Where do the Eagles turn at RB?
Philly.com, Inquirer, and Daily News coverage of the Eagles
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.
Become a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Yes it makes sense to draft a guy and high. Did you see Dallas draft Felix Jones & Choice when they already had Barber? It's a 2-back league at least and no I don't count Weaver in that.— pgcd3- Its amazing Westbrook was so good for so long. He had a ton of yards and carries at Villanova. My enduring memory will be the little guy bouncing off tackles and popping around #69 & #72 on screens. Also the return vs the Giants.— dragoon6
- Eagles do a good job of releasing players at the end of their careers instead of hanging on and hoping for past glory. He might have another good season or two, but he's definitely not durable enough to risk $7.5 MM. Thanks for all the good football Westbrook, definitely enjoyed watching you as an Eagle!!!— lazylefty
- Eagles will be fine at running back next year if their offensive line can stay healthy. If the o-line is hurt like last season, it doesn't matter who they bring in, the run game will be terrible.— lazylefty
- I think the Eagles should have renegotiated the contract to brink B West in as part of a three headed monster. As a part time player, he would still have been valuable to this team. And who knows, if he had his health, he would have shown flashes of brilliance at times, and would have been a leader. Unfortunately, Westbrook has to find out what the market is for him first, before he would truly be happy with the reality.— arrowamy
- to be honest.. for the Eagles' purpose.. I think thomas jones would be a better fit than LDT...— JMick1215
- From a Philly native and Eagles fan now living in Boise Idaho: here's a sleeper...Tell Coach Reid to look at Ian Johnson, Boise State Alum who spent last year on the Vikings practice squad (learning under Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor no less).— tmh943
- no surprise on this one. guy came into the league as damaged goods and lasted longer than I thought he would. the shame of it is never winning the Super Bowl during his prime years 2004-2007. but it is time for the youth movement..hopefully McNabb goes too.— mibrze
- LDT and Westbrook are the same guys. If one isn't worth keeping neither is the other. Jones is tempting and I'd also think that Chester Taylor would be a good candidate. I'd rather they focus the draft on the line and the other side of the ball— jabostick
- They won't draft a guy or pick up a veteran who can catch the ball or pass protect as well as Westbrook. This is a year too early. Cheap, stupid.— tacklinjoe
- The Eagles are the masters at moving players at the end of their careers. Duce, Trot, Dawk.... I see the birds shopping McNabb for a few draft picks, while he's at his max value. Also, Vick will be traded for a number of picks, as the last thing Ried needs, is Vick on the bench behind Kolb. With the 4-5 extra picks, we can go after a RB, a later round QB, LB's, some linemen.... And probably look for a wise, old vet QB to back up and mentor. I wonder if Koy has his toothbrush packed?— DerbyBound
- While most of this amazing man's touches just sort of blend into a fantastic, foot stompin', cheer producin', Eagle soarin' Love-fest, my enduring memory of him is The Return. The Giants were just trying to kill some time, having already put this game into the "W" column. As deleriously happy as I was to see "It", little did I realize the ramifications of that one play, both for us, and against the G-men! While this move is a necessary one, I'm positive that NOBODY associated with our Iggles is "happy" that this inevitable day has arrived.— TBear
- Thanks Brian for the great years. NFL is a tough business and the Eagles and every NFL team does these tough releases! Go Eagles!— Sharpy24
- The Eagles do need depth at running back, and someone with experience, which Buckley and the guy from Canada don't have. Weaver is a heavy back. if they can get someone with a few years in the league to play a down here a down there, etc. and as insurance, they will be ok at running back.— NE_Philly_Guy
- The Eagles do need depth at running back, and someone with experience, which Buckley and the guy from Canada don't have. Weaver is a heavy back. if they can get someone with a few years in the league to play a down here a down there, etc. and as insurance, they will be ok at running back.— NE_Philly_Guy
Follow
Sheil on Twitter. And become
a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.
Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for even more Birds
coverage, including app-exclusive videos and analysis. Download it here.
