The Redskins should sign former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook to fill the team’s greatest need – a third down running back. Westbrook, when healthy, is not only one of the best pass catching running backs in the NFL, he’s one of the best in NFL history.
Westbrook, who was cut by the Eagles in February, visited with the Redskins and the Denver Broncos last week, and the St. Louis Rams have also shown interest.
The Redskins already have three running backs in Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker who are, like Westbrook, close to 30 years old. But more importantly, they are primarily runners who aren’t nearly as adept at Westbrook at catching passes. Westbrook has 29 career receiving touchdowns. Johnson has six, and Portis and Parker have five each.
Westbrook suffered two concussions last season and has had a variety of nagging injuries over the years, but if he is healthy, he could play a major role for the Redskins. Westbrook passed a physical last month with the Rams.
The Redskins’ acquisition of Donovan McNabb last month made them significantly better. Westbrook would bring a much-needed dimension to the Redskins of slashing quickness and yards after the catch. Besides the fact that Westbrook is one of the best pass receiving running backs in the NFL, he and McNabb know each other well, having played together for the past eight seasons.
Westbrook served not only as a safety valve when McNabb was in trouble; he was usually the Eagles’ most dangerous offensive option. If the Redskins’ offensive line struggles again this season, it will be important for McNabb to have a running back to dump the ball off to, especially during blitzes.
The axiom for success in the NFL used to be to play great defense and run the ball. The NFL has become more of a passing league in recent seasons, as evidenced by the Super Bowl teams of the past two seasons: New Orleans, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Arizona.
It’s practically a requirement that today’s running backs need to be proficient in catching passes. Successful teams have running backs that are threats to catch the ball in addition to running with it. The Saints, Chargers, and Ravens have all been playoff teams recently with prolific pass catchers Reggie Bush, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Ray Rice.
The signings of Johnson and Parker have given the Redskins excellent depth and experience at running back to go along with Portis. The three running backs have 11 1,000-yard rushing seasons between them. If the Redskins sign Westbrook, who has two 1,000 yard rushing seasons himself, one of the Redskins’ current backs will have to go. The fourth spot would have to be filled by a young player who can also play special teams.
Parker had only nine receptions the last two seasons combined even though he carried the ball 308 times. Teams cannot afford to have one-dimensional players. Parker’s production on the ground last year wasn’t a whole lot better. He rushed for only 389 yards despite playing 14 games. It looks like Parker would be the odd man out if the Redskins sign Westbrook.
The Redskins should keep Portis, Johnson, and Westbrook for insurance because they each have significant wear and tear. Portis has by far the most carries – more than 2000, and he’s also coming off an injury. L.J. has carried the ball more than 1400 times and Westbrook has recorded more than 1300 rushing attempts.
Portis and Johnson are similar running backs – powerful with decent quickness, but average at best at catching the ball, so Westbrook will be the perfect complementary back. Portis is also an exceptional blocker.
Westbrook has caught 50 passes in a season five times and once caught more than 90. Portis has caught over 40 just twice, while Johnson had just one season of more than 40 catches.
Westbrook, though a far superior pass catcher than either Portis or Johnson, still compares well with them in yards per rush. Westbrook averaged 4.6 over his career, while Portis and Johnson averaged 4.5 and 4.4 respectively. As recently as 2007, Westbrook led the NFL with 2,104 yards from scrimmage. He led the Eagles in rushing for six straight seasons through 2008.
So Westbrook can be effective on the ground, having rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2006 and 2007. Even last year, his per game rushing average was a very respectable 4.5. Westbrook’s rushing attempts dropped off last season, partly due to injuries and partly because Andy Reid relied more on rookie LeSean McCoy.
Still, despite missing half of last season with injuries, Westbrook has more receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches than any other NFL running back over the last six seasons. Portis and Johnson are likely to handle most of the rushing load. That would allow Westbrook to focus on a third down role, making him more efficient and perhaps prolonging his career.
Each Redskins running back has something to prove. Critics say they’re all past their prime. Portis seems to have lost some of his burst although it’s hard to judge between last year’s injuries and lackluster offensive line. Portis’ attitude has also been questioned because of his work habits and unwillingness to practice consistently.
Johnson has been arrested multiple times for assault charges against women. He also made a series of controversial statements over the years in Kansas City, where he eventually wore out his welcome.
Parker, a hero for the Steelers when he set a record with a 75-yard touchdown run in the Super Bowl three years ago, struggled with turf toe last year and lost his starting job to Rashard Mendenhall.
Westbrook has to prove he can overcome the two concussions he suffered last season. A third could end his career, but for a player who has a reputation of being injury prone, Westbrook actually is quite durable, so this is a gamble that is worth taking. Before last season, Westbrook averaged 14 games played per year, not bad for a starting NFL running back.
Westbrook grew up in Washington and starred at DeMatha High in Hyattsville, Maryland. His brother Byron is a backup cornerback for the Redskins. Combine that with the success that Westbrook had playing with McNabb in Philadelphia, and it makes sense for Westbrook to come to Washington.
It’s not hard to imagine that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder might have told Westbrook to get whatever offers he could, and the Redskins would match the best offer. That would be risky, however, because the Broncos or Rams could make Westbrook an offer he can’t refuse. The Redskins should sign Westbrook as soon as possible.
As for the team’s fourth running back, Keiland Williams, a free agent out of Louisiana State, is expected to battle with Ryan Torain, who Shanahan drafted for Denver in the fifth round in 2008 out of Arizona State. Torain has played two NFL games.
After last season the Eagles got rid of their two best players in McNabb and Westbrook, who led them to six playoff berths in the eight seasons they played together. Luckily for the Redskins, the Eagles decided not to put their best team on the field this season.
In January I wrote that the Redskins should acquire Donovan McNabb. Last month, the Redskins traded draft picks for the six-time Pro Bowler.
In February I wrote that the Redskins should sign Brian Westbrook. Now, it’s time to sign Westbrook and make the Eagles really sorry.
Feel free to post comments at the bottom of this article.
To subscribe to Mike's articles free of charge, click on the "subscribe" button at the top of this page.
Previous articles:
See Part 1 and Part 2 of Former Washington Bullet Kevin Grevey on the '78 NBA title season, Kentucky, and the Wizards
Comments
Westbrook is washed up! Just like Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker!!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!