LeSean McCoy Will Be X-Factor For Philadelphia Eagles In Week 10
By Nick Wilder
@NickCWilder
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) host the Carolina Panthers (3-5-1) in a nationally televised game on Monday Night Football in Week 10. The big storyline heading into this matchup is Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez starting for an injured Nick Foles. It will be Sanchez’s first game as a starter since 2012 with the New York Jets. However, the x-factor for Philadelphia on Monday will prove to be running back LeSean McCoy.
The Panthers come into Week 10 giving up the seventh-most rushing yards per game (131.9) in the NFL. They also rank 31st in the league in rushing touchdowns allowed this season (11). Although McCoy struggled throughout the start of the year, he’s played better in his last four games by accumulating a total of 430 yards on the ground. Look for him to significantly increase his total rushing yards and touchdowns this week.
In addition, the Eagles have endured many injuries across their whole offensive line this season, which has played a significant role in McCoy’s limited rushing totals and touchdowns. This week, though, Philadelphia will likely only be missing one offensive lineman in right guard Todd Herremans. McCoy should have a field day against Carolina on this fact alone, after leading the NFL in rushing yards behind this line last season.
With Sanchez leading the Eagles now, head coach Chip Kelly will have to lean on McCoy even more this week. This was evident last Sunday against the Houston Texans when he ran the ball more consistently following the injury to Foles. In order to take the pressure off of Sanchez, the Philadelphia running back will consistently receive carries throughout the game.
If he is able to produce a solid outing on Monday, Philadelphia will come away with a victory over the Panthers and keep their first place position atop the NFC East. McCoy is definitely the x-factor in this matchup and a disaster waiting to happen for Carolina’s struggling run defense.
Nick Wilder is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickCWilder and add him to your network on Google.
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