Eagles need McCoy to be a factor vs. Giants

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There might not be a more exciting running back in the NFL than LeSean McCoy. I'm not saying he is the best -- although you could make that argument -- but he certainly is the most entertaining to watch.  

However, I am concerned with McCoy's diminishing numbers in the last few weeks compared to the start of the season. After topping 100 all-purpose yards in each of his first three games, McCoy has done it only once in the last four games. More significantly, his yards-per-carry average has dropped from six yards per touch to 4.9.  

Earlier this month, McCoy was held to his lowest rushing output of the season in the first meeting against the Giants (46 yards on 20 carries). If the Eagles are going to win this Sunday against the Giants, McCoy needs to be a factor (see story).

After seven weeks, he still leads the NFL in rushing with more than 100 yards over his next closest competitor, Marshawn Lynch, but McCoy has averaged just 73 rushing yards in his last four games.  

Is it simple enough to say that without the running presence of Michael Vick at quarterback, McCoy has found it that much more difficult to find daylight in the opponent’s defense? When the Eagles' offense is at its best, the pass-run ratio is virtually even. That hasn't been the case lately.

Something has to give on Sunday. The Eagles have lost a franchise-high nine straight at home, but the Giants have dropped eight in a row on the road.

In order for the Eagles to end the home drought, Vick will need his star running back at his best. If that is the case, the Eagles will be back at .500 and McCoy will be back on his September track.

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