How'd the Eagles use Westbrook?
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How'd the Eagles use Westbrook?
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Some pre-game reports suggested Brian Westbrook would be on the field for 10-15 plays in his return today against the Broncos.
The Eagles' veteran running back saw that many snaps in the first half alone.
Overall, he was on the field for (unofficially) 25 snaps and had eight touches - nine carries for 32 yards and a couple catches for 5 yards.
In the first half, Westbrook had been on the field (unofficially) for 11 plays. He was actually the game's leading rusher with five carries for 23 yards.
Westbrook seemed happy to be contributing throughout. In the first quarter, LeSean McCoy took a screen pass 39 yards, and Westbrook was on the field clapping his hands in encouragement.
Many questioned how the Eagles would use Westbrook in his first game back. And the truth is, they really didn't hold back.
Here's a look at the way he contributed:
** In the backfield. Westbrook lined up as the single back at times and also with Leonard Weaver. His longest carry (9 yards) came when Westbrook bounced it outside in the first quarter.
** As a receiver. Westbrook lined up outside and in the slot on multiple occasions. The Eagles tried to get him involved in the pass game but didn't have much success.
** Behind center. On one play in the first half, Westbrook took a direct snap out of the shotgun and ran for 3 yards.
** As a blocker. Westbrook picked up a blitz on the deep touchdown to tight end Brent Celek in the first half.
The wildcat snaps would have worked much better with Vick back there.— soybot
Westbrook was essentially ineffective. He should see no more than 10 snaps going forward and only to Spell Shady and Weaver.— MidGreen- I'm waiting to hear about McNabb's hamstring (He reached for it after the long run)— Denali
- Does anyone else think the Eagles running game is much more effective without Westbrook? I agree with MidGreen, Westbrook's touches should be limited. Shady and Weaver are a big reason of the Eagles' winning streak and Reid should keep going to them for that reason.— nutz4philly
- I think Westbrook's production tonight is about the same we saw before he got hurt and the problem is when he is being used as the number one back this year, the running game suffers. I much rather they use him as a 3rd down back in passing plays and stick with McCoy on 1st and 2nd downs. Westbrook is one of the all time great Eagles back's but I hate to see Andy try to be to loyal to him when his production does not warrent it.— dennismithusa
- Andy Reid made a mistake by being loyal to Westbrook and giving him carries that should have gone to McCoy or Weaver. Hopefully Reid will come to his senses after watching the film and put Westbrook back on the shelf.— soulman386
- Andy Reid made a mistake by being loyal to Westbrook and giving him carries that should have gone to McCoy or Weaver. Hopefully Reid will come to his senses after watching the film and put Westbrook back on the shelf.— soulman386
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