Westbrook overlooked?
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Westbrook overlooked?
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Is it possible that opposing teams could overlook Brian Westbrook? I can't imagine so. Neither can the Eagles running back. Westbrook was asked that very question yesterday and he laughed. I chuckled myself.
Overlook Brian Westbrook?
But there is valid reason to pose the idea. Westbrook is coming off two surgeries, is nearing 30 and didn't exactly have his best season last year. [Click here for more of BWest in today's paper].
And then there are all the "weapons" the Eagles have added over the last few seasons to an offense that's always been one of the NFL's best, if not, occassionally predictable [pass/maybe run-pass-pass]. Westbrook welcomes the "overlooking" -- if it's to happen.
“I hope so. I hope they overlook me," he said. "I hope I can surprise them. I know that we have a lot of talented players on this team, [QB] Donovan [McNabb], [WR] DeSean [Jackson], [WR] Jason Avant, [WR] Hank Baskett, [WR] Reggie [Brown], [WR] Kevin Curtis, [TE] Brent [Celek]. We have guys that defenses have to account for, so hopefully they are busy accounting for those guys and let me do my thing. In the recent past that hasn’t happened a lot, but I hope they forget about me a little bit."
Westbrook would have included Michael Vick into that list, but he was asked about the quarterback a little earlier.
There are a lot of unknowns on offense coming into the season. The offensive line's health is one -- and that's obviously not a good thing. But the skill-position players aren't really sure how touches will be divvied up or what their role may be. And that's a good thing. Why give any hints?
“To be honest with you, I have no idea what Coach Reid is going to do in terms of tweaking the offense or changing it," Westbrook said. "I have no clue. I don’t even ask about it. When they call the play, when they give me an opportunity to touch the ball, that’s the only thing I worry about.”
Well said. Rookie backup LeSean McCoy has obviously been following Westbrook's lead.
"Right now the coaches really haven't explained to me my role," McCoy said. "They just want me to get more comfortable with the first team. ... And we have a lot of weapons so I don't think roles have been put out yet as far as what guys are expected to do."
If the O line stays this iffy we will have to run the ball more to protect the passer. It would be an early season blessing if the opposing team's defensive coordinator is foolish enough to overlook Westbrook and his accomplishments— unbelieveable!
whats brett farvelous up to? maybe i'll twitter him— daveH- daveH please post your Favre comments on articles written about Favre. They're are plenty to go around..— Bex
- I'm excited about the Eagles' offense. The bottom line, of course, is the health and consistency of the o-line. But the WR corp could have 2 guys break 1000 yds (DeSean and Curtis). Plus we just need Maclin to catch for 500. All of this is very plausible.— PhillyHouse JayDuce
- The closer we get to the regular season the more my worries about the O-line grow. If you can't open holes and you can't pass protect, how the hell are you supposed to move the ball. I can't stand it! We can put FIVE# legitimate scoring threats on the field at any one time, but we might not have the power to protect the Mc5 to let him work! AAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHH!— TBear
- Bex, it was a joke. lighten up.— Jim C.
- Granted, the o-line is certainly a concern, but getting the young guys some valuable playing experience can help in the long run (as long as McNabb doesn't get hurt in the process). And against the Colts smaller defense, hopefully we come out and run the ball ten times in a row. I'm more interested to see the defense play against Peyton and Co. and see if Daischer can get his act together with the special teams. Biggest thing though, no more injuries. Let's see some progress Birds!— Bleue
- If the O-Line can pull itself together, we should have a dynamic rushing attack with the 1-2 punch of Westbrook & McCoy & a true fullback in Weaver. Pure speed and athleticism in the backfield. Also, some amazing speed weapons at WR: Jackson, Maclin, Curtis...along with Avant, Basket & TE Celek. Who are teams going to double cover??? Can't cover Jackson, Maclin & Curtis— drjimmy
- o-line is better than ok. they've done a good job of avoiding the injury-inducing preseason, and will be ready for the rigors of the games that count. let's smash us some osi!— mosquito killer
- Did Vick buy his house in Bryn Mawr yet? Do his neighbors own dogs?— Dr. Michael
- How can any Eagles fan root for a dog killer?— Dr. Michael
Comment removed.- How dare you block me for no reason! No wonder newspapers are dying. I just cancelled my print edition subscriptions of the Stinkquirer and Daily NEws— Dr. Michael
- Who are the a**holes having their comments removed? I just got in from work, dang! Probably some Giants fans who've been duped into thinking Eli might actually do something without a 6' 10" receiver who can leap ten feet into the air and catch his bullsh*t.— elektrika
- Brett Farve
- Comment removed.
- Vick will extend Westbrook's career if he gets some snaps this year. He will also extend McNabb's career and his history of going down with injuries. Vick can take pressure off both of these guys and the Eagles will need them down the stretch. Now that the Ego-Maniac Favre is with the Vikings, everyone is giving them the NFC title. What a joke. Favre will flame out with the Vikes ala the Jets. Arena football is next for him. NFC has Eagles, Falcons, Giants that are top contenders.— mofeaux
- is michael vick really westbrook insurance? think about it...— buffalodotcom
