McCoy, Eagles Need to Stay Grounded

LeSean McCoy's top two career rushing performances have come in the last two meetings with the Dallas team the Eagles visit Saturday. McCoy gained 185 yards on 30 carries when the Cowboys came to town Oct. 30, after having gashed Dallas for 149 yards on just 16 carries, at the Jerrydome on Dec. 12, 2010.

McCoy (and the Eagles) could use another strong performance, as the team tries to stay alive in the NFC East race, and McCoy tries to win the NFL rushing title. He goes into the weekend 60 yards behind the Jaguars' Maurice Jones-Drew, with 1,274 yards on 260 carries.

"I'm sure I'll be in there somewhere," McCoy said today, when asked if he thinks he'll be a strong part of this week's gameplan. "We have so many weapons in this offense."

McCoy wasn't giving the Dallas defense any quotes to chew on to fire up the "disrespect" angle.

"They're a good defense. They're fast, they're athletic, they're quick," McCoy said today. "It depends on what type of (Eagles) team shows up. Sometimes it's the turnover team ... there's another team that comes to play, executing, the right guys, the right all holes, all of them things."

Winning the rushing title "would mean a lot to me," McCoy said. "Prior to this year, I never imagined I could win a rushing title. Also, it would be a good honor for my o-line."

McCoy was asked about Dallas owner Jerry Jones' statement about being "scared" of the Eagles speed. McCoy had the same take as other Eagles who were asked.

"I think he's just talking, trying to hype his team up a little bit," McCoy said.

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Because it isn't Friday, even though it was the last day of real practice before the Saturday game, the Eagles didn't have to designate injured players as probable, questionable or out. Corner Asante Samuel (hamstring) didn't practice all week, though he did watch practice each day, wearing a stocking cap instead of a helmet.

Eagles coach Andy Reid, who earlier in the week had been optimistic about Samuel playing in Dallas, said today that Samuel tried to run a little Tuesday and was sore.

If Samuel can't play, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will line up outside opposite Nnamdi Asomugha, with Joselio Hanson taking the slot.

Defensive tackle Trevor Laws (knee) was the only limited practice participant today. Laws is expected to play in Dallas.