The Eagles knew full well that they were unable to take full advantage of their red zone opportunities last Sunday in Chicago. The Eagles were just 1 for 5 in the red zone and one of those possessions ended with a turnover. After the five-point loss, it was no surprise that the Eagles had to figure a way to execute better.
Well, on Thursday night, the Eagles didn't have to wait long. On the opening possession of the game, the Eagles were faced with a third-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Quarterback Michael Vick took the ball from under center and it would be running back LeSean McCoy who raced into the flat out of the backfield. No one was able to get to him in time and Vick delivered the ball to him for the easy touchdown.
On the very next possession, the Eagles were on the verge of paydirt once again. Situated with a second-and-goal from the Texans' 4-yard line, McCoy did the work on the ground thanks to a key block upfront by center Mike McGlynn to put the Eagles up 14-3 in the second quarter.
McCoy's work wasn't done, however.
After providing the game-winning points two weeks ago against the Giants, on Thursday night he helped play the role of closer.
As the Eagles held a 27-24 lead in the fourth quarter, McCoy took a screen pass from Vick. McCoy squirted towards the middle, made linebacker Zac Diles spin around and darted across the field for a 40-yard gain. That big play helped set up Owen Schmitt's game-ending 5-yard touchdown reception.
McCoy said after the game that it was important for the Eagles to battle back after what happened last week in Chicago.
"We came out tonight, got a lead and then went down. We battled back on both sides. We held them on defense and then went and put some points on the board," McCoy said. "I think our mindset has changed a bit. I think we are confident, but we know we need to prove it. I think that is the message that Coach wanted us to get."
In his second season, McCoy has been a do-it-all player for the Eagles. He leads the team with nine total touchdowns - seven rushing and two receiving. McCoy has 829 yards and is averaging an eye-popping 4.9 yards per carry. He is first on the team with 67 receptions and third with 534 receiving yards. Plus, his pass blocking has been superb this season.
But on a night when the Eagles needed a win to cleanse the palate after last Sunday's loss, McCoy did it by strengthening the one area that had been a concern - the red zone - with two touchdowns.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 10:40 a.m., December 3
