Skip to content
Eagles
Link copied to clipboard

McCoy set to join Eagles elite RBs

    by John Roach, External or Unknown
    Published 

LeSean McCoy wants to step up his game this season, as Jeff McLane described the other day. McCoy says he wants to be among the NFL's best at his position.

"To be one of the best backs in the league, you have to consistently play at a high level," he said.

Not only is McCoy getting known around the league, he's also about to join some elite company in Eagles history. Note to all-time Eagles great Wilbert Montgomery: Don't look back because someone is gaining on you.

McCoy enters the 2012 season ranked 11th all-time in career rushing yards after just three seasons, but barring injury he'll likely be among the Eagles' top five running backs after this season (QB Randall Cunningham is currently fifth). McCoy has rushed for 3,026 yards, but needs just 769 yards to pass Ricky Watters and move into sixth overall.

He'd be joining the likes of Wilbert Montgomery (6,538), Brian Westbrook, Steve Van Buren, and Duce Staley. McCoy is less than halfway to Montgomery's mark now, but if he averages what he reached last season (1,309), he'd pass Montgomery for the top spot late in the 2014 season.

"I have a good team and a good supporting cast around me so it is really hard to just focus in on me," McCoy said. "I think that's kind of the luxury I have playing with the Eagles. We have so many different talents on offense so it's difficult to pick out one player."

Walk the walk

The Eagles morning walk-through emphasized the special teams as Coordinator Bobby April took center stage directing the players. That meant a lot of standing around for most of the team's regulars.

Safety O.J. Atogwe took advantage of the down time to huddle briefly with defensive coordinator Juan Castillo to go over formations. It was just the second day of practice overall with the Eagles for Atogwe, who signed with the team in June after playing seven seasons with St. Louis and Washington.

"I'm just trying to learn the plays as fast as I can," said Atogwe. "I ask the coaches, and I ask the guys--they're the ones that have to play it, so they have the in-game experience. So I'm asking everybody, and they've all been very helpful, which is a blessing."