Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is off to a slow start this year. But that’s not yet a cause for concern for the team’s head coach.
“No, we haven’t had any conversations about it,” Kelly told reporters on Wednesday regarding McCoy’s potential frustration level. “One thing I know about LeSean and everybody loves is he wants to win. I know he knows we’re 3‑0. He’s had more carries this year in the first three games than he had last year. But obviously the same five guys blocking for him is part of it to do with it. We’ve got to do a better job in the run game just overall, but I think he’s excited that we’re 3‑0. Sometimes they come in bunches and you can string a couple games back‑to‑back.
Kelly doesn’t see McCoy pressing or doing anything differently.
“I don’t see anything in terms of how LeSean has approached things,” Kelly said. “There are a lot of times that there wasn’t a lot of movement on Sunday, and that’s kind of what we’re dealing with.”
They’re dealing with plenty. This year, McCoy has 60 carries for 175 yards through three games. Last year through three games, he had 62 carries for 395 yards. (Contrary to Kelly, he hasn’t had more this year; he’s had two fewer.)
This year, McCoy has gained 2.9 yards per carry. Last year, he gained 6.3.
It could all change as soon as Sunday against the 49ers. For now, though, the trend is troubling.