Watch CBS News

Fletcher Cox On LeSean McCoy: 'We'll Be Friends After The Game'

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The players knew the questions were coming, and the media did not disappoint.

The Eagles are still days away from their showdown with LeSean McCoy and the Buffalo Bills at the Linc. While the game is big for both teams, much will focus on McCoy's return to Philadelphia. The Eagles expected to get bombarded by questions about McCoy, and many said they hold no hard feelings towards their former teammate. Offensive Lineman Lane Johnson said he always worked well with McCoy on and off the field.

"I was good friends with Shady," said Johnson. "I think he's a good dude. He played hard. I've got a lot of respect for him. I'm sure he's going to be all fired up."

The Eagles vow to be equally fired up when the line up against McCoy on Sunday. After a slow start due to a hamstring injury, McCoy has rushed for 792 yards this season. He racked up 112 yards on the ground in Buffalo's win over Houston last week. Eagles Defensive Coordinator Bill Davis believes McCoy is playing his best football of the season.

"He's peaking right now," Davis said. "I think always in November and December, you've seen him be at his best. It looks like he's in great shape. They are feeding him the ball a lot. He's being Shady. He's making the cuts and stopping on a dime and changing directions and making plays when they aren't there. We are going to have our hands full and we look forward to the challenge. We know he's going to be at his absolute best."

Carolina Panthers v Philadelphia Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 10: Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after sacking Cam Newton #1 (NOT PICTURED) of the Carolina Panthers on November 10, 2014 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Fletcher Cox is looking forward to seeing McCoy again, but will wait until after the game to exchange pleasantries. Cox is well aware that McCoy is capable of breaking a big play at any moment, and says is will be all business once the game is underway.

"I think we'll be friends after the game," said Cox. "We've got a game to go win, and that's the most important thing. Shady's a friend, and I've played against friends before. You understand the business part of this game."

It is a game both teams desperately need to win. The Eagles are tied for first in the NFC East despite a 5-7 record, while the 6-6 Bills are in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race. The Eagles understand that shutting down McCoy is the first step towards beating Buffalo on Sunday, and players such as Linebacker Brandon Graham don't want to be left in the dust behind another McCoy highlight-reel run.

"He does love to cut back and change direction," Graham said. "I don't want to end up on nobody's highlight tape."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.