Scouting the Eagles 1 LeSean McCoy is an elite back » The NFC Pro Bowl starter is one of the most elusive runners in the league. McCoy’s shiftiness is even reminiscent of Barry Sanders at times. The Eagles back has rushed for 1,309 yards, second most in the NFL, and has averaged 4.8 yards a carry. With 48 catches this season, he’s also an option out of the backfield.
2 Turnovers have ruined any playoff hopes » In 2010, the Eagles won the NFC East with a plus-9 in turnover ratio. This year, they are 30th in the NFL at minus-13. Quarterback Michael Vick has been the biggest reason for the team’s carelessness with the ball. After throwing just six interceptions last year, he has 13 this year. Turnovers have ruined scoring opportunities. Vick has just one rushing touchdown and the team has averaged 3.3 points less this season.
3 Defensive turnaround » In a four-game losing skid early in the season, teams averaged 29.8 points against the Eagles. But on Philadelphia’s current three-game winning streak, teams have averaged just 12 points a game. The Eagles are still not that great against the run, but they have improved since the start of the season. Against the pass, the Eagles rank eighth in the league, allowing 210 yards a game.
4 DeSean Jackson’s down year » The big-play receiver hasn’t been making big plays. His receiving average has dropped from 22.5 yards a catch last year to 16.2 this year. He hasn’t had more than 100 yards receiving since Oct. 2 and has just one touchdown since Oct. 9. He’s not been happy about his contract situation all season, but having the worst year of his career won’t help him earn the big bucks as a free agent after the season.
– Jeffrey Tomik
