Will LeSean McCoy lead the league in rushing this season?

LeSean McCoy is one of the best running backs in the NFL and will have a prime opportunity to lead the league in rushing in 2017.

The Buffalo Bills’ run game has accomplished a lot the past two seasons, led by LeSean McCoy, Tyrod Taylor and an outstanding offensive line. Together, they’ve hosted the most dangerous run game in the NFL, most effective run game, league’s most mobile quarterback, league’s best backup running back, broken team records, it seems like they’ve done everything.

Now, how sweet would the icing on the cake be if they managed to host the league’s top rusher in 2017? Good news, there’s actually a solid chance that icing becomes reality soon.

Elliot Harrison of NFL.com sure has confidence that it could happen in 2017. In a recent article, he made his case for Shady McCoy:

"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."

Even the Buffalo Bills’ official website had some pretty lofty expectations for the 29-year-old running back. In their training camp countdown, Chris Brown weighed the possibility of LeSean McCoy reaching 2,000 total yards (rushing and receiving).

That would also be quite the feat for Shady, something that only 7 players have done in the past 8 seasons, according to Chris Brown. And yes, McCoy was one of those seven.

Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News was asked if he thinks McCoy is on his way to the Hall of Fame. According to Skurski, he’s on his way — but not there yet. Skurski added that if he can get 3 more years of solid production(roughly 3,000 yards), then there’s a great chance it will happen.

More from BuffaLowDown

He also added that given his age, his time is running out. These next few years will be very important in deciding his HOF status. McCoy currently ranks 38th in career rushing yards.

Skurski later did a piece on whether or not LeSean McCoy will make the Pro Bowl in 2017.

There’s no doubt McCoy is getting a lot of attention this offseason and I approve of it because I know Shady will deliver. If McCoy didn’t miss 2 games last season, he would’ve easily had the 2nd most rushing yards in the league behind Ezekiel Elliott.

To be honest, Elliott is the only running back I feel could have a better season than McCoy. With Elliott’s recent actions, a suspension could hurt his chances at doing it again and that would open the door for any of the other top running backs to take the crown. Obviously, I’m not hoping a suspension on Elliott happens, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Ultimately, if McCoy wants to lead the league in rushing, he will need to fight Father Time and prove that age is just a number. A full 16-game season will make everything a lot easier.

Next: 5 reasons to poke fun of the New York Jets

Do you think LeSean McCoy can end 2017 as the league’s best rusher? What about 2,000 all-purpose yards? Pro Bowl? Hall of Fame? Leave your thoughts below.

Home/Buffalo Bills News