"LeSean McCoy made thousands - millions? - of Eagles fans ecstatic when he said Thursday that the Eagles plan to run the ball more against the Green Bay Packers.

It remains to be seen what coach Andy Reid thinks of his running back's divulgence. Of course, McCoy's candidness could just be part of the cat-and-mouse games opposing teams play against each other before a big showdown.

"I think so," McCoy said when asked if the pass-oriented Eagles intended to rush the ball more. "Going into this game plan, I'm running the ball a little bit more. With [the Packers'] type of defense - a 3-4 - they kind of invite you to run the ball."

There are a host of reasons why running the ball a touch more on Sunday would benefit the Eagles. And, yes, the Packers' run defense - which has allowed a sixth-worst 4.7 average yards per carry - is one of them.

But exposing quarterback Michael Vick, who will be playing with a quadriceps bruise, to fewer hits has to be the primary motive.

"We're going to run it a bit and kind of get him out of that pocket a little bit more," McCoy said. "I think that, with play fakes, will help him out."

Another way to aid Vick would be giving him extra blockers. Over the last half of the season teams have blitzed Vick in every way imaginable. McCoy has been solid in pass protection but had trouble picking up the Vikings' blitz last week."