LeSean McCoy got a little attention out in Philly in the Daily News’ “Spotlight.”
He’s the nation’s most productive first-year running back, having gained 1,065 yards on 198 carries. He’s the Panthers’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Kevan Barlow (1,167) in 2000. And the first Pitt freshman to do it since Curvin Richards (1,228) in 1988. The only other was some guy named Tony Dorsett (1,686) in 1973.
Of course, part of what makes what McCoy is doing so special is that he is doing it with everyone fully aware of what’s coming.
All of which has led to opposing defense lining up with eight and sometimes nine men near the line of scrimmage in an effort to stop the run. Still, McCoy has rushed for more than 100 yards in four consecutive games and has surpassed 1,000 yards for the season.
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He’s doing it without the benefit of a threat of a passing game, behind an offensive that is generously described by some as inconsistent and against defenses that are designed to shut him down.
Of course, a couple days later there was a softening towards the description of the O-line.
Despite facing defenses stacked to stop the run, the Panthers are running the ball even better this season. That’s a credit to a change in the players’ mind-set, an improved offensive line and, most important, the arrival of freshman tailback LeSean McCoy, the Panthers’ first 1,000-yard rusher since 2000.
“We are definitely making strides in that area,” Wannstedt said. “And what I like is that we are starting to zero in on a half dozen plays that our players are starting to believe in. If you ask our offensive line, they would say ‘run this play’ or ‘run that play,’ because they are starting to enjoy the mentality of a tough, run-orientated offense. And as we start throwing the ball better we’ll start reaping some of the benefits of running the ball well.
“As you run the ball well, all of a sudden you start hitting those play-action passes, but we really haven’t gotten to that point yet. But I think to a man in here, they understand what we are doing, why we are doing it and they believe in it.”
I’m going with the former description rather than the latter. The inability to get any push against a horrible D-line like Syracuse’s was the final embarrassment. It can’t always be that the opposing team just happened to have a good game.