Quarterback Michael Vick said on Thursday that running back LeSean McCoy has a chance to be one of the all-time greats at his position.
McCoy is having a season for the ages as he ranks first in the league in rushing yards per game and is second in total touchdowns. He is the first Eagle to score a touchdown in each of the first seven games of the season. With a touchdown Monday night against the Bears, McCoy will tie Hall of Fame running back Steve Van Buren for the franchise record of scoring a touchdown in eight straight games.
McCoy is a charismatic figure who loves to play the game and always has a smile on his face. McCoy chest bumps offensive line coach Howard Mudd on the sideline, even though the coach is 69 years old. After nearly icing the game with a critical run in the win over Washington, McCoy gave head coach Andy Reid a surprise punch to the gut. All kidding aside, McCoy's efforts on the field are a result of hard work behind the scenes that not everyone can appreciate.
"You just can't show up on Sunday and play football," guard Evan Mathis said.
In an offseason where players were locked out of team facilities, McCoy worked on his explosiveness by doing a lot of sprints while wearing a parachute and plyometric exercises. Last Sunday against Dallas, that increased athleticism was on display as he rushed for 185 yards on 30 carries against the No. 1-ranked run defense in football.
Running back Ronnie Brown, a former No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, said that seeing McCoy's success in games is just a carryover from his work during the week.
"His work ethic is tremendous. He comes and prepares himself the same way every day," Brown said. "As athletes, there are some days where we come in and not really feel like it, but he never shows it. He always comes in and prepares himself great. He's always willing to learn, eager to learn, find out how he can do things better. It's just the way he's been since I've been here."
Rookie running back Dion Lewis, who like McCoy is a Pitt alum, praised McCoy as a leader he can turn to.
"The way he carries himself and takes everything seriously, he's a person you can always ask about an assignment or something," Lewis said. "He's a great person to have around."
McCoy, who missed Thursday's practice due to the stomach flu, will have another chance to showcase his talents in primetime against the Chicago Bears on Monday night. It's fair to question whether opposing teams will start to alter the defense to try and make McCoy ineffective.
"There's a lot of guys on this offense capable of making plays. Last week, Brent (Celek) had a great game. (Jason) Avant had a great game. Shady, obviously, was able to do what he was able to do," Brown said. "I think if they do start trying to play the run, it'll open up some things for Maclin and DeSean down the field. That's the biggest part about being in this offense. You have so many guys capable of making plays you have to pick your poison. If we execute, we can still move the ball."
Make sure to follow us on Twitter @EaglesInsider
