LeSean McCoy is coming off a season-low game. The Philadelphia Eagles running back had just eight carries against the Minnesota Vikings as the team lost in upset fashion. This was a change of pace after McCoy had seen an increased work load after Chip Kelly took over for Andy Reid as head coach. After a down game, McCoy is requesting more carries, noting he can "carry the offense."
McCoy is making sure everyone knows he is not angry for his lack of work against Minnesota. The running back just wants to make sure it does not become a habit. The Eagles are in desperation mode as the playoffs are slightly within reach. McCoy believes that he can be the one to get the team over the hump and it all starts with a big game against the Chicago Bears where they could potentially clinch the division.
"This is a big game for us, very big," McCoy said, via the Philadelphia Daily News. "The Cowboys, they'll do what they gotta do, but for us, Philadelphia, we've got to win this game ... I feel like this game, I want to put the offense on my back. I want to roll. I want to get goin'. I think me and the guys up front, we've got to set the tone. Once we do that, we can worry about the other teams. Right now, the big guys up front and myself, we need to put this game on our back, and take care of business."
The Bears do have a very weak run defense so this is the game that McCoy could put up huge numbers. The Chicago offense has been what is carrying the Bears and McCoy is well-aware their run defense has its share of holes. The Bears have allowed six running backs rush for more than 100 yards in the past seven games. Their two rookies are still getting adjusted while Lance Briggs sits out with a shoulder injury. As a unit, they are allowing 152.4 yards per game.
"Seeing things like that, the missed tackles and guys out of line, out of place, that kind of makes a running back happy," McCoy said. "And seeing other teams gash them, automatically that light bulb lights up in your head. Like, 'Wow, we can get the running game going.'"
McCoy and the Eagles are playing for NFC East dominance and a win against the Bears is crucial. The running back already leads the league with 1,343 yards, averaging five yards a carry along with 507 receiving yards. He is battling with Jamaal Charles for the best all-purpose back of 2013.
