Posted: Friday, June 5, 2009, 7:23 AM | 69 comments |
 

Assume the worst on Westbrook
options
 

OK, folks, let’s jump the gun and assume the worst – Negadelphia style. Brian Westbrook’s surgery doesn’t go as planned, the running back isn’t ready for the season opener and LeSean McCoy and Lorenzo Booker fail to impress during training camp/preseason.

Who should the Eagles pick up off the scrapheap? Here are some of the top names being bandied about (listed in order of preference):

Edgerrin James
Last played for: Cards. 2008 stats: 514 yds. rush, 3.9 ypc., 3 TDs. Age: 30. Why: Looked fairly fresh late in season and in playoffs. Why not: Squeaky wheel. Our grade: B+.

Warrick Dunn
Last played for: Bucs. 2008 stats: 786 yds. rush, 4.2 ypc. 2 TDs; 47 rec. for 330 yds. Age: 34. Why: Has defied age. Why not: Has to break down at some point. Our grade: B.

Rudi Johnson
Last played for: Lions. 2008 stats: 237 yds. rush, 3.1 ypc., 1 TD. Age: 29. Why: At 5-10, 225, would complement the smaller Booker and McCoy. Why not: Detroit may have sapped all the life from him. Our grade: C+.

Duece McAllister
Last played for: Saints. 2008 stats: 418 yds. rush, 3.9 ypc. 5 TDs. Age: 30. Why: Imagine he and Leonard Weaver in the backfield on third and one. Why not: Has torn ACLs in both knees. Our grade: C+.

Ahman Green
Last played for: Texans. 2008 stats: 294 yds. rush, 4.0 ypc. 3 TDs. Age: 32. Why: Still has some gas left. Why not: Fumbles too much. Our grade: C-.

Michael Pittman
Last played for: Broncos. 2008 stats: 320 yds. rush, 4.2 ypc., 4 TDs. Age: 33. Why: Rushed for more than 88 yards in the two games before he suffered neck injury. Why not: More of a fullback. Our grade: C-.

J.J. Arrington
Last played for: Cards. 2008 stats: 187 yds. rush, 6.0 ypc.; 29 rec. 255 yds. Age: 26. Why: Still young. Why not: Broncos cut him last month after they learned he’ll need possible season-ending knee surgery. Our grade: F.

Jim Brown
Last played for: Browns. 1965 stats: 1,544 yds. rush, 5.3. ypc., 17 TDs. Age. 73. Why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6cCXNBeVfc. Why not: Why not? Our grade: Incomplete.

 
Posted by Jeff McLane @ 7:23 AM  Permalink | 69 comments
69
Comments   
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:26 AM, 06/05/2009
    We have Booker, McCoy and Weaver. How many backs do we need? Put, Jackson back there, if we need more speed.
    — travellin
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:27 AM, 06/05/2009
    Interesting list--I'd switch Dunn and James--and McAllister and Rudi Johnson. Yes, Dunn is older than Edge, but Dunn has never been a workhorse back like Edge has. In fact, even though his career has been two years longer, Dunn has 312 fewer career "touches" than does Edge. Dunn: 3,353 touches (regular season: 2,669 carries and 510 catches, playoffs: 136 and 38) Edge: 3,665 touches (regular season: 2,982 carries and 430 catches, playoffs: 218 and 35). In addition, Dunn is very shifty and elusive and doesn't take as many direct hits as James does--so I believe his overall "mileage" is a considerable amount less. So, not only Dunn is the most like Westbrook of anyone on the list--but he's probably the most effective player of the bunch. I know people want a big back, but let's just be realistic and acknowledge that's just not how Andy Reid operates.
    — reils
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:30 AM, 06/05/2009
    Jackson is not a RB. He's not built for it at all--and why would you want to subject him to that pounding?
    — reils
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:55 AM, 06/05/2009
    The pick here is Dunn. He can catch the ball and the Eagles live and die via the pass. He is a below average blocker but you could always use a two back set.
    — flyerdup
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:03 AM, 06/05/2009
    Flyerdup is right. dunn is the one who would be the best fit not to mention that Andy and co tried pretty hard to get him when he first became a free agent 5 or so years ago.
    — ag
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:26 AM, 06/05/2009
    Talk to the Jets about Thomas Jones. He is looking for a new contract.
    — P Even
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:43 AM, 06/05/2009
    Wasn't one of the downsides on Weaver was that he wasn't a pure blocking back but more of a guy who wanted touches? And they did draft a back in the 2nd round. I know it pains some people to admit it, but the front office isn't full of dummies. Still, to answer the question. Dunn would be my pick. Classy player.
    — Elbarad
  • Comment removed.
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:06 AM, 06/05/2009
    McCallister is most likely to be suspended 4 games for the StarCaps supplement he took. If so, that suspension won't start until he is on a team.
    — mikeyhigs
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:22 AM, 06/05/2009
    Always liked James over the years but would I pick him now? no, will give him a pass. Go with Dunn or McAllister, just remember this is short term (hopefully).
    — FireChief
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:29 AM, 06/05/2009
    can't count on a 20-year old rookie and a guy who couldn't get on the field last year with an injured westbrook. not for a team with any hopes of a SB. edge is not what he used to be, but he doesn't have to be. 10-12 touches per game - the hard touches - short yardage, between the tackles and to block. have to assume he won't be asking for much $. he's the logical choice, no need to overthink it. he's the best out there.
    — The Boston Strangler
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:39 AM, 06/05/2009
    I'd like to give old Jim Brown a few carries just to see if he could make it close to the line of scrimmage.
    — rwright611
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 10:41 AM, 06/05/2009
    Don't get anybody. The Eagles have been great at filling in the dots. They can survive until Westbrook gets back. They have enough guys now to drive this division crazy. Why do you guys think all these retreads will help us?
    — flabird1954


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About Jeff McLane and Jonathan Tamari






Jeff McLane (left) began covering the Eagles in April 2009 after covering college sports and Penn State football in particular. Before that he wrote about high school sports and before that he worked in the mailroom (not quite). Find Jeff on Facebook and follow him on Twitter for instant updates on the Eagles.

Jonathan Tamari (right) began covering the Eagles in April 2010. He previously covered New Jersey state government and politics, reporting and writing about elections, policy debates and the many personalities that drive the Garden State, from three recent governors to the many musicians bidding to write the state song. He has been at the Inquirer since June 2008. Follow him on Twitter at @JonathanTamari.

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