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Lesean McCoy had a strong season last year with 1,267 rushing yards. Despite that total, though, he still finished outside of the top five in terms of yardage. But one NFL.com analyst says McCoy will lead the league in rushing in 2017.
For whatever reason, not too many folks realize how effective McCoy was last season. Despite missing almost two full games, the uber confident tailback backed up his football bravado with 1,267 yards, 14 total touchdowns and a sterling 5.41 yards per carry, which was third in the NFL. He also caught 50 balls. Funny, nobody ever thinks of McCoy as much of a receiver. McCoy seems to fly under the radar amid the widespread fascination with David Johnson, Ezekiel Elliott and Le'Veon Bell, but he should absolutely be mentioned in their company among the league's elite. The Bills led the NFL in rushing last year. Tyrod Taylor's running ability demands opposing defenses to play 11-on-11. The run-first philosophy in Buffalo shouldn't change much under new Sean McDermott. Thus, fans might tap the brakes before anointing DJ, Zeke, and Lev Bell the rushing champs.
I think the former Pitt running back could be in for a good season and projections are high for him. The Bills' official site even wonders if McCoy can get to 2,000 yards.
Personally, I just don't see either happening. McCoy has won the rushing title before, but that was back in 2013 when he won it with 1,607 yards. McCoy hasn't ever come close to that mark in any other season, topping out at 1,319 the year after that one. Then, there's his age. At 29, he's a year older and right at the magic number of 30, which is often used to cite the major decline of a back.
I could see McCoy hovering around the 1,300-yard mark and even exceeding what he did last year when he averaged 5.4 yards per carry. I'm just not sure I see another monster 1,600-yard year out of him. Impossible? Nah. Just unlikely.
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