Willis McGahee hopes to increase carries

ENGLEWOOD, Co. -- Willis McGahee could have signed with other teams after he was cut by Baltimore in July.

However, he studied the Denver Broncos’ situation and liked what he saw. He saw a hungry team that is starting a new program under the guidance of a head coach in John Fox who is known for running the ball first.

“These guys are a lot like me,” McGahee said Saturday. “Everyone is looking forward to being in a new situation … I’m glad to be here, knowing I’m playing for a coach who pounds the ball.”

McGahee has looked good in training camp and he had 17 yards on two carries in Denver’s preseason opener at Dallas on Thursday.

McGahee, who will turn 30 in October, had had a total of 379 carries the past three years. He had 380 yards on 100 carries last season in Baltimore. He said he is looking for an opportunity to carry the ball more in Denver. He should get the chance as he shares carries with third-year running back Knowshon Moreno.

McGahee, who missed his rookie season in Buffalo in 2003 with a knee injury, said he’d ideally like to carry the ball in the 15-17 time-a-game range. McGahee said his low carry totals the past three years have preserved his legs well.

“I didn’t have many miles on my tires the first two years of my career and now the past three years I haven't, either,” McGahee said. “I don’t even need a tire rotation … I feel good. I feel ready to help this team.”

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(espn.com)