Brian Westbrook has left the green and white. Could number 36 be headed for the burgundy and gold? (Photo by Mike Frandsen)
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said last week 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 month, 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.
For the rest of my story on examiner.com, click here.
From strictly an X’s and O’s standpoint this would be a good move. Westbrook would probably accept a “3rd down back”, but I wonder how the other 3 backs react?
There isn’t going to be enough carries for these 4 guys. Can Shanahan get them to buy in and “play nice”? Everyone of them wants and thinks they can be “THE Guy”.
If they sign Westbrook, I’m guessing they release/trade at least one of the 4.
I thought part of the job of a 3rd Down running back was to be able to pass block (the RB doesn’t ALWAYS go out for a pass).
Westbrook’s history of having concussions – the reason he’s not an Eagle anymore – makes it likely he won’t be as good of a pass blocker out of the backfield.
Good article, but I disagree.