Eagles Expect Different Looks from Cowboys Defense
Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is likely to be more of a focus for the Cowboys defense after gashing them for 185 yards and two touchdowns in the first meeting of the season.
NOVACARE COMPLEX, PHILADELPHIA, PA — The first time the Eagles and Cowboys met, Philadelphia dissected Rob Ryan’s defense as LeSean McCoy ran for 185 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-7 victory. McCoy had averaged just under 75 yards per carry in the three games leading up to that one, though, and teams had yet to make McCoy the primary focus of their defensive game plans. That has changed
“You have to make adjustments throughout the ballgame and our players are very good at that as far as how different teams have played us quite differently,” said offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. “However, when we get to this point, there is certain emphasis on LeSean McCoy.”
McCoy is second in the NFL in rushing yards with 1,274, 60 behind Maurice Jones-Drew. Shady’s 17 rushing touchdowns lead the league, as do his 20 total touchdowns. Still humble, McCoy points out the problems with focusing a game plan on him.
“I’m not sure what their game plan will be, you know, I’m sure I’ll be in there somewhere,” said McCoy. ”Like I said before man, so many weapons on this offense you have to be aware of who’s who and where everybody’s at.”
For much of the season, teams have been particularly aware of where DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are located. Defenses have left their safeties deep, refusing to give up big plays. Now, McCoy is forcing them to change their strategy and leave only one high safety.
“I think it’ll put us in a lot of single high, leaving us one-on-one with the corners and I think that definitely plays to our advantage,” said Jeremy Maclin “Shady’s done a tremendous job running the ball this year so we are starting to get a lot more single high and it definitely leaves us out there one-on-one.”
That means Michael Vick could be given many opportunities to go deep against the league’s 19th ranked passing defense. Vick was 21-of-28 for 279 yards and two touchdowns in the first meeting. The quarterback has high praise for his running back.
“I’ve been around some good ones, but he’s definitely up in the higher echelon as far as one of the best that I’ve ever played with,” Vick said. “He can do it all. He has speed, he has moves, he’s smart in the protection game and just a complete player all around.”
Eagles Injury Report
Cornerback Asante Samuel did not practice today due to a hamstring injury, while defensive tackle Trevor Laws was limited with a knee injury. The Eagles will release their official weekly injury report tomorrow.
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