Photo: SBNation.com
The Denver Broncos are riding a five-game winning streak behind the leadership of Tim Tebow, an impressive defensive improvement, and the unheralded efforts of veteran running back Willis McGahee.Tebow has not only taken Broncos Nation by storm, but also the entire NFL, and has been the biggest news coming out of Denver. The heavily criticized quarterback has managed to lead an amazing comeback story with the Broncos, but some of the credit should be given to his running back, McGahee.
Many thought that once McGahee blew out his knee in college it would be the end of his career, but he still managed to have two really good seasons with the Buffalo Bills, and one with the Baltimore Ravens. But over the last few years, McGahee really dropped off, and was replaced in Baltimore by Ray Rice.
This off-season, McGahee signed with the Broncos with a likely back-up role to Knowshon Moreno, and nothing more than a third down back. McGahee has worked his way into the starting role, and has excelled this season beyond what anyone could have imagined, and is one of the biggest reasons Denver continues to win.
This season, McGahee has carried the ball 162 times, has rushed for 775 yards, and has scored three touchdowns. Leading all rushers on the Broncos by an exceedingly large margin, even the ever elusive Tebow, who sometimes looks like more of a running back.
Just one season ago, McGahee appeared to be on the tail end of his career and looking down the barrel of being nothing more than an after thought in the NFL. Instead, McGahee has fully accepted John Fox's offense, Tebow as his quarterback, and has totally resurrected his career in Denver.
In the Broncos' last win over the Minnesota Vikings, McGahee posted 111 yards, a touchdown to help the cause, and one fumble. Tebow and the Denver's defense once again earned most of the credit for this win, but McGahee was just as important to the team's success.
If Alex Smith wasn't captaining a division-winning San Francisco 49ers team, it would seem that McGahee would be in the conversation for Comeback Player of The Year. With a strong finish to the season, anything is possible, and he could end up winning the award above Smith regardless.
Denver is now leading the AFC West, and they are looking like a playoff team that can no longer be doubted. Tebow will continue to do whatever it is he is doing, and McGahee will keep racking up the yards on the ground.
After all, McGahee did go to the U, did he not?
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