Westbrook surgery; thoughts on Dawkins' departure
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Westbrook surgery; thoughts on Dawkins' departure
Bob Brookover
This Eagles blog is up and operating again after a February hiatus. Sorry for the lengthy departure, but refueling was necessary.
It was reported by the Inquirer during the Super Bowl that Eagles running back Brian Westbrook might need surgery to repair the left knee that kept him from being 100 percent for much of the 2008 season. The Eagles still haven't announced it, but Westbrook confirmed that he has indeed had surgery during an interview Sunday at Disney World with the Orlando Sentinel's Chris Harry.
"It's getting better all the time," Westbrook told Harry.
Perhaps, but with Correll Buckhalter off to Denver, the Eagles would still be wise to bring in a trusted veteran to join Westbrook in their backfield next season. Sorry, Lorenzo Booker is not that trusted veteran. Derrick Ward of the New York Giants would be.
As for Dawkins' departure to Denver, it's certainly understandable that so many fans are upset about it. Dawkins was a terrific player with an unmatched passion for the city, the fans and the game. But he certainly isn't the first beloved Eagles player to leave and he won't be the last.
Another leader and another fan favorite will emerge and it might even be Quintin Demps. You never know.
It's important to remember that the NFL is a business and the Eagles have always been pretty good about letting veteran players go at just the right time.
Remember Hugh Douglas? Remember Troy Vincent? Remember Bobby Taylor? Remember Duce Staley? Remember Jevon Kearse?
Did any of those 30-something players go on to do great things after leaving the Eagles?
Maybe Brian Dawkins will be the exception. He's a class guy, so here's hoping that's the case.
As for the idiotic suggestion that anyone is currying favor from the front office by offering educated opinions about Dawkins' departure, consider the Daily Snooze source: It's the same brilliant analyst who tried to convince people the Eagles made a monumental mistake before last season when they released Jerome McDougle and kept Darren Howard.
Who led the Eagles' in sacks again?
Comment removed.
the leader of the defense bolted,someone else will step up to lead the defense. This should be the first of many roster changes for 09 and its the perfect time for the so called offense leader(HA HA) McNabb to hit the road and don't let the door hit you on the way out!!— jwatson- Calabrese, you're a hard-headed one like me. Eagles can't and won't trade Westbrook on draft day. This team needs a stud WR and a bigger back to complement Westbrook and get more touches. TE needs to be addressed as well although Celek is decent. Get this team some playmakers and there's no reason we can't win a superbowl!— NEDean
- we're gonna get Anquan Boldin and Marvin Harrison.— CallerNo9
- Dawk gone, you say so non-chalantly? Where is the loyalty, recognition, HEART, and appreciation for his service as a player and a LEADER by Banner and Lurie? Don't they understand honor and reward for the most popular fan connecting player?— whatthe?
- Dawk gone, you say so non-chalantly? Where is the loyalty, recognition, HEART, and appreciation for his service as a player and a LEADER by Banner and Lurie? Don't they understand honor and reward for the most popular fan connecting player?— whatthe?
- All I want for training camp is a running back that can break through and run down field. Is that asking too much?— unbelieveable!
- Dawkins chose to go to Denver, he chose not to stay here! For what ever reasons, it was still his choice. He made a business decision, so did the Eagles. Good luck X-Man, see you on the staff in 4 years.— soldier1st
- What type of knee surgery did Westbrook have? I read it was minor but I never found out what exactly was wrong with him.— oldcitymatt
- If the Eagles continue to stick with that pass obsessed offense instead of infusing a pound it running attack, I'm going to chuck..Get Beanie Wells. He is the real deal.— MJPD345
- Comment removed.
- it's clear that the owners are about dollars and sense, not winning. mcnabb won't get any help and westbrook won't get any rest until his wheels fall off (probably after 10 games)... clearly it's a recipe for disaster. mcnabb doesn't want to be here and westbrook can't do it all. the eagles will continue to sell-out and get their money ... our money. so why can't we demand more from j&j? it's simple, they know our hard earned dollars are in their pocket anyway. that makes sense to them.— PhilliGuy
