LeSean McCoy: "I'm a competitor and I'm going to finish the season"

When we reported yesterday that LeSean McCoy would start this Sunday against the Redskins, the reaction from fans was predictably mixed.

The Reddgie called the move "Short-sighted, beyond stupid and completely unnecessary."

The idea is that McCoy's long term health is more important than him playing in these two games. By playing him, all that can be accomplished is that he might get hurt.

But Andy Reid says, that's not how it works.

"We're all part of the team. It's not a hierarchy that way. That's not how it works. If you're healthy, you play. LeSean understands that, our team understands that and so that's how you go about business. LeSean wouldn't want it any other way and that's how I feel [about it]."

I suppose that "If you're healthy, you play" thing doesn't apply to Michael Vick...

McCoy also made it clear that he had no desire to sit out the final 2 games of the year.

"I don't live like that - just taking off. Even when I got hurt, people blamed coach for a bit but I want to be in there. I'm a competitor, and I'm going to finish the season out."

In fact, he seemed put off by the very idea that he would sit out after being declared healthy.

"Why wouldn't I want to play?" the Pro Bowl halfback said. "They pay me to play this game. I love to play this game. So why wouldn't I play? My teammates are out there playing. How would that be for me not to play?"