Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) leaps over Detroit Lions defensive back Glover Quin during the fourth quarter action in the snow and blizzard at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports
Coming into Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles star running back LeSean McCoy was busy downplaying the lofty comparisons to Barry Sanders, who was an absolute legend for the Lions. Sanders is arguably the greatest running back in the history of the game, and he was also one of the most elusive backs in the game. Meanwhile, McCoy has built quite the reputation in this league, and he is also a very elusive back with plenty of all-purpose ability. Shady is having a banner year in this league, and he’s definitely put the 2012 campaign behind him.
McCoy may not be Barry, but he’s a great RB in his own right and showed it on Sunday in a 34-20 win over the Lions. Even when the game was at its sloppiest due to a torrential blizzard, McCoy just kept on pounding the Lions and didn’t lose his footing at all despite the conditions. He used the snow and ice to his advantage, and the irony is that Lions RB Reggie Bush stated earlier this week that he looked forward to the bad weather and stated that the weather suited his elusive rushing style best (due to the fact that defenders would lose their footing when trying to tackle him). Bush, however, didn’t play after aggravating an injury during warm-ups, while it was McCoy who took full advantage of the playing conditions.
The Eagles are now 8-5 and the Lions 7-6 following that game, and the Eagles definitely have McCoy to thank. He ran the ball for an astounding 217 yards and was a downright workhorse with 29 carries to his credit. Like he has all season, McCoy turned in a sky-high yards per carry average with 7.5 YPC, and he’s definitely been one of the best RBs this season. Not only was he the best RB this week, but I’m willing to bet that he turned in the best performance of anyone this past week. 200+ rushing yards in a critical game played in blizzard conditions usually yields a victory, and it did on Sunday. The Eagles got an assist from the refs, but that should not take away from McCoy’s performance.