Where do the Eagles turn at RB?
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Where do the Eagles turn at RB?
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
I remember seeing Brian Westbrook sweat it out at training camp last summer.
Working on his footwork, running through drills with trainer Rick Burkholder, trying to show Andy Reid he was healthy enough to get back on the field.
Even when he was on the sidelines at Lehigh, Westbrook was in LeSean McCoy's ear, advising the Eagles' rookie running back, showing him the ropes.
Now, six months later, after a frustrating season that included a pair of concussions, Westbrook's career in Philadelphia is over.
Drafted in the third round in 2002, Westbrook spent eight seasons here, earning Pro Bowl honors twice and often putting the offense on his back.
It's hard to believe that he's just two years removed from quite possibly the best year of his career. In 2007, Westbrook set career highs with 1,333 yards rushing, 771 yards receiving and 2,104 total yards from scrimmage.
I was asked earlier about the Westbrook memory that sticks out in my head. It has to be the 84-yard punt return in 2003 at the Meadowlands. With Donovan McNabb having completed just nine passes for 64 yards on the day, and the Eagles (2-3 at the time) facing a 10-7 deficit, it was Westbrook's return that saved the season as the Birds finished 12-4 while advancing to the NFC championship.
But, this is the NFL.
And that means that seconds after you recall your favorite Westbrook memory, your buddy is texting you about who the Eagles should add to replace him.
Here's a look at the RBs on the current roster:
LeSean McCoy - He obviously now owns the position. McCoy carried for 637 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He also caught 40 balls for 308 yards. McCoy is the future, and he's more than capable of being an every-down back as he continues to work on his blocking and blitz pickup. But he will be just 22 years old when the Eagles head to Lehigh next summer. The Eagles will need to find the right complement.
Eldra Buckley - He's not the guy. The Eagles liked using him at times in short-yardage situations, but don't expect to see Buckley play a much larger role.
Leonard Weaver - This is an interesting one. Do the Eagles have enough confidence in Weaver as a ballcarrier to team him up with McCoy as a two-headed monster going into 2010? He had 70 carries for 323 yards last season. Weaver is a restricted free agent, but it would be surprising if he somehow did not return.
Martell Mallett - The Eagles signed the CFL's rookie of the year last month. That's about all we know about him.
So, where does this leave us?
The Eagles could draft a running back. But would that really make sense, given that they spent a second-rounder on McCoy last year and expect him to be the guy well into the future? I don't really think so.
The more likely route is to bring in a veteran running back who fits their needs. I know what you're thinking. Didn't they have a guy like that in Westbrook? Yes. But who knows what his health is like? And who knows if he still believes he can play a larger role elsewhere?
LaDainian Tomlinson was released yesterday, and according to the New York Daily News, Jets RB Thomas Jones could be next.
Chime in on the comments below. Where does the team go from here? What's your favorite Westbrook memory? We're two and a half weeks removed from the Super Bowl and more than two months away from the draft, but there's no shortage of topics to discuss.
Colleague Mike Potter found a highlight video that is embedded below, and photos from Westbrook's career are at the top.
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They may draft someone or pick up a veteren guy in the preseason cut from a WC offense, you never know, nobody saw Maclin comin last year. If the best player available is a tailback, who knows...- BWest was one of the best eagles ever, inside and out. A true warrior, time just ran out so quick,cannot believe it was two years ago that he had 2k yds, thanks Brian, good luck, brother.
Off the subject: What's the song used on the highlight reel? Shazam doesn't have it and a Google search of the lyrics comes up with nada...
The Eagles put zero value on leadership in the clubhouse or on loyalty. This was apparent last year with Dawk. Mc Nabb is not a lockerroom leader because he is not universally liked or respected in the club house. The Eagles will miss Brian's ability, and leadership. Donovan or who ever plays QB best look out for blitzers since Brian won't be there to pick them up and Shady hasn't shown the ability to do so. I guess the money in better in Laurie's pocketbook than in Westbrook's pocket. Isn't that always the way with the Eagles?- b-west you will be missed thank you for all the spectacular plays— eagles105
- I'll never forget The Return at the Meadowlands. I was at Giants Stadium that day. The arrogant Giant fans thought they had a win sewn up. Westbrook took the punt back for the TD and all the Giant fans walked out of the stadium with their tails between their legs, half of them looking like they were ready to cry. Was one of my favorite moments of all time as an Eagle fan. Thanks Brian! Best of luck in the future.— bleedmidnightgreensection236
- T-Bear said it well on his post. I think all Eagles fans will miss Westbrook. The move was not a shocker, but it is sad, as that "era" has ended. Best of luck to Brian. I still debate whether Montgomery - still my all-time favorite Bird - or Westbrook was the best Eagles rb in my lifetime. It's close.— MG44
- Chester Taylor would be just about perfect being that he already knows the West Coast offense and he doesn't have too many years of wear on him.If they trade McNabb and Vick I would consider drafting a back with the extra picks, though. Just look at Dallas!!You can not have enough quality running backs on your squad.Get that safety first,though!! And make an offer to Peppers!!— antmry312
- Running back now added to the list. The Eagles have a lot of work to do this off season. Draft a RB would be the best option, but we also need answers on the O-Line and safety. Lot's of work to do. THANKS B-WEST YOU WERE THE BEST!!!!— craig123
Better a year too early than a year too late. Vaya con Dios, mi amigo.
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- Would love to see Chester Taylor or Thomas Jones but I don't think it's likely, when have we spent that kind of money on a non-starting RB? I see them looking at McCoy as Duce Staley, Weaver as Correll Buckhalter, and they will try and find the next Brian Westbrook with a 3rd to 5th round pick to get something similar to their last highly productive running team (3 headed monster in '01) when they came up one yard short against the Rams in the NFC Championship game. They've got alot of picks this year, there's just no way they're signing a big time running back, they just don't see that as a position you spend money on. Their focus will be on the lines and the secondary with their big money as always.— Twocents
- The Eagles will likely use one of their third round picks to address this.— Stephen_Niksa
- Who cares? No Oline to block for whoever they give the ball to. Jim Brown, O.J., Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith all rolled into 1 could not run behind the pitiful Offensive Line. No one for Donovan to dink and dunp off to is the larger concern. Hello NFC East cellar.— philadelphiachild51
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