Willis McGahee's fumbles won't threaten starting role

Denver Broncos' running back Willis McGahee has had problems holding onto the ball this season, but the Broncs still plan on using McGahee as their starting running back. Denver offensive coordinator spoke to reporters about the issue, per Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post:

"We're going to keep giving him the ball and he's got to protect it."

McGahee leads the NFL with four fumbles this season. Fred Jackson of the Buffalo Bills, Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans and Ahmad Bradshaw of the New York Giants each trail McGahee with three fumbles apiece.

Fumble problems are new for the tailback, as he never lost more than three fumbles in a single season before this year. Last season, McGahee lost three fumbles over 249 carries, but already lost four this season after only 160 carries.

Denver as a team needs to protect the football better. The Broncos have lost 12 fumbles this season, which is second-worst in the league behind the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver has asked their scout team to play aggressive and attempt to strip the ball from the offensive players this week to give them practice protecting the football.