Skip to main content

LeSean McCoy 'can be the best' ever, Duce Staley says

Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy suffered through a down season in 2012, but at least one person who works closely with McCoy believes he's due for a monster comeback.

Duce Staley, McCoy's new running backs coach, believes his potential-laden pupil has just begun to make his mark on the league.

"He can be the best," Staley told PhillyMag.com this week. "He can be the best to play the game."

Staley, who spent seven seasons as a running back for the Eagles from 1997 to 2003, joins a Chip Kelly offensive staff that will lean heavily on a rapid-fire run game. Kelly's Oregon squad led the NCAA with 5.97 yards per attempt, and the Eagles' running backs are due to see major action.

"They should be licking their chops," Staley said of his running backs.

McCoy is a good bet to rebound from the concussion-plagued season that saw him run for just 840 yards on the ground after two straight 1,000-yard campaigns. He'll share snaps with Bryce Brown as the Eagles appear committed to using multiple backs.

Best ever? That's wild chatter just four years into McCoy's career, but Staley is correct in saying the Eagles are going to give their lead back a chance to shine.

Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.