Paving The Way For LeSean McCoy’s Success
On several occasions Sunday night, cameras caught LeSean McCoy seeking out offensive line coach Howard Mudd on the sidelines. Just days removed from hip replacement surgery, Mudd braced himself with his crutches as McCoy kept trying to air bump him.
It was a display of affection — however ill-advised — from a back that was fully aware of the help he received en route to a career night.
Afterwards, he credited every member of his offensive line, his fellow playmakers, and even…Rob Ryan?
“I don’t know what the coach over there said, but it had those guys fired up,” said McCoy. “Every drive, every run was so critical it seemed like. It was easy for a back to pick a hole out when you’re pushing the defensive line back three yards.”
Replays confirmed what the naked eye observed on Sunday night: the offensive line absolutely dominated the top rushing the defense in the league. Jason Peters, returning from a hamstring strain, collapsed the left side, while tight ends Brent Celek and Clay Harbor sealed the perimeter with force and precision. Jason Kelce fought the good fight with Jay Ratliff and was still able to bounce to the second level — perhaps his greatest asset. On down the line, it was the unit’s greatest performance by far on the season.
McCoy knew it, as did the rest of the skill position players. In a clear sign of his appreciation, Michael Vick — when asked about McCoy’s night — used it as a vehicle to praise the O-line.
“He’s a dynamic player and by far one of the best in this league,” said Vick, who quickly changed gears. “You’ve got to give a lot of credit to the offensive line. They’re starting to jell and play with confidence and believe in one another. That’s one thing I always tell them — believe in yourself and believe in one another. Sorry if I got sidetracked; I know you asked about LeSean but you’ve got to give those guys kudos, too.”
McCoy rushed 30 times for 185 yards, a 6.2 yards-per-carry average, with a pair of touchdowns. He now has 58 totes over the last two games, setting career highs in carries in back-to-back outings. Andy Reid insists that there hasn’t been a philosophy shift, the team is simply going with what works.
And it’s tough to argue the level of success the Eagles have found on the ground this season. With the combination of McCoy and Vick, they are now averaging 180 rushing yards per game, which is 20 yards more than their closest competitor (Oakland).
It is in part a tribute to an offensive front that started the season as a major question mark.
As it turns out, Mudd does know what he’s doing. Operating with rookies at center and right guard, an unheralded veteran at left guard and a right tackle playing out of position, Mudd’s unit was once thought of as a liability. And, at times, it was. It is proving now to be a group that can perform at a high level, and one that perfectly suits the running style of McCoy.
“It does, definitely because they get up on those blocks so fast, and when I quick jump outside they’re right there with me,” said McCoy.
Evan Mathis was asked Sunday if it is easy to block for the 23-year-old back.
“Easy, no — there’s no one easy to block for. This game’s not easy. Fun? He is very fun to block for,” said Mathis. “We can just lay it on the line with a run play, give it all we have because we know Shady is going to trust the call, trust the game plan and trust where the hole is going to be. And if the hole isn’t where it’s supposed to be, he’s the type of guy that can make something out of nothing.”
That dynamic has helped make McCoy one of the most prolific and talked-about backs in the league.
Comments