After having one of the best seasons for a running back in Eagles history, it would be difficult to fault LeSean McCoy for wanting to maintain last season's success in the coming year.
However, that's not the case.
"I want to be considered the best back in the league," McCoy said after arriving at Training Camp on Wednesday afternoon. "I think I have a lot of room for improvement. When guys talk about the best backs, you probably say Adrian Peterson, or (Arian) Foster or (Ray) Rice. That's where I want to be."
McCoy isn't worried about the pressure that comes with finding success in the NFL. In fact, he welcomes it.
"I think it's something that each player wants," McCoy said. "You want to be known as a good player around the league. And if guys are gunning for you, that's cool. In this league you're here to compete.
"I have a good team, a good supporting cast around me, so it's really hard to just focus in on me. I think that's the luxury I do have playing with the Eagles. We've got so many different talents on offense; it's hard to pick out one person."
Improving his game means being honest about potential areas of improvements. For McCoy, the biggest focus is as a receiver. In 2011, he caught 48 passes for 315 yards and three scores, but his sights are set higher this season.
"I didn't catch enough balls last year at all," McCoy said. "If I want to be a complete back, that's one of the things I have to do. One of the things that separates me from other guys is running, catching, blocking – being on the field the entire game.
"I think to be considered one of the better backs in the league, it's being consistent. That's the biggest thing, being consistent, playing at a high level. I'm a young guy so hopefully I'll be here for awhile, and just continue to put numbers up and win games."
Putting these things together should spell success for the young back next year.
"With the talent we have here, and the potential, they'll have no choice but to consider me one of the better backs in the league," McCoy said.
McCoy also aims to improve off the field. After speaking with quarterback Michael Vick throughout the offseason, McCoy plans to step up and assume a larger leadership role.
"I think my career was spent learning how to learn, how to fit in," McCoy said. "I've been talking to Mike, and he wants me to step up and be more of a leader. And I think I'm ready.
"I'm 24, and I feel like this is the time now. It's time for me to step up and take that responsibility and be more of a leader."
McCoy's focus on becoming a major dangerous weapon should pay dividends this season for an already dangerous offense. With Training Camp beginning in full force Thursday, he has the chance to begin putting his plan into action.
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