McCoy stays out of Eagles QB debate
LANCASTER - LeSean McCoy is sitting out of the Eagles' quarterback debate, declining to weigh in on who should win the starting quarterback spot and when a starter should be named. He's focusing instead on his touches.
LANCASTER - LeSean McCoy is sitting out of the Eagles' quarterback debate, declining to weigh in on who should win the starting quarterback spot and when a starter should be named. He's focusing instead on his touches.
"That's why they pay Chip Kelly the big bucks, to pick the quarterback," McCoy said. "Whoever he picks, I'm fine with. As long as I get my carries, I don't care who they pick."
McCoy spoke before his second annual charity softball game. It benefits the LeSean McCoy Foundation, which raises funds to battle ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). His grandmother died from the effects of ALS in 2010. The event drew 4,937 fans for a home run derby and softball game featuring Eagles and other NFL players.
McCoy said the timing of the quarterback decision affects the quarterback more than it affects him, so he understands why Michael Vick wants a starter named before training camp. McCoy would be comfortable with either Vick or Nick Foles, and said the way the Eagles rotate in practice will help the team when a decision is made.
"You get used to everybody," McCoy said. "And a guy might go down. Last year, we had so many guys go down. I think if we practiced that way last year, we would have been a lot better. You're comfortable with the way the guys block, or you're comfortable getting a pass from Nick Foles, or whoever it is."
McCoy recruited friends and teammates to come to the event. Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek, Jason Avant, Brandon Graham, B.J. Cunningham, and Jamar Chaney represented the Eagles. Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, Browns running back Dion Lewis, and Buccaneers wide receiver Kevin Ogletree were among the non-Eagles who participated.
McCoy tried to get as many players as he could, but he said he has been occupied with preparing for the season and the demands of fatherhood.
"The biggest thing is, I've been working, trying to get healthy and trying to get back to my all-pro year," McCoy said. "I'm looking for this year to be a successful year, as an individual and also as a team. We have the right players to get the job done, right along with a nice coach. The sky's the limit."
One of McCoy's closest friends on the Eagles is Maclin, who said there's been maturity in McCoy this offseason. The two talked after McCoy had a public Twitter feud with the mother of his child. He said McCoy is "becoming a complete person" and cited the event that McCoy organized as an example.
Maclin is also anxious for the season to begin, although he's in a different situation than McCoy. It's a contract year for Maclin. There have been preliminary discussions about a new deal, but he thinks his stock can only ascend. The 2009 first-round pick has been a steady contributor for the Eagles, but has not yet recorded a 1,000-yard season. He said he wants to stay with the Eagles and his contract status will not be a distraction this season.
"I think I can only get better," Maclin said. "I think it will be good for me to go out there and just play ball and let everything else take care of itself."
Torrey Smith, who was also at the softball game, came to the defense of former Ravens teammate Cary Williams, whom the Eagles signed to be a starting cornerback during the offseason. Smith heard some of the criticism that Williams endured for missing time during the Eagles' offseason program. Williams tended to personal matters, such as his wedding, the building of his home, and dental work.
Smith said Williams did not get off to the best start with the fans, but said that Williams voiced what many players think and is "a great guy."
"If you can't tell, he's very emotional, very passionate, a great family guy," Smith said. "I think [the Eagles] have a great football player on their hands. He's a playmaker. . . . We're going to miss him in Baltimore. You guys should enjoy him up here."