Sunday was an all-around terrific day for LeSean McCoy.
The elusive back found the end zone twice in a 24-16 victory over the Washington Redskins, as the Eagles pulled into first place in the NFC East and snapped a 10-game losing streak at Lincoln Financial Field. In the process, McCoy became the first running back in the NFL this season to break the 1,000-yard mark, finishing the day with 77 yards to increase his season total to 1009 yards.
After the game, McCoy explained that he wasn't focused on that mark entering the game. There was, however, one achievement he had on his mind.
"I didn't know (about breaking 1,000 yards)," said McCoy. "I did know this though – I had 10 yards to pass (running backs coach and former Eagle running back) Duce (Staley for fourth on the Eagles all-time rushing list). So I knew that was going to happen."
After McCoy joked about passing his position coach, he gave credit to the offensive linemen who have paved the way for his tremendous season.
"It just means that I have more yards to get," McCoy said on surpassing 1000 yards. "I think the whole offensive line is playing excellent. They are giving me lanes and giving me one-on-one opportunities. They are rolling and I am just running behind them."
Throughout the afternoon, McCoy was able to weave his way through Washington's defense, evading would-be tacklers as he so commonly does. His best evasive maneuver of the afternoon, however, came when he avoided possible disaster. With five minutes remaining in the first half, McCoy ran for 16 yards to the Washington 7-yard-line. Following the play, though, McCoy, stayed on the ground, clutching at his hamstring. He would head into the locker early, but fortunately for Eagles, he would return for the team's first drive of the second half.
"It felt like it just grabbed, McCoy explained. "I felt like it gave out. There was a sharp pain, and I didn't really know (what had happened). I'm good. It's not as serious as I thought it was … I think it was like a cramp. It just grabbed really tight. I was cutting and running and it kind of just gave out. But I went back there (in the tunnel) and did some stretching and different treatments and I was back."
McCoy finished the afternoon with 77 rushing yards on 20 carries, and he contributed in a big way to the Eagles passing attack, hauling in four catches for 73 yards. While his personal numbers were impressive, McCoy was more proud of the way the Eagles played as a team.
"Just the way we are all playing together, offense, special teams, and defense, we are all playing as one," said McCoy. "I think sometimes earlier in the year it was more where the offense was playing good and the defense wasn't or the defense was playing good and the offense wasn't. We are clicking, we are getting the turnovers and we are answering. We are not turning the ball over for the defense and not putting them in a jam. It's the small things that make the team."
After two consecutive disappointing losses at home in late October, McCoy and company have rebounded in a big way, winning three straight games to find themselves on top of the NFC East standings. During the rough stretch, McCoy said the team never lost hope.
"I feel like this team is a good team," he said. "I do not really get caught up in the record because looking at 3-5- I wouldn't be sitting here if I thought in a negative way. We are a good team. Good coaches want all the players to get better and we are rolling. We have to have a positive attitude."
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