Erik McCoy’s Return to the Saints Offense Is a Game Changer

New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy looks set to play this Sunday when the Saints host the Cleveland Browns. Saints News Network’s John Hendrix reported that coach Darren Rizzi said McCoy was “ready to go,” pending the team’s roster management.

Sixth year together saintsMcCoy was selected by the Texas A&M team in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. McCoy, who primarily played guard in college, has been New Orleans’ starting center since the first game of his rookie year.

McCoy, 27, was lost in the third game of the Week 3 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles with a groin injury. The injury resulted in surgery that kept McCoy on injured reserve for the last six weeks.

New Orleans has been hit hard by injuries in 2024. Especially on the offensive side. Starters or major contributors McCoy, Derek Carr, Rashid Shaheed, Chris Olave, Taysom Hill, Cesar Ruiz and Lucas Patrick missed significant time. Important reserves such as Bub Means, Kendre Miller, Jamaal Williams, Nick Saldiveri, Shane Lemieux and Cedrick Wilson were also away from the field for a long time.

Other than perhaps the combination of Olave and Shaheed, few absences have hurt the Saints more than McCoy. McCoy, who made the Pro Bowl last season, is one of the most consistent centers in the NFL. Without him, the Saints were missing their leader and most consistent blocker up front. The difference became visible as defenses relentlessly pressured the interior of New Orleans’ offense.

This isn’t the first time the Saints’ offense has taken a major dip without McCoy. He was a durable player and started every contest last season. However, in addition to starting five games in 2021, he was sidelined for four games in 2022 and nearly a fifth game.

McCoy’s absence in 2022 had a similar impact to his departure from the team this year. Here’s how the Saints fared without their underrated center in each of these seasons.

WITH Erik McCoy (2 games)

• 185 rushing yards per game
• Average 4.9 per rush
• 2 sacks/2 QB hits
• 45.5 points per match
• 2-0 record

WITHOUT Erik McCoy (8 games)*

• 106.8 rushing yards/game
• Average 4.1 per rush
• 20 sacks/51 QB hits
• 17 points/game
• 1-7 records

(* = this counts as McCoy’s exit in Week 3 against Philadelphia, when he played only three snaps)

WITH Erik McCoy (12 games)

• 140.1 rushing yards/game
• Average 4.7 per rush
• 25 sacks
• 22 points/game
• 6-6 records

WITHOUT Erik McCoy (5 games)*

• 58.8 rushing yards/game
• Average 2.9 per rush
• 13 sacks
• 13.2 points/game
• 1-4 records

(* = This counts the Week 9 loss against Baltimore when McCoy only played 18 snaps)

WITH McCoy (14 games)

• 147 rushing yards/game
• Average 4.7 per rush
• 27 sacks (1.93)
• 25.4 points/game
• 8-6 record

WITHOUT McCoy (13 games)

• 88.3 rushing yards/game
• Average 3.7 per rush
• 33 sacks (2.54)
• 15.5 points/game
• 2-11 record

There are certainly other factors that contribute to the Saints’ win/loss record and overall offensive performance with and without Erik McCoy. There’s also a pretty clear correlation in how well the offense performs compared to without McCoy in the lineup.

Erik McCoy’s return may not be enough to save New Orleans’ season. But his presence in the squad clearly makes a difference.

McCoy’s overall blocking skills, recognition of opposing defenses, great awareness of switching and receiving double teams, ability to get into the zone as a lead blocker, and inside pass protection skills have been sorely missed by the New Orleans offense.