Off the Record (OTR) » LeSean McCoy

Who do YOU blame?

Jason Ashworth — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 23:23:11 +0000

Never-the-less…the question still begs: Who do you blame? Unfortunately for Eagles fans, the list is long and plentiful. If five people were to look at the tape, all five might come up with a different answer. Let’s just take a look at a few of the nominees:

Akers, David
Fact: Regular season – 32/38, 84.2%

Akers missed only six kicks during the regular season. Of those who had at least 30 attempts this season, only three have a higher kicking percentage than Akers: Matt Bryant, Neil Rackers, and Josh Brown. Notice anything in common with those three guys? Yep, they’re all guys kicking in a dome. So to be at 84% is pretty damn solid.

That said, he missed two huge kicks against Green Bay. Yes… that is rare for Akers. Very rare. In fact, he has kicked 22 FG in the postseason setting the all-time Eagles franchise mark and placing him 5th all time in NFL history. So the guy knows how to kick field goals in the postseason. That doesn’t, however, shield him from his fair share of the blame. Those six points left on the field would have certainly helped… but let us not fall into a trap.

Anyone who says, “If Akers makes those, the Eagles win” is absolutely void of any football acumen. The game is not played in a vacuum and as the score changes, so does play calling. Had Akers hit his field goals, Mike McCarthy may have opened up the playbook a little more instead of chewing up valuable clock time on the ground. Akers gets his share, but he should NOT shoulder the loss.

Reid, Andy
Fact: Entered the game 7-1 as Eagles head coach in postseason home openers.

Everyone was reminded of the success Andy Reid has had in the playoffs… especially opening up at home. While this time, he didn’t have 5 under center, Michael Vick has proven to be more dangerous with his combination of speed and accuracy than Donovan ever was. On paper, this favored the Eagles, right?

Photo Caption: Reid puts on his pouty face after the loss.

Depends on what paper you’re looking at. Are you looking at the media guide before the game or the post game notes? The post game stats say it all. In a game that everyone knew the Eagles needed to be able to run the ball, Reid gave only 13 attempts to his running backs. 12 of those attempts were by LeSean McCoy and one by Jerome Harrison. Vick added eight runs of his own, but I highly doubt half of those were designed. In case you didn’t notice, the Packers employed a two deep zone and two deep man coverage scheme when not blitzing. This is ideal to run against and difficult to throw against. Makes sense that Reid would elect the pass, right? But I digress.

Compare those 13 rushing attempts to Vick’s 36 pass attempts and you realize that Reid implemented no balance… again. How many times do Philadelphia fans need to get frustrated over this lack of balance and play calling? Is it not every year that the same issues arise? And don’t tell me the Eagles don’t run the ball effectively because they were 5th in the NFL this season. Shady eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark while averaging only 13.8 attempts per game! That’s pretty productive.

Aside from the play calling, Reid made sure to burn his timeouts as well. Would it even be a question if Vick would spike the ball or call a play at the 27-yard line if he had a timeout or two in his back pocket? Down five, a first down at the 27 yard line and you might want to take two minutes to say, “Let’s not force anything here. We’re in great position to get the W.”

Instead, Vick feels rushed and wants to pick up whatever he can. I don’t have a problem with Vick going for the win. He had man coverage on the outside, throwing to his big target. He just under-threw it. The inability to manage his timeouts came back to bite him.

Let us not forget the inability to pick up 3rd and short. The Eagles had five 3rd down opportunities of three yards or less. They converted only one. The other eight 3rd downs were all 3rd and relatively long. Another product of bad play calling.

McDermott, Sean
Fact: Started two rookie 7th-round draft selections against Green Bay and was without the services of his 1st and 2nd round picks (Brandon Graham and Nate Allen both on IR).

McDermott came into Sunday’s playoff matchup with a lot to prove. After being handed the Defensive Coordinator position, he has done little to impress. His defense was torn apart last season, much of this season and it continued in the playoffs. Yes, Rodgers didn’t light it up through the air…but he did throw for three TD’s. It’s no coincidence that they were all in the redzone. What is worse is the success that the Packers had on the ground. James Starks simply had his way rushing for a Packer rookie playoff record of 123 yards.

What about lack of pressure? Was there a hand in Rodger’s face all day? Sure, the Eagles got a big sack at the end of the game and were able to force a turnover… but for the most part, Rodgers was comfortable. The front four had no pressure and there was nothing exotic off the edges. I understand completely that McDermott is dealing with a lack of personnel, but isn’t half of coaching the ability to succeed with a game plan? Are you telling me that good coaches simply have the best talent? No… McDermott came up flat (again) and needs to be held accountable for his failed game plan.

Line, Offensive
Fact: They are terrible.

Look no further than the 1st play of the game. To the Eagles credit, there was absolutely no talk of the Packers blitz coming into the game or the fact that Michael Vick was being hit too frequently. So I wouldn’t expect the offensive line to be prepared for the obvious. WHAT! The first friggin’ play of the game!?

While the Packers visibly backed off and played a coverage scheme, Vick still took his shots. The offensive line certainly wasn’t the worst I’ve seen it this season… but it wasn’t anything good.

I’ll sum it up with Winston Justice’s stellar contribution. On one play he gets flagged for a false start. On the very next snap, a flag and a hat is thrown. Not only was he caught lined up a yard off the line, but then he got tagged with a hold. That’s three penalties in two snaps against one guy. Has that ever happened before?

Vick, Michael
Fact: In the first six games (minus first matchup with WSH when he got hurt) he had 15 TD’s and 0 turnovers. Since then, 15 TD’s and nine turnovers.
Michael Vick had an amazing season. From start to finish, he was an exciting player who was a threat to score, both with his legs and arm. That said, he needed to secure the ball in this one. And he did. Vick accounted for 292 yards passing, TD, 33 yards rushing, TD. He protected the ball well with his only turnover being the very last play of the game. Now, that is a pretty damn big turnover. Down only five from the 27-yard line, he needed to show a little more poise. I agree that he didn’t need to clock it at that point. You leave as little time on the clock as possible! However, if you are going to make that throw, it better be to the back pylon where only Riley Cooper can make the grab. He didn’t… game over.

I can’t criticize Vick for his overall play. He forces defenses to account for you at all times. I think he did a good job of hanging in the pocket and taking off when he needed to. The last thing I want to see happen is for Vick to get hurt, but he has to utilize his legs when he can. It’s what makes him so versatile.

I will say that over the last 11 years, people in Philadelphia ripped McNabb for game-ending picks or playoff losses. The guy threw for over 300 yards and 3 TD’s in the Super Bowl, yet still gets hammered for that performance. So let Vick own this disappointment. Let him own his share of the blame. Philadelphia let 5 go because he couldn’t win the big game and it was time to find out who could. Vick, albeit not simply his fault, didn’t win the game. To boot, it ended on a throw he made. There is inherent blame to that. It’s his… and it should be.

So… Who do you blame? I think it’s pretty clear who to blame for the Eagles 21-16 loss on Sunday. You blame the Eagles. The team. From the management who put the personnel together, to the coaches who didn’t coach, to the players who didn’t play. It’s that simple. This was a team loss from top to bottom. There is a lot of blame to go around, but I think it would be highly unfair to pin it on any one guy. It’s a team sport. You win as a team and you lose as a team. I think it was pretty evident on Sunday.

McCoy makes the most of his carries

Jason Ashworth — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 01:29:47 +0000

Running backs in the National Football League will usually fall under the “burner” or “bruiser” category. Take a look for yourself. The Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles’ of the world would fall under the “burner” category. To a much lesser extent, you could even place a Felix Jones into this category given his elite break away speed.

The larger category is made up of the “bruisers” – The Maurice Jones Drew, Adrian Peterson, Rashard Mendenhall, Michael Turner’s of the NFL. The list would continue with the likes of Peyton Hillis, Brandon Jacobs, Steven Jackson. Why stop there? Mike Tolbert, BenJarvis Green Ellis and not to mention the “it’s about time somebody recognizes what I’m doing” LeGarrette Blount.

But what about LeSean McCoy? He most definitely isn’t a bruiser and, unfortunately, he isn’t a burner. He has great quickness and elusiveness while making cuts on a dime…but his high end speed leaves you longing for more. That is what makes this season that much more impressive for the 2nd-year running back.

Consider this: McCoy ranks 13th in the NFL in rushing yards compiling 1,080 yards and seven rushing TDs. Those seven TDs have him tied for 12th in the NFL. Seems pretty modest, right? Wrong. If you look at the NFL running backs heading into week 17, only two RBs have tallied more scores with fewer attempts. McCoy is averaging 13.8 attempts per game (26th in the NFL), leaving only Jacobs (8.9 att/gm – eight TD) and Tolbert (12.1 att/gm – 11 TD) ahead of him. Both of those running backs are bruisers, who have the ability to pound it in the endzone from five yards and within.

Taking scores out of the equation, McCoy also leads the NFL in runs of 40+ yards. Yes, I will say that again. In a league that features CJ2K and KCJC (my little nickname for Jamaal Charles), McCoy has had an NFL best five runs of 40 yards or more. In addition, he adds another 7 carries of 20+ yards. We haven’t even mentioned Arian Foster yet! Foster leads all of the NFL in rushing yards, yet only two of his carries have eclipsed the 40 yard mark.

LeSean McCoy, is not a burner threat to score every time he touches the ball. LeSean McCoy isn’t a bruiser who will pick up tough yards and bully his way into the endzone. Simply put, LeSean McCoy is a solid running back who is certainly making a name for himself in the NFL.

One can argue that the presence of Mike Vick opens up a lot for the running game and a back like McCoy. I will simply offer up the suggestion that perhaps McCoy is opening up the passing game for Vick and their group of talented wide receivers. He may not make you “pay” every time he touches the ball, but he certainly makes a defense pay attention. There is a lot that can be said to that.

Someone needs to teach LeSean McCoy how to hold the ball

Micah Warren — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 00:52:34 +0000

Any Philadelphia Eagles fans out there still willing to admit that they are fans of a team that stunk up the joint at home against a Minnesota Vikings team that had a third-string, rookie QB who was drafted to be a wide receiver? No? Didn’t think so.

Of all the problems with the Eagles on Tuesday night, LeSean McCoy wouldn’t be on that list. He’s a very nice back enjoying an excellent year. However, his game needs some work. Specifically, he holds the ball like a total jagoff. At one point in the game, I saw him holding the ball like a water bottle, as though he might take a drink at some point. I’ve heard of holding the ball like a loaf of bread, but he was holding it like he was going to Brandon Lloyd it up at some point and start rapping into it.

Photo Caption: This is from 2009, but he still does the same stupid shit, holding the ball the wrong way on his inside hand.

And Michael Vick isn’t much better. The Eagles have gotten very lucky with these two carrying the ball like assclowns. Once Vick crosses the line of scrimmage, there is no way he can throw the ball without incurring a penalty. So tuck it away! And he seems to have an aversion to getting to the ground, so now you are inviting contact while still holding the ball inappropriately. You can’t live like that.

McCoy did an excellent job picking up the blitz, and that’s huge. As an NFL running back, you won’t see the field if one of two things happen: 1. You fumble a lot, and/or 2. You can’t pick up the blitz.

McCoy looks to be progressing on the latter, but he needs to change how he holds the ball. I’m wondering if the Eagles hired Ted Williams the baseball guy to be their running backs coach. I’m not sure for certain because I haven’t seen a picture, but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt because I think the Red Sox guy is dead.

How can this not come up in meetings or in film study? Christ, what is going on over there?

McCoy still sore, Vick will dress

Micah Warren — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 13:06:48 +0000

The Philadelphia Eagles have been a little on the banged up side as of late. They are already without their starting left tackle this week, their running back has cracked ribs and they’ve played quarterback carousel pretty much all year due to injuries.

As for Michael Vick, Andy Reid said that he’ll dress this week, but he doesn’t know what his role will be.

“I can’t tell you right now whether he’s going to be two or three,” Reid said.

“He was upbeat today,” he continued. “He was up, moving around. He feels a lot better today than he did [Thursday].”

As for LeSean McCoy, he’s going to play again this week, but he acknowledges that he’s not 100% recovered from the rib injury he suffered a couple weeks ago.

“You see it?” McCoy said, pointing to a raised area on his lower mid section. “It hurts. I guess it just takes time. The X-rays say it’s healing.”

Both men will be available this week against the Tennessee Titans. McCoy will likely get his regular workload while we have no clue what they’ll do with Vick.

Eagles have inquired about Lynch

Micah Warren — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:22:44 +0000

Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy has made extraordinary leaps this season and become a small powder keg of dynamite running the ball. He’s showed great burst, vision and made some phenomenal cuts.

The problem? He cracked his ribs in Sunday’s loss to the Washington Redskins. While no one would say how long he is out, the fact that they are poking around for running back help says a lot.

A league source tells Reuben Frank of Phillyburbs.com that the Eagles have already contacted the Buffalo Bills to ask about the availability of Marshawn Lynch, the former first-round pick from Cal.

Lynch has been on the trading block for quite some time, but they can’t find a suitor. He’s a very nice back, but he’s a bit of a knucklehead and the Bills already have two other backs they can use.

This would not only say a lot about the severity of McCoy’s injury, but it would also have to reveal their true thoughts about backup Mike Bell.

No love for LeSean McCoy?

Micah Warren — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 20:00:11 +0000

I’ll admit it. Last year, I thought Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy was a nice back. He looked above average in some areas (burst) and below average in others (holding the ball close).

But, I have to admit, this kid looked awfully sharp in the Eagles’ win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. He was the first Eagles back since Charlie Garner in 1995 to rush for three TD’s in a single game. And he was over the century mark too.

I’m starting to change my tune on this kid. And no, not just because he ran all over the Lions, but because he’s starting to look like a really nice player. I still wish he’d hold the ball a wee bit closer to his body, but he’s got four TD’s this season and no one is mentioning how important he’s been to red zone conversions.

With all this Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb nonsense, McCoy’s breakout game has gone largely unnoticed. Sure, Vick has been given a lot of credit for the team’s improved red zone offense, but McCoy has played a big part in that too. See what happens when you run the ball?!

I’ve written and said numerous times that I didn’t love McCoy. I’m starting to change my opinion on that. He has looked like a different runner this year and I have to give credit where credit is due. If Andy Reid is truly interested in winning football games, McCoy has to be a bigger piece of the puzzle.

Maybe McCoy’s biggest crime was having a breakout game the same week the franchise did an about face on their QB of the future.

Eagles to sign Bell

Micah Warren — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:41:43 +0000

Thanks to our buddy Kordell for tipping us off on this one. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Philadelphia Eagles will sign restricted free agent RB Mike Bell to a one-year deal worth $1.7 million.

“Filed to ESPN: Saints restricted free-agent RB will sign a one-year, $1.7 million offer sheet with Eagles, according to agent Josh Luchs,” he tweets.

The New Orleans Saints now have the right to match that offer. However, they tendered him so low that they will not receive any compensation should they choose to let him sign with the Eagles.

Bell gets banged up, but has proven to be a quality back who would be a nice backup to LeSean McCoy.

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Eagles cut Brian Westbrook

Micah Warren — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:58:38 +0000

Jeff McClain of the Philadelphia Inquirer tweets that the Philadelphia Eagles have released RB Brian Westbrook. Westbrook was owed $7.25 million this season, and there is just no way the Eagles are going to pay that for a declining RB with concussion, knee and ankle issues.

This leaves LeSean McCoy as the main guy in the backfield. The team will most certainly retain the services of restricted free agent Leonard Weaver as well. The rest of the backfield is wide open with just Eldra Buckley and some practice squad dude.

Westbrook is one of the greatest RB’s in Eagles history. Drafted in the third round in 2002, he’s rushed 1308 times for 5,995 yards and 37 TD’s. He also caught 426 balls for 3,790 yards and 29 TD’s.

Bad couple of weeks for the Westbrook brothers. Byron gets a DUI and now this. Both could be looking for work soon.

Brian Westbrook not expected to play

Michael Perry — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:13:08 +0000

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is not expected to suit up today against the New York Giants, as per Adam Shefter’s tweet.

Westbrook suffered a concussion this past Monday Night when he took a knee to the head in the Eagles win over the Washington Redskins.

If this news is confirmed, rookie LeSean McCoy will get the nod. During Week 3, McCoy got the start and carried the ball 20 times for 84 yards and one score. Granted that was against the Kansas City Chiefs and not the New York Giants, but McCoy is more than capable of filling Brian’s shoes.