The Eagles are getting ready for the first playoff game of the Chip Kelly era, but Thursday brings an opportunity to look back at the past performance of one of their offensive stars.
Running back LeSean McCoy has been named the NFC offensive player of the month for December. McCoy ran for 598 yards and two touchdowns on 101 carries and added another score on one of his 18 catches to help the Eagles close the season with a 4-1 record and the NFC East title.
McCoy finished the year as the league’s leading rusher, picking up 1,607 yards on 314 carries. Those are both career highs as Kelly gave the ball to McCoy early and often this season, which makes for a sharp contrast to the criticisms that Andy Reid heard in Philly for his often sparing use of McCoy.
McCoy is the first Eagles running back to take home the monthly honor and he takes the prize home a month after quarterback Nick Foles was recognized for his play in November. Those back-to-back awards go a long way toward explaining how the Eagles were able to go from 3-5 to a playoff spot.