Report: Eagles to release Westbrook, fit with Bears/Martz?
by Hawkeyes on Feb 23, 2010 2:00 PM CST
81 comments
According to a report posted on ESPN.com
The Philadelphia Eagles announced Tuesday they have released two-time Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook.
A news conference is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
Westbrook, 30, has been with the Eagles since 2002, when he was drafted in the third round out of Villanova. He is the franchise's all-time leader in yards (9,785).
Westbrook has certainly had his share of injuries, but has been relatively durable over the past few seasons. In addition he fits the RB as WR mold that Martz likes to employ and has a skillset that matches up similarly to a guy named Faulk. I know there is a lot of debate about adding another back, either through the draft or by bringing in a veteran. For my money, Westbrook would be the top candidate, as he likeliy comes with less baggage, mileage and ego that LT and has reportedly been a good tutor to the other backs that have been around/under him on the Eagles.
From a financial standpoint I also think this makes sense compared to the alternatives. He's likely to come with a lower price tag than LT and be more bang for the buck. I know he's not he bruising, move-the-chains type runner that others on this site are clamoring for, but I'd still love to see him in a Bears uniform.
What do others here think? Would LT make more sense? A third option, someone like the oft mentioned Chester Taylor?
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I would select CT
and also one of the later round, much gone over RBs in the draft… i really with K Jones worked out, but i dont think he will
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Feb 23, 2010 2:13 PM CST reply actions
I am particularly confused...
…as to when we were in sudden, drastic need of a running back.
The two arguments I tend to see often(and they sorta tie into each other):
1. “We don’t have a bruiser” —and in the offensive scheme we’re implementing, we shouldn’t have too much need for one. It’s not like any of Mike Martz’s offenses have predicated on converting the short yardage.
2. “Forte can’t run”—which, while slightly true, doesn’t hold back the fact that he is pretty solid at blocking and great with his hands out of the backfield—something we very much will need in this new scheme.
I will gladly listen to why Running Back is apparently the hot new need for the team—more so than defensive linemen, offensive linemen, secondary help, etc.
I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. -Randal Graves
Writer at windycitygridiron.com -/-I http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
have *been* predicated
I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. -Randal Graves
Writer at windycitygridiron.com -/-I http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
I love Forte
and don’t think we have an extremely pressing need for a back. Still, with the lack of running game last year, and the heavy load on Forte, I can see someone like Westbrook adding a lot of value, especially over Kevin Jones and Garrett Wolfe.
Personally I’d be excited by a two back set with Forte and Westbrook. I think Mike Martz could have a field day with that. Westbrook and Taylor are almost the exact same age (20 days apart I think), so for my money, bring in Westbrook.
I really think people are discounting
both his injuries and a terrible run-blocking line.
Matt Forte is not the kind of runner that bowls people over. His big strengths seem to be making it to the hole and being shifty. You set up a real offensive line, one that actually creates holes instead of just holding on for dear life, and you’re going to see a world of difference for him.
I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. -Randal Graves
Writer at windycitygridiron.com -/-I http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
Forte will post very good numbers next season if healthy
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 23, 2010 3:33 PM CST up reply actions
If healthy so will Tommie Harris
But thats why you shouldnt go into your season basing your hopes on if’s.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
Brutally bad comparison
It’s football, health is always iffy, injuries happen.
Forte is not much of an if. An upgrade at RB is a low priority, while improvements to the DL is the highest priority. Forte will be healthy to start (who knows what will happen during the season) but it is highly doubtful the same can be said for THarris.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 24, 2010 3:31 PM CST up reply actions
Just because its not #1 on our List doesnt mean it cant get addressed, even get addressed first.
And as far as Forte and his health concerns, both years in the NFL he has been injured and as great as his rookie campaign was that ankle injury killed us against the Texans and take a look at the injuries he suffered in college, trust me it is MOST DEFINITELY a concern.
Brutally bad I think not.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
trust me, brutally bad describes it
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 25, 2010 11:25 AM CST up reply actions
Did you go look at his injury problems in college yet?
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
based on what?
bq.Forte will post very good numbers next season if healthy
exactly what are you basing this on?
not even close
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 24, 2010 3:33 PM CST up reply actions
uh skill set, system, experience, and an o-line that played well at the end when players were shifted around
what are people who say he will shit the bed basing their arguement on?…a lot less
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game." - Dick Butkus
xbox live gamertag - rakman86
BS
So basing your argument on factors that have little to do with MF’s skill is a better basis for a discussion of MF’s skills than basing the argument on MF’s own history and statistics? Great argument. Try again, because it makes little to no sense at all.
“these things have more to do with Forte’s skills than Forte’s past history and production do!”
hahahahaha
by GentleGoodnight on Feb 25, 2010 3:07 PM CST up reply actions
Watching him play and
how well he will be used in Martz’s system as opposed to how he was abused in Turner’s system.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 24, 2010 3:33 PM CST up reply actions
There is no drastic need or even a moderate need for an upgrade at RB
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 23, 2010 3:32 PM CST up reply actions
There is never anything wrong
with trying to upgrade any position.
Yes there is...
when you have a limited amount of resources and many needs, you should focus those resources on the things that are in most desperate need of an upgrade.
If the Bears had unlimited resources, I’d agree with that sentiment. But they don’t, and so I don’t agree.
by shawndgoldman on Feb 23, 2010 8:09 PM CST up reply actions
Excellent
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 24, 2010 3:35 PM CST up reply actions
Foolish statement
the Bears do not have the means to get a star at any position just like every other team in the NFL, so you upgrade where you need it the most first, and RB is not even close to the priority for the Bears.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 24, 2010 3:34 PM CST up reply actions
12 teams were worse at run-blocking than the Bears according to PFF
while the actual running-game effectiveness (mostly Forte) was second worst next to the Chargers. That tells me two things; Forte was a big part of the problem, and the O-line wasn’t as bad as people originally thought. I’m one that believes RB is a top priority because Martz’s scheme depends on backs with elusiveness. Forte, Jones, the original AP, and Bell don’t exactly fit that bill.
"The country is full of good coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players." -Don Coryell, ex-San Diego Chargers Coach
Says Who?
Why not upgrade a position that is so important to someone who can actually move the rock?
by GentleGoodnight on Feb 24, 2010 1:59 PM CST up reply actions
Look again, Martz does have a need for an H Back in his system.
“Its not like Martz’s offenses have predicated on converting the short yardage.” Absolutely ridiculous- just because its a high octane offense doesnt mean that converting short yardage isnt of concern. Last year we had HUGE problems in short yardage/goalline/red zone opportunities.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
i said we need a bruiser
because on the goal line Forte got stuffed quite often. I love Forte and I think he is gonna turn some heads in this new offense but Blount will move the pile on the goal line and punch it in more often than Forte will. Thats what the problem is. Not that we need needs RB’s all together.
"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was important -- like a league game." - Dick Butkus
xbox live gamertag - rakman86
I was just about to fanpost this...grr haha
PHILADELPHIA (AP)—The Philadelphia Eagles have released two-time Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook(notes).
Team officials announced the move Tuesday.
A former All-Pro, the dynamic Westbrook led the league in yards from scrimmage in 2007 with 2,104 yards. He rushed for 1,333 yards and accounted for 12 touchdowns that season.
But he spent much of last season on the sidelines. Westbrook missed eight games with a pair of concussions and an ankle injury.
Westbrook had only two touchdowns in 2009.
He has rushed for 5,995 yards in eight seasons in Philadelphia and caught 426 passes for 3,790 yards. The 30-year-old Westbrook has accounted for 68 touchdowns rushing, receiving and on punt returns.
Bear down Chicago
Will you please throw up a link for this?
I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. -Randal Graves
Writer at windycitygridiron.com -/-I http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
I appreciate it buuuuuuuuudddy.
I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. -Randal Graves
Writer at windycitygridiron.com -/-I http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
Someday
I’ll understand the glory in being the first person to post a link/fanpost etc on a sports message board. It seems like people think they are going to be Adam Schefter if they’re the first person to throw something on a message board.
No offense.
DEJESUS!!!
Theres more glory in posting something new and relevant than posting another "we need Matt Jones" post!
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
I’d take Westbrook…
At this point in his career he has to be a 3rd down change of pace guy with limited touches…
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Feb 23, 2010 2:48 PM CST reply actions
stop it...
" We get off the bus running! What do you mean we are a passing team? you don't agree with how I do things? You're fired!"
- Lovie Smith-
The guy couldn't break a tackle if his life depended on it
or block anyone. He is the little train that couldn’t..(no relation to our own T-Train!)
" We get off the bus running! What do you mean we are a passing team? you don't agree with how I do things? You're fired!"
- Lovie Smith-
He was carrying guys around almosy every time he he got the rock
He has a better 1st% the the queens AP(nfl.com), now I’m not comparing him to AP but Wolfe could be a good scatback if given the opportunity.
by DaHamsta on Feb 23, 2010 6:13 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Westbrook can barely walk any more
we already have Kevin Jones.. we need speed.
" We get off the bus running! What do you mean we are a passing team? you don't agree with how I do things? You're fired!"
- Lovie Smith-
I think
people here (and more importantly the Bears) need to decide if they want a pass-catching back or a power back. To me, the most glaring weakness in the run game (besides the blocking) was the short-yardage effectiveness.
Part of the problem may be the blocking, but Forte didn’t seem to find the holes or hit them hard in those situations. To that end, I think we need a power back more than a pass-catcher. Forte is pretty good out of the backfield in my opinion.
That’s good news. Power running backs are easy to find, and you can find them late in the draft or cheap in free agency.
I don’t see how Westbrook helps us. He has a great history, but concussions are a death sentence for a football career these days.
DEJESUS!!!
Why cant we have both. A power back and a pass catching back.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
I don't entirely disagree
And as I said, I’ve supported the idea of bringing in a bruiser. However, with all the love going around about signing CT, I personally feel Westbrook is a better option.
Yes the concussions are a great concern, but if he’s cleared medically I think he could be a great addition.
Yea well that would be nice but..........
If he wouldnt play behind Benson what makes you think hell want to play behind Forte after the season each of them had respectively. Thomas Jones is the Rodney Dangerfield of Football – “I get no respect.”
But it would be nice to get him back.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
Well he had his most success sharing time w/ Benson and Greene in NY
If he’s too stubborn to realize that then he’s not worth the trouble. As much as everyone is crying out for another RB, I’d much rather see Jones than Chester, Westbrook, or LT.
Roll Tide... National Champs!!!
Me too, but the question of would he want to.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
I would like that very much.
Forte/Jones different scenario then Benson/Jones. Benson had way too big of an ego when he came in as a rookie. Forte seems the exact opposite, humble. I remember Benson saying that he would have the starting job in know time before he even touched the ball in a real game. I could see how that would rub TJ the wrong way.
Walter Payton lives on!!!
by monsterman34 on Feb 24, 2010 10:27 PM CST up reply actions
why Jones is a better Matt
there the same guy almost. Jones is a bit better rushing but even there the speed and quickness is the same. We need out other RB to be a damn good rusher thats faster and quicker that what we already have. CT is just that, not TJ
sorry.... corrections
Why? Joynes is nothing but a better Matt
the’re the same guy almost. Jones is a bit better rushing but, even there, the speed and quickness is the same. We need our other RB to be a damn good rusher that’s faster and quicker than what we already have. CT is just that, not TJ
If Jones comes in, I doubt he plays behind Forte......
If his time here and in MY proved anything it’s that Jones finds a way to beat out those young backs for the starting role.
And remember, he doesn’t have limbs, he has trunks
:)
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
TJones is too insecure to be second fiddle
and apparently never good enough for teams to be comfortable with him being #1. When the Bears had him they went out and tried to get an upgrade as did the Jets.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 25, 2010 11:30 AM CST up reply actions
I agree with your point, here, but...
Thomas hadn’t exactly put up the best body of work before Angelo drafted Benson (remember that Jones was a draft bust) and NY kept expecting Jones to fade because of his age. That didn’t happen because the guy takes exception care of his body and he ended up holding up yet another promising young back. Jones had to be released because the jets need to develop the future.
But the biggest thing for me it to look over the last two seasons and realize that there is nobody either in FA, or on our team who has been as successful as Jones has. I think he’s got a few years left in the tank, considering that his body is a temple, and that he would be a solid, if not spectacular addition to the roster.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
TJones coming back is a bad idea
He would not share the job last time, and I doubt he has changed. Besides, at this point Forte looks like a much better fit in Martz’s offense than TJones, who is a really below average receiver.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 25, 2010 12:50 PM CST up reply actions
Jones....
Has shared the load since he went to NY, and still performed well. I completely agree that Jones is a below average receiver out of the backfield, though. But at this point in his career, I think he understands that he’s going to share the workload, and i can’t find any record of him having issues with that in NY. He and Forte would make for an excellent set of backs, as they fill each others weaknesses, and both can block (although Forte is better).
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
I agree
Jones would beat out Forte hands down for the starting job imho. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for him to come back, he is used to sharing the responsibilities of RB just like T-Train stated. It was a terrible idea for them to get rid of him in the first place.
Walter Payton lives on!!!
by monsterman34 on Feb 26, 2010 6:09 PM CST up reply actions
You want to know how to put it up in the post rather than linking it??
Just copy the image and than click on the image link with the tree.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
Thanks.
I already knew, but my posts are generally long enough without taking up even more space with a pic……
I might be a little long-winded…..you probably noticed :D
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
Hahaha yea me too, but I like you go into vivid detail.
Sometimes people hate on it but I cant do it any other way, I have alot of thoughts.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
with martz offense
they will not bring in another back.
they think forte is “perfect” for the system, and lovie smith has a love affair with Kahlil Bell.
So don’t look forward to seeing any of these big name RB’s on the Bears next season
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
I disagree
The big talk before last year was to lighten Fortes load, and with Jones getting hurt last year that issue still hasnt been solved. I dont see Jones coming back after two years of wasting money on him. AP could be gone as well. I wouldnt mind seeing Wolfe go, he is a waste of a roster spot. We waste too many roster spots on WR and RB that only play Special Teams like Rashied “I Took Rideaus Roster Spot” Davis
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
Instead of westbrook...
… we should get Sproles and release GW. They were always trying to make GW into sproles (with little success) why not get the real deal. Here is the link.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/23/report-sproles-wont-be-back-on-one-year-deal/
I think him and Forte would make a good 1 – 2 punch.
I think the key
to all off the options is the price tag on each. CT probably a lower cost then the other two. LT wants to win now, probably not gonna coose the us, Westbrook done? not sure but at the right price I’d take him over CT.
i voted other
simply because i don’t see the Bears signing a runningback.
Forte is good enough for the coaces/staff
and that’s who they will stick with
As much as i would like to see one of these three guys with an orange C on their helmet.
i doubt it happens
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
I Voted Other
I heard that Thomas Jones is going to be released by the Jets the Bears would be dumb to let him pass. He is a good solid player duh! I would love to see the #20 on the offensive side of the ball again. yep!!!
We were stupid ...
….. to ever trade Thomas in the first place . But I would love to see Jones back in Chicago .
by MidWayMonster54 on Feb 23, 2010 11:19 PM CST up reply actions
Forte Backup
Someone tell me why I am wrong. I like our own Adrian Peterson as the second back!
Hes had his chances, but in the end just a solid special teams guy.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
Why don't we hire Ironside while we're at it ...
Or Terry Fox ….. or some kid with Polio … jebus …… running backs need to be able to run. It’s kind of a pre-requisite for the position ….. why does everybody want to jump on the first cripple to hit free agency ?
by Irish Bears Fan on Feb 24, 2010 3:48 AM CST reply actions
I chose other...
I want us to keep Forte, sign all of the above and then draft another RB with our third round pick. Have them line up behind each other in the back field and when Jay motions they spread out as receivers. The NFL is evolving and a 5RB-set would be the next generation of awesome.
-------
"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox
Chester Taylor hands down or focus on the OLine
Chester Taylor has already shown he can be a team player and split carries successfully. BW and LT have also shown this, but they have a lot more wear and tear on their bodies. Westbrook – was close to retirement (I live in Philly). Great player, great guy – just on the wrong side of his career. Same can be said for LT. Forte is an above average running back. The problem stems from poor blocking IMO.
by South Jersey Wedding Photographer on Feb 24, 2010 8:38 AM CST reply actions
Are you a Bears Fan??
Or are you just here to shamelessly plug your business.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
Bears Fan
I live in NJ and I’ve been a Bears fan all my life. My wife is the photographer – I just try to help her out. Plus she doesn’t give me as much of a hard time if I slant it as helping her business versus talking Bears. ;-)
by South Jersey Wedding Photographer on Mar 1, 2010 11:14 PM CST up reply actions
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