For Kolb’s sake, Eagles must ramp up running game
Article By cbrown.tsn on 13th June, 2010
LeSean McCoy made a name for himself as a rookie last season.
PHILADELPHIA—For the past two seasons, the Eagles' running attack has been more a weakness than a weapon.
The Eagles continued to feature a pass-reliant offense under Andy Reid, ranking 22nd in rushing in 2008 and '09. They averaged 24 rushing attempts per game last season—and only the Cardinals (22.8), Colts (22.9), 49ers (23.2) and Bears (23.3) averaged fewer.
LeSean McCoy led the Eagles in rushing with just 637 yards. Former Eagle Correll Buckhalter actually had more yards with the Broncos (642) despite sharing Denver's running duties with Knowshon Moreno.
The good news is the Eagles have been a perennial winner under Reid. The bad news is the Eagles' running game has often struggled in three key areas: Short-yardage situations, the red zone and chewing clock while attempting to protect fourth-quarter leads.
The lack of a consistent running game also hurt the Eagles against quality opponents last season. In three losses to the Cowboys, the Eagles were badly outrushed (453 yards to 181 yards) and dominated in time of possession.
The Eagles have changed quarterbacks for '10, trading Donovan McNabb to the Redskins and elevating backup Kevin Kolb. Will the Eagles' running game make Kolb's transition easier or tougher? Here are five questions that will help determine whether the Eagles run the ball more effectively this season:
Is McCoy ready for prime time? McCoy had a nice rookie season, showing shifty moves and reliable hands as a receiver. His emergence made it easier for the Eagles to say goodbye to Brian Westbrook. However, McCoy will be asked to do more as the feature back from Week 1. His teammates say he is ready.
"He's young, but he's a pro," new Eagles back Mike Bell said. "You can expect a lot of big things out of him. I'd like to steal a couple of his moves. I like watching him run....
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The Eagles continued to feature a pass-reliant offense under Andy Reid, ranking 22nd in rushing in 2008 and '09. They averaged 24 rushing attempts per game last season—and only the Cardinals (22.8), Colts (22.9), 49ers (23.2) and Bears (23.3) averaged fewer.
LeSean McCoy led the Eagles in rushing with just 637 yards. Former Eagle Correll Buckhalter actually had more yards with the Broncos (642) despite sharing Denver's running duties with Knowshon Moreno.
The good news is the Eagles have been a perennial winner under Reid. The bad news is the Eagles' running game has often struggled in three key areas: Short-yardage situations, the red zone and chewing clock while attempting to protect fourth-quarter leads.
The lack of a consistent running game also hurt the Eagles against quality opponents last season. In three losses to the Cowboys, the Eagles were badly outrushed (453 yards to 181 yards) and dominated in time of possession.
The Eagles have changed quarterbacks for '10, trading Donovan McNabb to the Redskins and elevating backup Kevin Kolb. Will the Eagles' running game make Kolb's transition easier or tougher? Here are five questions that will help determine whether the Eagles run the ball more effectively this season:
Is McCoy ready for prime time? McCoy had a nice rookie season, showing shifty moves and reliable hands as a receiver. His emergence made it easier for the Eagles to say goodbye to Brian Westbrook. However, McCoy will be asked to do more as the feature back from Week 1. His teammates say he is ready.
"He's young, but he's a pro," new Eagles back Mike Bell said. "You can expect a lot of big things out of him. I'd like to steal a couple of his moves. I like watching him run....
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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