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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I see the Eagles picking up a veteran to complement McCoy & Weaver. It's possible they'll rent LT for a year or some other veteran back.— Semper Fi Joe- Can the Eagles bring Westbrook back for less money if he doesn't hook up with another team?— Semper Fi Joe
- sad day in eagle nation.another eagle favorite is gone,but never,and i mean never will be forgotten.now they need to find a good rb,to draft,or trade up for.its time the birds get a big back.LT,might be the best of em,if they chose togo there.but get a younger guy in the draft might be better.i hope b-west casn get back in the league,maybe washington and we'll see him good luck brian.........gave us some great memories here..— t_darb_56
- First hands down greatest #36 moment is the punt return against the Giants in 2003...That saved a rocky season, they went on a 9 (or was it 10) game run after that win... Generally the Eagles have been good at moving players at the right time, but you can't put DAWK on that list because he had a great year in Denver last season. He had 30 more tackles, 1 more INTs, and 2 more Forced Fumbles than in his last year with the Birds... Sure he didn't have the sacks, but that's only because Denver used him differently than he was used here...— ItsJustDoug
- I have ben an Eagles fan since the Van Buren days (Late 40's). I now live in the San Diego area and watch all Phillies and Eagles games on Direct TV. This year, I saw the same thing that happen to Westbrook happen to LT in San Diego. They were both released within a day of each other. The difference is that LT did not suffer the concussions that Westbrook did. And, after his worse year in the NFL, he will likely have one of his better years next year. LT would look great in Eagles green. . .especially taking short passes and running (Like Westbrook). For one year, LT could be a winner in any uniform.— jodimark
- I have ben an Eagles fan since the Van Buren days (Late 40's). I now live in the San Diego area and watch all Phillies and Eagles games on Direct TV. This year, I saw the same thing that happen to Westbrook happen to LT in San Diego. They were both released within a day of each other. The difference is that LT did not suffer the concussions that Westbrook did. And, after his worse year in the NFL, he will likely have one of his better years next year. LT would look great in Eagles green. . .especially taking short passes and running (Like Westbrook). For one year, LT could be a winner in any uniform.— jodimark
- Draft - Blount from oregon, He's got somthing to prove at 248lbs, preseason #1 pick, Make a move and grab at any round. NFC East protype inside runner with pedegree and attitude. Don'T get Stanfords Gerhert, he will be injured often and soon. No USC McKight either
- Draft - Blount from oregon, He's got somthing to prove at 248lbs, preseason #1 pick, Make a move and grab at any round. NFC East protype inside runner with pedegree and attitude. Don'T get Stanfords Gerhert, he will be injured often and soon. No USC McKight either
- Draft the best RB available in the 1st round! SPILLER OR BEST PLEASE?— socalbirdsfan
- SIGN LT AND TRADE MCNABB FOR THE CARDINALS BOLDIN.— swayn3
Comment removed.- i'd say take a look at sproles now that he's going into free agency...he wants the same $$$ (maybe less) as westbrook did but sproles has age by his side and can rack up some yardage.— hermano1
- Sproles is also on the block ... in his prime, take some of the pressure off Shady ... could be a great fit for what BWest was supposed to get next season.— Elagins
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