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Friday, June 5, 2009
Assume the worst on Westbrook

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   
Posted 07:36 AM, 06/05/2009
Dierte
Edge is the "sexy" pick here, but I don't think it's that cut and dry. I think McCoy will be ready to start, but not carry the load. I think Warrick Dunn is a pretty good pick, and you could get him dirt cheap. Deuce is risky, but would I do think he has some tread left on the tires, especially after he will have a full offseason to get back in gear. Chances are one or two of these guys will be picked up before the Eagles decide to grab one, so I bet we get left with the scrapes...
Posted 08:26 AM, 06/05/2009
travellin
We have Booker, McCoy and Weaver. How many backs do we need? Put, Jackson back there, if we need more speed.
Posted 08:27 AM, 06/05/2009
reils
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.
Posted 08:30 AM, 06/05/2009
reils
Jackson is not a RB. He's not built for it at all--and why would you want to subject him to that pounding?
Posted 08:55 AM, 06/05/2009
flyerdup
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.
Posted 09:03 AM, 06/05/2009
ag
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.
Posted 09:26 AM, 06/05/2009
P Even
Talk to the Jets about Thomas Jones. He is looking for a new contract.
Posted 09:43 AM, 06/05/2009
Elbarad
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.
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Posted 10:06 AM, 06/05/2009
mikeyhigs
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.
Posted 10:22 AM, 06/05/2009
FireChief
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).
Posted 10:29 AM, 06/05/2009
The Boston Strangler
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.
Posted 10:39 AM, 06/05/2009
rwright611
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.
Posted 10:41 AM, 06/05/2009
flabird1954
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?
Posted 10:42 AM, 06/05/2009
Onlineps2beast
There will be a quality rb cut in next round of camp cuts, better than anyone who is on that list (cept brown). Assume the worst? No. We're done with that. Only writers that are swoll they didnt get the kobe assignment puts out garbage like this.
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Posted 10:46 AM, 06/05/2009
LJL
Wow. Choosing between dreck, junk, and garbage. What a choice. Hey. Buck, how are things in Denver? Sure miss you, bro.
Posted 10:59 AM, 06/05/2009
PHILLYINNE
Why not wilbert montgomery?? If not just to hear merrill say his name again
Posted 11:07 AM, 06/05/2009
Dierte
I bet they won't add anyone. This is only for a year, if that. We all know the Eagles don't like spending money that they don't have to
Posted 11:14 AM, 06/05/2009
ChillyWilly
Mike Hart - Indy; should be able to get him for a 5 rounder
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Posted 11:19 AM, 06/05/2009
KGKoons
I would sign Dunn and Arrington. Put JJ on the taxi squad and wait till next year to see if he can come back. At 26 could be there if and when Westbrook folds with more injuries and give McCoy and Bookers some time outs if they have to carry the load. By then, Dunn would be just too worn out.
Posted 11:27 AM, 06/05/2009
phillynupe4
I like Edge
Posted 11:34 AM, 06/05/2009
krajj00
I agree edge is the way to go however I wouldn't mind taking a chance on Duece either. Maybe he has some gas left in the tank plus he's had soem more time to heal those knees.
Posted 11:37 AM, 06/05/2009
bsaw
Edge will not sign here unless Westbrook was 100% out he knows he would not get any touches.
Posted 12:05 PM, 06/05/2009
nuggett
of that list...Rudi is the best choice....he would die to come to a winner....but there will be more available...Only the cheap ones will arrive...remember who makes the call.....
Posted 12:08 PM, 06/05/2009
nervegenerator
Rudi Johnson is a stud; Detroit sucks the life out of any good player. On the Eagles, Rudi would be a wrecking ball.
Posted 12:15 PM, 06/05/2009
LGbalsac
Duece then Rudi. The Eagles will have to be more consistent using the TE's if Westbrook isnt there. They then need to have someone who can get the tough two yards. These two RB's better then anyone else on the list are capable of that.
Posted 12:18 PM, 06/05/2009
AlonzoMoselyFBI
Unfortunately, shady McCoy had one of the lowest wunderlic test results ever recorded.. needless to say, he was academic ineligible to play his freshman year.. does this bode well for someone who needs to learn an intricate offense??
Posted 12:32 PM, 06/05/2009
fman727
Trade Sheldon, reggie brown for Michael Bush.. Go after Chester Taylor. or just get edge.
Posted 12:37 PM, 06/05/2009
DonnyB
You know, all of this is moot . . . until we hear from Andy Reid's radio PR guy in the afternoon.
Posted 12:41 PM, 06/05/2009
USNPatriot
I'm pretty sure Andy would love not having a healthy Westbrook just so he could pass it every down!
Posted 12:41 PM, 06/05/2009
ChrisM
Def go with Dunn
Posted 12:46 PM, 06/05/2009
Dierte
weird AlonzoMoselyFBI - I could have SWORN McCoy played his freshman year up put up over 1,500 total yard for Pitt...check your stats first.
Posted 12:49 PM, 06/05/2009
stevexmartin
i vote: 'none of the above'! call al davis in oakland and offer him sheldon brown for michael bush and a fifth next year. there were rumors before draft day that he was available. perfect bruising back with soft hands.
Posted 12:50 PM, 06/05/2009
beeron
"Why do you guys think all these retreads will help us?" If Westbrook goes down for the year- IF- do you want your rb's to be Kyle Eckel, McCoy and Booker? Do you think they are good enough to get to the playoffs with? It's a hypothetical scenario. Dunn or Edge would be good enough until Westbrook returns.
Posted 12:50 PM, 06/05/2009
Maddy44
i think i'd sign Dunn no matter what happens.....he can do sooo many things for your team and shouldn't warrant big bucks at this point; which also means he won't be that big of a complainer.....let's sign Dunn and get rid of Booker
Posted 12:57 PM, 06/05/2009
Philly_Dude03
who are we kidding...Deuce is the smart choice here. He will get the short yardage that we seem to keep punting from. He's big and powerful and would provide a nice one two punch which is something that we haven't had. He also can help the teach the younger guys a thing or two. Dunn should be second choice he has some of the same qualities as WB. Edge is old and it SHOWS....Deuce has something left in the tank at least for a season. With that said...Nobody said the WB is going to miss any games yet....think positive!!!!
Posted 01:03 PM, 06/05/2009
tpizza
beeron, that's it exactly. The temporary situation now can be a permanent situation at any time this year. No Westy leaves a rookie a nobody. Get busy on a solution to the depth problem. The only reason not to is if AR has cofidence in Booker. Why he would....?
Posted 01:13 PM, 06/05/2009
elbinkogrande
... or just wait until the Bronco's release Buckhalter.
Posted 01:37 PM, 06/05/2009
Mickey0123
Dunn would be a great fit for this team. He plays the game similar to Westbrook but is a little older. He seems to be very durable and has had a very productive career. The worst that could happen is he gives a half a season which allows McCoy to work his way into the offense. He is a leader and is a solid citizen. He can block and catch the ball Andy. I don't really see a downside to signing him.
Posted 01:43 PM, 06/05/2009
Grazman
We're fine. New line will start moving the pile. Even 5isaking could gain two yards with this O-line...nuff said.
Posted 02:00 PM, 06/05/2009
jmk1512
Get Dunn. What's the downside? He'll be inexpensive, still has some tread on the tires and has been working out of the west coast offense for years in TB. Plus he's a solid citizen, a good leader and a winner, who will help the development of Booker and McCoy and won't gripe if he doesn't get 15 touches every game. The question isn't who should they get...it's why aren't they just signing Dunn right now, if only as an insurance policy?
Posted 02:10 PM, 06/05/2009
allrightknight
I brought up McAllister right after the draft, because I thought we needed depth then plus I liked the idea of him in the backfield on 3rd and 1 with Weaver on certain situations! I think Reid is a little too in love with his own offense or the way he believes it's supposed to be all the time. There are going to be times this year where the Eagles are going to have to just pound the ball and keep the clock moving. Get it Andy!
Posted 02:35 PM, 06/05/2009
bamaphillyfan
We know the eagles had their formative years in the 60's because they don't trust anyone over 30, but... Retreads and a litle bit of gas can get you down the road a piece. Think of these guys as warm up acts giving Westbrook time to heal and be effective for the stretch run and they make sense. Don't think multiple seasons or even a full season. A little savvy and a better O-line could be a good thing
Posted 02:44 PM, 06/05/2009
MikeMikeMikeMike
How about Chris Perry?
Posted 03:06 PM, 06/05/2009
MPatt24
i dont want any of these bums (obviously excluding brown). does anyone thinkt he eagles are actually going to sign one of these guys? not me, you're talking about the same team who didn't think it was neccesary to have a return guy or a fb. theyll think weaver/mccoy will suffice (to me lorenzo booker doesnt exist)
Posted 03:06 PM, 06/05/2009
djack10
Reno Mahe, where are you?
Posted 03:07 PM, 06/05/2009
gordy
Please improve our running backs by cutting Booker
Posted 03:08 PM, 06/05/2009
MPatt24
dunn would probably work best though. edge will cry about not getting carries, whoever even brings up mccallister is an idiot. you think westbrook is done? please review the injury history of duece
Posted 03:22 PM, 06/05/2009
CB4
I'll be the first to admit I said trade Simon Gagne after we lost him to a season ending concussion and look how well he bounced back to help the Flyers, so I'm not giving up hope yet on Westbrook. Weaver is a beast and so is Klecko, so those 2 will certainly help with the short-yardage power game. Booker and Shady will be good too. Though, I wouldn't mind picking up Rudi Johnson or E-train.
Posted 03:29 PM, 06/05/2009
jrwoznicki
Andy Reid tried getting Warrick Dunn before he went to Tampa, who ran the West Coast. He LOVES him. Flyerdup and Reils are on target with their posts, in my opinion. I think Dunn is the odds on favorite, provided he passes a physical.
Posted 03:52 PM, 06/05/2009
fineedge1
What would be really nice is to drop Booker and hope Buck gets cut by Denver. This BWest thing with the constant knee / ankle problems scares the heck outta me. What if Westy can't go on opening day or beyond? I'm NOT buying a Booker jersey.
Posted 03:53 PM, 06/05/2009
Philly Dom
No rush to add a veteran, I would wait till you play a few preseason games and other guys on teams get cut. Who knows, if Moreno is the real deal in Denver you might see Buckhalter get cut and the Eagles bring him back into the fold.
Posted 03:54 PM, 06/05/2009
Danny55
I would go with Dunn, as said he fits the Iggles O better...
Posted 04:00 PM, 06/05/2009
BResponsible
Lets not panic just yet folks. Every year there are players cut during camp (and towards the end of camp) to make room for the rookie or to make cap room, etc. We could even end up with Buckholder again. The Broncos have a bunch of RB's on their roster and they drafted Moreno. We'll be OK.
Posted 04:03 PM, 06/05/2009
BResponsible
PhillyDom, I didn't see your post before writing. What can I say, Great mind think in the same channel
Posted 04:17 PM, 06/05/2009
owlsrule
I know it was a joke but Jim Brown at 73 would be as good as anyone listed above
Posted 04:23 PM, 06/05/2009
Bob Frapples
Don't sign. Warrick Dunn. Lorenzo Booker is Warrick Dunn. Same style only faster. You'll see...Gotta let him play before you criticize him.
Posted 04:44 PM, 06/05/2009
Larry Brown
"Negadelphia" is a stupid term.
Posted 05:09 PM, 06/05/2009
TBear
I'm not worried about yards gained on a rush. I'm concerned about having somebody that can pick up a blitzer! That is the one thing nobody taks about. If McNabb has to be overly concerned about his back not being able to pick up a blitz.....you think passes were poorly thrown before? Booker is just dogmeat when it comes to that, and the rookie won't be ready for the speed, nor is he physical enough to do the job. We need to fiond somebody willing to come in here and AT LEAST take good care of that duty.
Posted 05:23 PM, 06/05/2009
vegasflyer
Eagles wanted Dunn when he was a free agent years ago, at the right price (of course) Philly will take him over Edge because he can also pick up blitzes and run a few routes. Edge is not even in the picture, I'll bet.
Posted 08:19 PM, 06/05/2009
FlySixPhiEagles
Let's wait and see if Booker is up to the task of actually playing this year. He turned some heads last year during training camp, but he obviously didn't pick up the offense as to dethrone Buckhalter from the second spot. I think the better option is using Booker, McCoy, Weaver as our running back options, giving Marcus Mailai and Kyle Eckel a chance to fill in as a blocking fullback. Bottom line is this though. Westbrook will be back and this will be a conversation not even worthing look back on. So here's to wasting time on a topic that will be pointless when the season starts! Cheers!
Posted 11:10 PM, 06/05/2009
IggleFanInExile
is Izzy Lange available?
Posted 11:35 PM, 06/05/2009
cbray
Just one more BWest year...just one more this year and I think it's parade time unless DMac gets hurt again. McCoy won't be ready. If Bwest can be back to his old self by game 4 with a real blocking back like Weaver, they should be awesome. Booker is not the answer.Warrick Dunn would be very interesting if he's got anything left in the tank.Edge and Deuce are done.
Posted 12:57 PM, 06/06/2009
Joe Funk
Forget Edge. He looked fresh because he was AWOL for most of the season, already have that in the Birds' playbook. If Westbrook has a prolonged recovery it is going to be a short season for McNabb. The Ds will tee off on 5 unless Westbrook is back there to draw a bunch of attention.
Posted 01:01 PM, 06/06/2009
lcd24
Hahaha I love it Jim Brown, funny thing is Andy would say he does not fit our system. But the highlights prove that a big power back has more advantages than someone who is small in any era. If it were possible I'd take him in a second.
About Birds' Eye View Blog

Bob Brookover, left, is in his seventh year of covering the Philadelphia Eagles after spending 15 years covering the Philadelphia Phillies for the Inquirer and two other newspapers. The 45-year-old Brookover lives in Delran with his wife Francine and roots for Notre Dame and Michigan State, the two schools attended by his children, Justine and Ryan. When Notre Dame plays Michigan State, he cheers for the school of the child he likes more at that particular moment.

Jeff McLane, right, joined the Eagles beat in April 2009 after two years of covering colleges, namely Penn State football. Before that he covered high school sports for The Inquirer. Before that he worked in the mailroom (not quite). Informed that his father is no longer covering the Lions, McLane's eldest, three-year-old son said, "You mean Simba, Scar and Mufasa, Daddy?" His two-year-old son -- excited about the move to the Eagles -- said, "Go, Deigo, Go!" or something like that. His wife of five-plus years, however, had a different take on the new job. "Another five years is in question," she said. Check out McLane on Twitter and Facebook for instant updates on the Eagles.
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