Westbrook top dual-threat RB ?
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Westbrook top dual-threat RB ?
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
It's May, and that means new lists and rankings emerge on a daily basis as we kill time before training camp.
Matt Bowen of the National Football Post sparked a lively debate here earlier this week about whether Donovan McNabb is a franchise quarterback.
Bowen is back, this time ranking the top dual-threat running backs in the league.
Coming in at No. 1 is Brian Westbrook.
Writes Bowen:
Westbrook’s numbers were down last season because of injuries (he had 90 receptions in’07), but he still is considered the toughest match-up for defenses in the NFL. He can align in the slot and at the “X” position on the backside of formations. Five receiving TDs is a big number for a running back.
Statistically, Westbrook had his poorest season as a receiver since 2003, catching 54 balls for 402 yards and five touchdowns. His 7.4 yards per reception average was the worst of his career.
Westbrook ranked fourth among RBs in receptions and seventh in receiving yards.
In terms of rushing, he averaged 4.0 yards per carry, which ties the worst average of his career.
But those are all numbers.
Westbrook is still a playmaker, and he showed as much with the 71-yard TD reception in the wild-card win over the Vikings. How much will a real fullback and a revamped offensive line help his effectiveness? That's what we'll have to wait to find out.
Meanwhile, John Mullin of SI.com ranks the league's top backfields, and puts the Eagles at No. 5:
Who: QB Donovan McNabb; RB Brian Westbrook
Add/subtract: LT Jason Peters is a franchise addition in front of McNabb and Westbrook, and Stacy Andrews is another starter-grade OL addition. Drafting Jeremy Maclin in the first round this season and DeSean Jackson in the second last year does nothing but make McNabb and Westbrook more dangerous.
Questionable: The heavy load on Westbrook has worn him down and McNabb is high mileage at 32.
The Thought: With the draft of Pitt RB LeSean McCoy in Round 2, McNabb and Westbrook now may feel like they're in Kiddieland.
The backfields ranked ahead of the Eagles (from the top) are the Chargers, Giants, Cowboys and Patriots.
More later so check back.
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5, I wouldn't pay any attention to what wolf says. Even that post that flatters Westy is intended as a backhanded slam at DM. By saying Westy is the leader he implies DM isn't. By saying no one had a better weapon he implies DM should have won SBs. Neither point is accurate, as usual. Getting into a p*ssing contest with him is fruitless. He only lives to bash DM and root for the Giants so save your breathe. Your list of RBs is good but you have to take into account the type of O Andy runs. He likes smaller quicker backs that can catch the ball. McCoy is supposed to be a Westy clone in fact. Someone like Turner, a fine RB, isn't what AR is looking for. Westy fits ARs system to a tee and I believe he'll rebound. His numbers of 2 years ago were great but he may be getting worn down. He isn't built for a pounding like Turner is and AR overused him. BTW, when not trying to stick it to wolf you have some good posts. I may not agree but at least you have a legit point and can back it up.— tpizza- Comment removed.
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5isa - I know you were aiming that at LW, and not me. I just had to make sure the good people on this board understand that I'm a #5 supporter. I agree with you. Anybody that sets all the blame on Donovan's lap isn't a knowledgable football fan. He's a franchise QB. If anyone doesn't like him, they can go root for the Giants and the almighty (lucky) Eli Manning... RONNIE BROWN? SLATON? DeAngelo Williams after one good year??? Expect Jonathan Stewart to significantly cut into his numbers this year, 5. The only one I absolutely agree with is Adrian Peterson. I'd rather take a versatile RB (BW) that can create serious mismatches in the slot, on top of the attention he draws in the backfield, than a primary banger - Barber & Jacobs. It'd be nice to have B. West AND a banger. I can't disagree with that. I'm more than happy with B-West and D-Nabb (plus Weaver) in the backfield this year. Now that #5 has some more weapons, we're primed for a run this year.— dgreils- Comment removed.
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- I really hope Westbrook was able to do more this off season so he is more durable. What good is the best player in the team if he is constantly injured? Remember Lindros?— SayHello2MyLittleFriend
- Tomlinson, Barber, Jacobs, Peterson, Michael Turner, Ronnie Brown, Portis, LenDale White, Steven Jackson, Willie Parker, McLain, How bout Larry Johnson . . . only last year though, Westbrook will bounce back hopefully and get a spell from McCoy once in a while.— jwood
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- No mistaking what you wrote wolf. There hasn't been one yet that hasn't slammed DM. Why start now? And the person on the receiving end needs the interpreter, not the speaker. I believe it's inuendo on your part. No matter, Westy is not a leader. Too quiet and withdrawn. Now Runyon was somebody who I'd follow into battle. Dawk too. DM may want to be but hasn't convinced me.— tpizza
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