee’s injury history, but he can provide such a rewarding offensive balance to the Broncos. The only issue would be how to place him on the current roster? I believe that they should cut ties with Ronnie Hillman in order to make room for Willis McGahee. Hillman’s on and off the field presence is not a pretty sight to look at.

During his two years with the Broncos, Willis McGahee was averaging close to five yards per carry with Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning under center. He can be that veteran presence that could take some of the weight off of Peyton Manning’s shoulders and become a true workhorse running back. He has all of the potential to put up over 1,000 yards rushing every season. He can also become an element to the passing game in case Manning needs to get a quick pass off. The most important thing that Willis McGahee can do is mentor Montee Ball, because I believe he has not really gotten that with Moreno and Hillman.

The chances of this happening are very unlikely, but it would be a move that would really benefit the offense going forward. If you are reading this John Elway, pick up that phone. You know who you need to call to help the offense get better and perhaps it will pay handsomely for the franchise. Take a chance and give Willis McGahee a call.