My LeSean McCoy Blog

Brian Westbrook was one of the few positives for the Eagles on Sunday and we soon saw why he still needs to contribute. LeSean McCoy is not quite ready to make the leap to being a feature running back in the NFL.

Don't get me wrong, I think the kid is great. However, he showed us on Sunday that he still is a rookie. He is definitely going to be lectured in film this week for the way he was carrying the ball. Whenever he runs, the ball is only up against his forearm, and the other nose of the football is clearly exposed. This reminds me of the way L.J. Smith used to hold the ball when he would run in the open field (you know any comparison to L.J. Smith is not good). At one point on Sunday, he did lose the ball. Although he didn't turn it over, you know the coaches gave him an earful. He's got talent but really needs to focus on protecting the ball better.

I think one of the things that makes Westbrook a great running back is his ability to see and pick up the blitz. McCoy had at least one blown assignment that led to Donovan McNabb being sacked. When this happens, plays get ruined and long-yardage situations are created.

McCoy is still young but has lofty expectations. If he wants to be a great NFL running back, he's got to learn to do the little things. He seems like a smart kid so I hope he's spending a lot of time watching film and soaking up everything the coaches tell him. Westbrook can be a great mentor for him so he needs to make sure he asks a lot of questions and watches everything he does while he's on the field.

http://www.BirdsFan.com -- A Philadelphia Eagles blog