Can LeSean McCoy Get Back on Track for Eagles?

Aug 28, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) on the sidelines during game against the New York Jets at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jets, 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

After three weeks the reigning NFL rusher from 2013, LeSean McCoy, has been off to a less than impressive start. McCoy is currently ranked 17th in the league rushing, with a stat line of 60 rushing attempts for 175 yards and one touchdown. He’s picked up ten receptions for 64 yards and has been credited with one fumble to date.

LeSean McCoy’s coming off one of his worst games as a pro, carrying the football 19 times for only 22 yards. He didn’t cross the goal line or pick up a single reception last week in an important divisional matchup against the Washington Redskins. While McCoy left the game momentarily following a helmet to helmet collision, it’s hard to discern if his poor showing last week was due to a stout run defense by Washington or that he may have been a little disoriented in his return, consequently explaining some of his ineffectiveness.

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Through three games this season McCoy has yet to break the 100-yard rushing mark in a game, something he accomplished seven times last year (most in the league). He has struggled picking up the tough yards as his elusiveness and ability to break tackles isn’t quite to where it was last year where he trailed only Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch. And for the trifecta, he currently has a lower yards per carry rate than the infamous Trent Richardson trailing 3.8 ypc to 2.9 (ouch).

So after all these negative statistics of McCoy’s play to date, is it possible for him to turn his luck around this season?

The Philadelphia Eagles have been hit hard with injuries along the offensive line this season, which is a major reason why McCoy has been struggling. They will enter their next game with only two of last year’s starters that made up one of the best offensive lines in the leagues. Right guard Todd Herremans will be moved outside to right tackle this week against the San Francisco 49ers as both he and veteran left tackle Jason Peters are the only remaining offensive linemen from 2013.

Along the interior of the offensive line, the Eagles will use both Matt Tobin and Dennis Kelly at guards. Center David Molk will be charged with holding up the injured Jason Kelce‘s position as the offensive line should have their hands full going against an impressive front seven by San Francisco. The 49ers have allowed the 7th fewest rushing yards to opponents so far this season and will likely try to focus on stopping LeSean McCoy early in this game and force quarterback Nick Foles to beat them.

As McCoy prepares for this upcoming game he will be in for quite a battle as this 49ers defense is still quite formidable even after a sluggish start by their high defensive standards. It would be very surprising for McCoy to have his season-defining breakout game next week as the Eagles travel to San Francisco’s new Levi Stadium.

While Week 4 may be another struggle for McCoy against the surprisingly reeling 49ers, Week 5 has the makings to be a potential season momentum changer for the Eagles’ rushing attack. Right tackle Lane Johnson will be eligible to return from suspension and the Eagles will be hosting the St. Louis Rams. Getting back Johnson will be huge for a run game looking for quality blockers as the Eagles continue rehabbing their other pair of injured starters.

While the Rams have a very talented defensive line that excels at rushing the passer, they currently are ranked 29th against the run and could provide McCoy with the kind of breakout game he needs to get himself back in a rhythm. Against a very active defensive front, McCoy’s cutback and juke style of running should excel and could pull off some big runs and consequently change the momentum of his 2014 campaign.

LeSean McCoy is still one of the best running backs in the business and he will find a way to get himself back on track. After a challenging game against the 49ers, the Eagles take on both the St. Louis Rams and New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field and could enter the bye on a serious upswing. It may not happen this week, but by the time the bye week rolls around in Week 7, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to look back and question why any of us ever doubted Shady.

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