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Less Is More For Westbrook?
Bob Ford has an interesting article about the decline in Brian Westbrook's yardage and reception numbers this season. He believes Westbrook saw such a severe drop-off in his numbers due to injuries (both to Brian himself, and the offensive line) as well as the emergence of DeSean Jackson.
It all stands to reason, but I'd like to add a little more depth to equation.
Ford downplayed Westbrook's injuries, if you ask me. He left the Pittsburgh game after only 5 carries, came back too soon to face the Redskins, but only touched the ball 17 times. Then he missed the following game, and finally returned after the bye. While he only missed 2 games due to the injury, he really wasn't himself for 4 games, minimum.
That explains his drop in yardage, and effectiveness, in the running game, to a degree. As for catching 36 fewer passes this season than last, I see three main reasons. The emergence of DeSean is definitely one of them, the second is the health of the offensive line. Westbrook was held in to block much more frequently than he ever had been in the past, mainly because they needed him. It was an effective strategy, because he's probably the best back in the league at picking up the blitzer. DeSean's emergence also allowed the Eagles this luxury. Having a receiver you can count on to get open makes it easier to keep Westbrook in. Finally, the Eagles relied on Buckhalter in the passing game. Buck caught 26 passes for 324 yards, both career highs. He got a lot of the screens #36 used to get, and he was effective in his opportunities.
There's one stat Ford conveniently omitted from his column. Westbrook set a career mark in touchdowns (15), despite having 81 fewer touches.
Westbrook has been a limited participant in practice this week, but I don't think anything will keep him off that field on Sunday. If you're worried about Westbrook's role against the Vikings, I'd point to the Giants game as an indicator that Andy knows who to ride in must-win, close games. In the Meadowlands, Westbrook had 39 touches for over 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. If the game is close, he'll ride Westbrook (or at least I hope he will.)
What's amazing about BWest is how he protects the football, especially given his number of touches -- his fumble last week was his first lost fumble of the season (and only second overall). Protecting the ball is always important but especially against a team like the Vikings that controls the ball well. Hopefully BWest will be feeling good and a big part of the gameplan.
Now for some general thoughts about the game. Now that some time has passed since the demolition last Sunday, I think it's important that the Eagles put that win behind them and not get too caught up in themselves and not take Minny lightly (Everyone I've heard is picking the eagles which scares me a bit). I see the Vikings as a slightly better version of the Redskins -- solid defense (#1 in rushing yards allowed), very good running game, good time of possession team, one of those teams where you blink and all of a sudden it's 6-3 and you're going into halftime.
All that said, I still think the Eagles win. They need to play mistake-free football on offense, and the defense needs to play with the same energy they did against the 'girls and contain AP (no 60+ yard runs!).
I actually think the Eagles need to put an easy score on the board early. Maybe a deep pass, something that puts more doubt in the Vikings. The longer you let them hang around, the more confidence they'll have.
Did you hear they may not sell the game out? Unreal.
yeah, it's really odd how their closest team geographically (Green Bay) is sold out for the next 70 years but yet the Vikings have 10,000 unsold tickets for a playoff game.
Id be shocked if the Eagles dont win this game by at least 10 points. I hope Brent Celek stays in over LJ smith...he seems to be a better blocker and drops less passes. If Westbrook is still banged up hopefully Andy will get the ball to Buck...hes done a nice job in a limited roll and had a GREAT game against the 49'eres when he was the feature back.
Buck has played well all year, it might be a chicken/egg thing, but that has something to do with Westbrook's limited touches as well (which at this point, may turn out to be a very good thing for this team). I don't think Andy's concern was keeping Westbrook fresh come playoff time, but it may wind up having that effect.