Our depth chart outlook series continues with a look at the Eagles’ running backs.
“There’s so much you have to look at where sometimes a big hole might just happen from guys being out of place,” said LeSean McCoy. “The backs we have here, you don’t even need that much room to get going.”
LeSean McCoy left practice early Monday because of apparent knee discomfort.
The 24-year-old back was seen working off on the side in the later portion of practice and getting stretched out by the training staff. He told a couple of reporters afterwards that his knee was bothering him.
Jason Peters, Cary Williams, Patrick Chung, Fletcher Cox and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland all missed practice, as weather interfered with their travel plans.
Williams, who was recently married, was absent last week as well. Curtis Marsh got first-team reps opposite Bradley Fletcher in Williams’ place.
With Chung out of the picture, Kurt Coleman and Nate Allen were the first-team safeties.
Michael Vick is clearly tired of answering questions about how he’s not good enough at reading NFL defenses.
The Eagles’ veteran quarterback talked to Mike Missanelli during a 97.5 The Fanatic interview earlier this week and was asked to address critics who have pointed out that he doesn’t make quick enough reads and holds on to the football too long.
“I’m really tempted right now to just say no comment to that because like I said a second ago, you don’t last 12 years in the NFL not being able to read the defense,” Vick said. “Those people who are talking and saying that are just ignorant, and they know nothing about football. Unless they turn on the film and watch my game and see what goes on, then they’ll replace those comments with the right comments.”
The second the previous play was blown dead, Chip Kelly’s assistant was already going through his routine.
Standing on the sideline in a grey hoodie, grey sweats and an Eagles visor, he quickly looked down at his cheat sheet on the grass before running through the motions.
An NFL-version of charades. One second, he was adjusting an imaginary telescope. The next, flapping his wings like a bird.
LeSean McCoy’s publicist calls allegations that the running back and his bodyguard assaulted a woman in December “completely, unequivocally false.”
Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy added some spirited competition to the Eagles’ workout today, facing off in a 40-yard dash. And there was no question about who crossed the finish line first.
LeSean McCoy will have no issue sharing the load with Bryce Brown. He won’t be upset if Chris Polk works into the mix.
In this offense, he says, it’s a necessity to rotate backs in and out.
“You’re going to need another back in this offense,” said McCoy. “This is an offense where it’s not a debate, ‘I can do it myself.’ For one, you are going to do more plays than any other offense. Two, the amount of hits. You’re running so much. If you’re faking it, or running it, pass or not, you’re constantly going. I think any back, no matter how great of shape he’s in, is going to need some extra help.
“You’re running so much, it’s like a freaking track meet. It’s like a relay. You need extra guys.”
In six career games against the Dallas Cowboys, LeSean McCoy has averaged 5.7 yards per carry and reached the end zone four times.
But according to a former scout, McCoy could very easily have a star on his helmet right now.
Dallas had the 51st pick (second round) in the 2009 draft, but running back wasn’t a glaring need. They had three tailbacks (all under 25) on their roster in Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. So when it came time to pick, even though the Cowboys had McCoy atop their board, they decided to trade down.
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Sheil Kapadia has been writing about the Eagles since 2008. His previous Philly.com blog, Moving the Chains, was named one of the best in the state by the Associated Press. Sheil's main joys in life are family, football and finding good parking spots.
Tim McManus is a bulldog reporter with a nose for news and story angles that will get people talking. He'll talk about it himself on 97.5 The Fanatic, where he serves as a host and Eagles beat reporter. Tim, an award-winning journalist, will be with the team around the clock.
