Scourge Posted February 24, 2010 Share Posted February 24, 2010 What were they supposed to do? Pay him $7.5M to be a back-up? +1... Though it is sad to see B-West go, it is a necessary move by the organization. Many good memories indeed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby's Hubby Posted February 26, 2010 Share Posted February 26, 2010 As a Cowboy fan, let me say that I am so glad to see Westbrook off of Philly's team. Philly can't out size the Boys D, but with Westbrook they were able to beat us with smarts skill. McCoy will be easier to defend and I look forward to seeing the Eagles at 8-8 next year. Now if we could just get Trent Cole to leave... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budlitebrad Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 By Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel Posted: April 12, 2010 |(35) Comments The Green Bay Packers are exploring the possibility of adding former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook to their already potent offense. Though it's unclear whether the Packers are serious enough to sign the 30-year-old veteran, two sources said Monday that the club definitely has shown interest. Westbrook became a free agent when the Eagles released him Feb. 23. Westbrook has taken a lot of hits over the years and last season missed eight games with a pair of concussions. There was some speculation that he would retire because of those injuries, but he appears determined to play again and wants to show people that rumors he's finished aren't true. If the Packers signed Westbrook, they would have to be satisfied with neurological tests clearing him to play. If they were, Westbrook could serve a number of positions in coach Mike McCarthy's offense, including the important third-down spot. Westbrook is an outstanding receiver and often lined up in the slot in Eagles coach Andy Reid's offense, taking advantage of matchups with slower linebackers. As important to the Packers would be his leadership to a relatively young offense. Last year, Westbrook carried 61 times for 274 yards (4.5-yard average) and a touchdown and caught 25 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown. Projected over 16 games, those numbers would have been far below his 936 yards and nine touchdowns rushing and 54 catches for 402 yards and five touchdowns in 2008. Despite the decline in his numbers, Westbrook played well enough to remain the starter in Philadelphia last year, although rookie LeSean McCoy started emerging for the Eagles early in the season. It's possible Westbrook would benefit from playing a more limited role somewhere else. If healthy, Westbrook could provide McCarthy with the effective third-down back he has lacked in recent years. Brandon Jackson was an outstanding blocker on third downs last year, but he was not a factor as a receiver or runner. Starter Ryan Grant has expressed an interest in playing more on third downs, but Westbrook would handle a large share of that if signed. McCarthy could also use the two backs together to create favorable matchups. Westbrook played numerous positions in Reid's offense and was a threat to run or catch the ball on any down. At 5-10, 203 pounds, his combination of size and speed made him difficult to bring down. Much has been made of the concussions Westbrook suffered last year, the first when his helmet collided with the knee of Washington linebacker London Fletcher. The second forced him to miss the last five regular-season games. But he was cleared for the playoffs, and ankle and knee injuries suffered over the years might be examined just as closely by interested teams. The Packers may be still evaluating their draft possibilities at running back. If they don't think it's likely they'll land a backup for Grant, they may just sign Westbrook to add to the group. They have invested a lot of time in DeShawn Wynn and Kregg Lumpkin and may feel comfortable with them filling out the roster. If the Packers signed Westbrook, they probably would want it to be a short-term deal with incentives that would pump up the value if he has a good year. Westbrook, however, made $5.85 million last year and was scheduled to make more than $7 million this year before the Eagles cut him. He may be willing to sit out until he gets the deal he wants. In eight seasons with the Eagles, Westbrook rushed for 5,995 yards, caught 426 passes for 3,790 yards and scored 68 touchdowns. He is Philadelphia's all-time leader in yards from scrimmage with 9,785 and ranks second in yards rushing with 5,995. Dunno about this one. I think I'd rather they draft a rookie with return ability than sign an aging, concussion-prone vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfer Posted April 13, 2010 Share Posted April 13, 2010 Good point, Blackmon might not be fully recovered from ACL surgery. The return game is definately a need. Still, if you have Westbrook on third and manageable, and couple that with Rodgers' league-leading 3rd down QB rating, I don't even want to imagine how hard it will be to stop the Packers offense. 51-45 might be the only way left to beat you! :p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piratesownninjas Posted April 16, 2010 Share Posted April 16, 2010 Dunno about this one. I think I'd rather they draft a rookie with return ability than sign an aging, concussion-prone vet. I'm hoping they sign him and put all of the picks into OL/DB/OLB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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