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For now, measure McCoy by team's record

Like Foles, McCoy isn't performing up to expectations but you can't argue with 5-2

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy. (Rick Scuteri/AP)
Eagles running back LeSean McCoy. (Rick Scuteri/AP)Read more

LIKE SO many things concerning the Eagles, the plight of running back LeSean McCoy is complicated.

On one hand, considering the high expectations on McCoy - many self-appointed - coming into the season, the fact that he ranks just seventh in the NFL in rushing yards has to be viewed as disappointing.

After all, McCoy led the league in 2013 in the same category with just over 1,600 yards.

With his current total at 505 yards, McCoy would have to rush for 1,102 yards in the Eagles' final nine games just to match his All-Pro season. He'd have to increase his per game average of 72.1 yards by 50 yards to do that.

For a guy who had aspirations of being the league's Most Valuable Player, McCoy's numbers have been nowhere near what a back of his caliber should be producing.

By all rights, because McCoy is such an integral part of the Eagles' offensive game plan it would reason that the Birds would be struggling without Shady putting up the expected numbers.

But that's where the complication kicks in.

With a 5-2 record going into Sunday's game at Houston, the Eagles aren't exactly struggling. They are one of just seven teams with fewer than three losses.

What Eagles coach Chip Kelly said when asked about the struggles of quarterback Nick Foles - "I think Nick is 5-2, in my opinion. I think you rate your quarterback in terms of 'Are you winning, are you losing?' " - could just as easily apply to McCoy as the Birds' feature back.

Good, bad or ugly, the bottom line is that a 5-2 football team has to be doing a lot more things right than wrong.

It presents an interesting quandary for a player who knows he might not be performing up to expectations but also knows the most important thing is for the team to keep on winning games.

"I feel like you're talking to me like we're a losing team," McCoy said. "I think that's because of the standard that has already been set.

"It's hard to go back and forth. We're 5-2 and we lost two close games. Individually, yeah, everybody wants to play better and have better stats, but we're winning games.

"If you really want to ask that, it's hard to get into. Would I like this and that? Sure. Two hundred-yard games back to back? Yes, I would love that.

"But right now, it's not happening. We are 5-2. That's the most important thing."

It is the mindset behind the questioning of Foles.

The Eagles are winning, but there is a consensus feeling that if the quarterback does not raise his play to a more consistent level, it's going to be impossible for the Eagles to be much of a factor in the NFC playoffs.

With Foles struggling it becomes even harder to envision the Eagles continuing on a path of success if McCoy continues to run like an average running back.

There are clear reasons for McCoy's struggles, particularly the numerous injuries the Eagles have suffered on the offensive line.

The most recent good news that center Jason Kelce appears ready to return to action is muted by the fact that right guard Todd Herremans is now going to attempt to continue playing despite a torn left bicep.

That's more of taking the good with the bad for McCoy, who like any running back can struggle with consistency behind an inconsistent offensive line.

McCoy seemed like he was breaking out of the doldrums by rushing for 313 yards over his last three games, and with Kelce and left guard Evan Mathias looking like they might soon return to the lineup, the situation seemed right for McCoy carry momentum through the second half of the season.

That could be muted if Herremans is not able to play effectively through his injury.

"It's been a tough season with so many linemen out," McCoy said. "Hopefully, [Herremans] is not too serious and he can play.

"We don't want other linemen out."

It is clear that all the gears are not clicking right for McCoy. His average of 3.7 yards per carry is the lowest of his career and nearly a yard off of his career average.

McCoy is a proud player who works hard. He wants to be recognized as one of the best at what he does.

Still despite his struggles, the Eagles have one of the top records in the league going into the halfway mark. In a lot of ways, that is the ultimate cureall.

"As far as the team is concerned, we're 5-2," McCoy said. "We're moving forward. We've got to stick together as a group and continue to win.

"I mean I wish I was doing more, but I can't get into that kind of battle where it becomes all about me. We're 5-2, so that's what it is."