LeSean McCoy was an All-Pro in 2011. He was just named by NFL.com the best running back in the league.
It should come as no surprise that former Eagles running back Duce Staley, who is now the team's special teams quality control coach, believes that McCoy can become one of the all-time best players.
"I see a guy that can be great," said Staley, who also assists with the running backs. "I see a guy that has some things that he has to shine up, of course, has some things that he has to work on, but I see a player that can definitely be one of the great ones that played in the NFL."
McCoy has rushed for more yards in his first three seasons (3,026) than any other back in franchise history. Staley is third on that list. No Eagle has amassed more scrimmage yards (4,241) in his first three seasons than McCoy. Last season, McCoy set the franchise records for total touchdowns (20) and rushing touchdowns (17). He was third in the league in rushing yards (1,309) and fifth in yards from scrimmage (1,624).
The Eagles know how great McCoy is and rewarded him with a five-year contract extension on May 17. Even though he's earned financial security, Staley is confident the best of McCoy has yet to come.
"I'm really excited about him simply because he enjoys coming to work whether it's gameday, practice, OTAs, no matter what it is," Staley said. "He enjoys playing."
In fact, Staley said that McCoy is still young in terms of age (23) and football experience.
"When you start talking about a complete back in this West Coast offense, pass blocking in very important. That's one of the things that he needs to kind of work on. He can do better with route running," Staley said. "He has to understand how to read defenses better. ... When it's man-to-man (coverage), he has to get that 'eye of the tiger' and take advantage."
Staley recalls when he was a workhorse back in the Eagles offense and understands the notion that the team wants to increase the shelf life of their franchise back. Last season, McCoy was fourth in the league in offensive touches (321). Staley said that curtailing McCoy's touches isn't so much a long-term gain, but more of a late-season, playoff gain. It's one thing to talk about reducing carries in June, but another come the season.
"You saw how productive LeSean was last year. Those are words you don't want to hear - lighten the load," McCoy said. "That's the competitive edge inside of a player."
It's an edge that has made McCoy an elite running back. Eagles fans, enjoy watching a player who could, indeed, be one of the all-time greats.
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