The inevitable has happened. The Eagles announced yesterday that they have released Brian Westbrook. No on can say they didn't see this coming. Between the rash of nagging injuries and the $7+ million Westbrook was due to make this season, it was only a matter of time before the Eagles were going to release him. In his time as an Eagle, Westbrook established himself as one of the top runningbacks of his generation and, given his versatility and game-changing ability, may someday be considered for enshrinement in Canton.
For me, the top Brian Westbrook moment had to be in 2003 at the Meadowlands. I remember I was watching that Eagles-Giants game in the "Big O" in Findlay Commons, East Halls, Penn State. Numerous Giants fans were there, taunting us Eagles fans, and McNabb was putting up a stinker of a game. Somehow, B-Dawk and the rest of the Eagles defense kept the Eagles within striking distance and, late in the game, in came Westbrook to return a punt. What ensued was an amazing show of speed and explosiveness and, within seconds, it was we who were doing the taunting and the Giants fans left wondering what happenend. That punt return sparked the Eagles on an amazing run the rest of the season and they finished 12-4 despite starting 2-3. One could say Brian Westbrook saved that season.
Where do the Eagles go from here? Obviously, LeSean McCoy is now "The Man". Keeping in step with the Ian Stancato Memorial "One Year Too Early" award, I expect big things from McCoy next season (the award is named as such due to my ability to draft rookies on my fantasy team who turn in breakout seasons the year after I have them... See: Chris Johnson, frustrating, inconsistent rookie on my fantasy team in '08, best runningback in the league, fantasy and real football, in '09). However, beyond McCoy there are a lot of question marks in the Eagles' backfield. Leonard Weaver is restricted free agent and, while I would be floored if the Eagles let him walk, he is not the final answer. Neither is Eldra Buckley, although his hair is awesome (sidenote - if I were black and either a cornerback, safety, runningback, or wide receiver in the NFL, I would definitely rock that hairstyle). The answer lies somewhere outside the organization.
Rumors have been swirling that the Eagles may be interested in LaDainian Tomlinson. If LT's price tag comes down enough to where it could fit within the Eagles' salary cap, this would be a perfect fit. Obviously, his skills have diminished and he is not what he once was, but LT has mastered protection schemes and can still hit a hole hard enough to be an effective short yardage back. Couple that with the fact that McCoy, while a budding star, could use the mentorship provided by someone who has been there and done that and I think LT is a great fit. Westbrook and LT fall into the same category, guys who could still be effective but just became too expensive for what they could provide. LT has said he wants to go somewhere he could win a championship and, given his stellar public record and persona, I think he and the Eagles could find middle ground to work together on. Aside from the football benefits, word on the street is that the ladies love LT. Since most guys I know love it when girls wear football jerseys, this could have innumerable benefits for all involved (it's the intagibles!!).
Joking aside, LT isn't the only option. There have been rumblings that Thomas Jones could be released by the Jets, though he may be able to command a pretty hefty salary still. Marshawn Lynch may be another possibility if the Bills decide to rid themselves of him, and given Andy Reid's newfound penchant for rehabilitating guys with sketchy pasts, I could see that happening too. All in all, we may not know the answer to this riddle until after the draft has past and the rest of the free agent market dies down a bit, but it's always tough to say goodbye to a guy like Brian Westbrook, who kept his mouth shut and went to work each and every day.
A few non-sports notes........ If I haven't mentioned it before, I was totally engrossed in "Jersey Shore". To me, it was the perfect blend of idiocy, steroids, booze, and brawls. What stinks is that it will be ruined by "Jersey Shore Season 2: the Gang Goes Somewhere Else". If the show didn't already seem somewhat fake and contrived, it will definitely fall into these categories for Season 2. Everyone knows them now so imagine how many dudes are going to want to drukenly test their strength against Ronnie's, get on TV rejecting Snookie, or just flat out make fun of "the Situation". Not to mention they are leaving the Mecca that is Seaside Heights for a warmer destination. Its just going to be like "the Inferno" but with less people... but I'll still watch....... Huge fan of Ke$ha here. She has replaced Cascada as the "artist I secretly listen to at work". I would propose to her.......... I've decided to rewatch "The Wire" and forgot how much I like Wallace. I grimmace even thinking about whats ahead. "BE A MAN!" powerful stuff....
Wanna make some money tonight? Take these:
Temple -4 @ home vs. Dayton
Pitt -1.5 @ ND
Marquette -1.5 @ St John's
Xavier -4.5 @ St. Louis
Arkansas -1.5 @ LSU
Purdue -3 @ Minnesota
That's all for now. Gotta take a personal holiday tomorrow but, if we get as much snow as forecasted, I'll likely be back with somethin' new for ya by the weekend.
Eagles: Retire #36, #12, and #20 immediately. Please.
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