Eagles' LeSean McCoy making noise on the field and off
PHILADELPHIA — It might have seemed like the Philadelphia Eagles' two most controversial and attention-grabbing players had departed in Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson during the offseason.
But there's always running back LeSean McCoy to liven up training camp, which he did in a skirmish with outside linebacker Trent Cole during a 7-on-7 drill Sunday.
"It was just two friends going at it," McCoy said. "The whole camp so far, he's been touching me a little too much. I'm trying to let him know, 'It's OK if you can't cover me. It's OK.' We were just battling, that's all. We'll go in the locker room talk it out, joke it out. It's nothing."
McCoy doesn't seem to mind being the center of attention. He showed up to training camp Friday in a burgundy Rolls Royce, the doors opening toward the back. McCoy parked the car right in front of where the media were standing, seemingly to make sure he was noticed.
During the spring OTAs, McCoy got into a war of words with Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson, saying that he's the best running back in the NFL. McCoy led the NFL in rushing yards (1,607) and yards from scrimmage (2,146) last season, and he is 1,066 yards short of becoming the Eagles' all-time leading rusher, which should happen this season.
McCoy is aware of all of those figures, which he proved when asked about the Kansas City Chiefs' Jamaal Charles getting a new contract last week.
"When they say the (running back) position is decreasing and they don't value us as much, I don't believe that," McCoy said. "You can compare the top (running backs) to any other players, and we'll hold our own. I mean, Jamaal Charles led his team in receiving yards, rushing yards. He had a bunch of catches. I led the league in yards from scrimmage. Adrian Peterson has tons of big plays. If you look at any wide receiver, you can put us right there with them, and we'll make big plays."
So McCoy wasn't about to back down when Cole hit McCoy as he ran through the line on a passing route. The Eagles weren't wearing pads, so McCoy took exception to the hit and tried to shove Cole back along the sideline.
A large group of players gathered and McCoy tried leaping back into the pile to take a shot at Cole. The two were then separated as they seemed to shout at each other.
It's unusual because those scuffles are generally among players fighting to make the team rather than two established veterans. And unlike some coaches, Eagles coach Chip Kelly doesn't like it when players scuffle during practices.
Cole wouldn't comment other to say: "I don't even know what you're talking about, man. That's my brother. We're just playing around. That's all. We're competitive. We're good."
When asked what he saw, linebacker Brandon Graham, who was on the field at the time, responded: "Trent 'nudged' him. McCoy didn't like how it felt. After that, man, I mean, (McCoy) tried to get him back. It wasn't nothing personal. Just all fun."
Then he added with a laugh: "It wasn't really a nudge because 270 (pounds for Cole) against 200."
McCoy withstood the hit from Cole, just like he has withstood defenders during his NFL career. It's something that has amazed his teammates.
"I don't think people who don't play football understand how fast the game he is, and how much this game relies on how you react," wide receiver Jeremy Maclin said. "I think he does that very, very well, probably the best in the NFL."
McCoy would certainly agree. He was asked about how there isn't nearly the same celebrity factor without Vick and Jackson this season.
"It's definitely different, different personalities, the (lack of) limelight a little bit," McCoy said. "A guy like Michael Vick has kind of changed the game with the way he plays. And the star receiver like DeSean Jackson, so it is a lot different.
"We don't have that, 'Who's the biggest star?' or, 'Who makes the most?' We're just playing."
Then he added with a laugh: "I look the best."
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Frank writes for The (Delaware) News Journal
