LeSean McCoy has proved this year that he can do it all. He can run the ball. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. He'll stick his nose in there and block defensive ends and linebackers who weigh 50 pounds more than he does.
McCoy is an explosive, game-changing player. Just ask the New York Giants. And he takes care of the football. In 430 career touches - rushes and receptions, he's lost just two fumbles.
Look at what McCoy has done this season. McCoy's 67 receptions are first among NFL running backs as are his 534 receiving yards. He is 15th in the league with 823 rushing yards, but his 4.9 yards per carry ranks fifth in the league. He is in the top 10 in both rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns. His 1,357 scrimmage yards rank sixth in the NFL. McCoy is on pace for 89 catches, which would be the most by any running back since Brian Westbrook had 90 in 2007. In fact, only four running backs have ever had 90 catches in a single season (Westbrook, LaDainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson and Roger Craig).
And don't forget, McCoy is just in his second NFL season. Plus, he's durable. Despite a cracked rib suffered earlier this year, McCoy has not missed a game in his career. But McCoy is not concerned about individual goals at this point.
"As far as the goal right now, it's definitely a team goal. You take your team goals first. Personal goals come after that," McCoy said. "The direction we're going in is Super Bowl. Each game is just one extra step. The confidence level on this team is so high. Guys are doing whatever it takes to win, making plays."
This Sunday night, the Eagles return to Dallas where everyone knows the team lost back-to-back games to end the 2009 season. Even though McCoy had a strong rookie season, he was a non-factor in those games. He had a total of nine touches for 42 yards in the two games.
"It was tough. Ending the season on that note didn't go well at all," McCoy said.
Of course, McCoy didn't just sit back and let the disappointment simmer. He dedicated himself to becoming a stronger, better football player in the offseason and the results speak for themselves. Now, the Eagles have their chance to go back and exact some revenge for what happened at the end of last season. But McCoy doesn't need revenge to provide any motivation for this game. The Eagles are 8-4 and look to keep pace with the Giants, who are also 8-4 and tied atop the NFC East with the Eagles.
"We're looking forward to playing them, but just like any other team," McCoy said. "It's a new year. Right now, where we're at, we're playing well. It happens they're on the schedule. We have to play them. Why not make the most of it?"
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 11:30 a.m., December 9
