Post by prossman on Dec 24, 2008 10:10:32 GMT -7
DMN: Watkins: In focus: Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook
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In focus: Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook
11:29 PM CST on Tuesday, December 23, 2008
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
cwatkins@dallasnews.com
Staff Writer Calvin Watkins analyzes a key matchup for the Cowboys in Week 17:
Why him?
Westbrook, considered one of the more dominant backs in the league, has missed two games to injury and has played hurt most of the season. Even so, he's 16th in rushing with 886 yards and 18th in yards from scrimmage with 1,276. Westbrook has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and has at least 650 yards receiving in each of the last two seasons.
How he does it
He's not fast, but quick. He has the ability to change direction quickly. His stature (5-10, 203) allows him to slip through small holes at the line of scrimmage and juke linebackers when he catches passes in the flat. Westbrook has good hands as evidenced by his 90 catches last season.
How to stop him
Linebackers such as Bradie James and Zach Thomas can cover Westbrook when they are physical at the point of attack. Devoting a linebacker to focus on Westbrook can work, but it can also free up the Eagles' tight end. Injuries have slowed Westbrook to the point he doesn't get to the edge as quickly and that poses a problem for the Eagles offense.
What about him
Westbrook owns a horse farm in Upper Marlboro, Md. ... Westbrook formed a real estate investment company in the Washington D.C. area. ...Earned his bachelors degree in management information systems from Villanova. ... Westbrook's brother, Byron, spent the 2007 season on the Redskins' practice squad.
__________________
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In focus: Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook
11:29 PM CST on Tuesday, December 23, 2008
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
cwatkins@dallasnews.com
Staff Writer Calvin Watkins analyzes a key matchup for the Cowboys in Week 17:
Why him?
Westbrook, considered one of the more dominant backs in the league, has missed two games to injury and has played hurt most of the season. Even so, he's 16th in rushing with 886 yards and 18th in yards from scrimmage with 1,276. Westbrook has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and has at least 650 yards receiving in each of the last two seasons.
How he does it
He's not fast, but quick. He has the ability to change direction quickly. His stature (5-10, 203) allows him to slip through small holes at the line of scrimmage and juke linebackers when he catches passes in the flat. Westbrook has good hands as evidenced by his 90 catches last season.
How to stop him
Linebackers such as Bradie James and Zach Thomas can cover Westbrook when they are physical at the point of attack. Devoting a linebacker to focus on Westbrook can work, but it can also free up the Eagles' tight end. Injuries have slowed Westbrook to the point he doesn't get to the edge as quickly and that poses a problem for the Eagles offense.
What about him
Westbrook owns a horse farm in Upper Marlboro, Md. ... Westbrook formed a real estate investment company in the Washington D.C. area. ...Earned his bachelors degree in management information systems from Villanova. ... Westbrook's brother, Byron, spent the 2007 season on the Redskins' practice squad.
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