China Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=fanball-eaglespuntreturnduti&prov=fanball&type=lgns Eagles: Punt return duties shifted off of Westbrook by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com Monday, May 3, 2004 News Eagles running back Brian Westbrook finished second in the NFL and first in the NFC in punt return average last season, but the team is not positioning Westbrook for another shot at the title. The team used this past weekend's minicamp to audition new punt returners, as Westbrook's expanded role in the running game will keep him from those duties. Backup runner Reno Mahe is the favorite for the job according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Eagles are also trying out new kick returners, as Westbrook and departed receiver James Thrash were their top kick return men in 2003. Views This news is not at all surprising, and it's good that the Eagles won't ask the injury-prone Westbrook to handle those extra duties. We're expecting Brian to be the team's primary runner in 2004, although Correll Buckhalter will certainly get plenty of carries as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phanatic Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 I dont know wether I like the decision or not. One things for sure, the Iggles probably dont want another Sehorn incident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsFTW Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 SO they are going to use Westbrook as the primary Rb next year? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phanatic Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 Originally posted by lolhahaha SO they are going to use Westbrook as the primary Rb next year? He'll split time with Buckhalter and the word is that they're waiting for the June first cuts to add another. The funniest was I heard Ricky Watters was interested in coming out of retirement and has spoken with the Eagles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 Now if he is going to used as primarily a 3rd down back that would be interesting By the way is China a chick's handle? because that would mean our first eagle chick fan on the board Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triple6mafia Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 they shoulda kept it like last year. it's confusing, he'll be the main guy, yet bulkhalter will get plenty of carries. if you have a primary guy, you should stick with him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKINtil8tin Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 Don't think they'll be as productive during returns but may make up for that yardage with him as the primary back. Buckhalter will probably see more time than they are saying though. Westbrook is dangerous out of the backfield but his past injuries make him questionable. Still have respect for the hometown kid from Dematha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
China Posted May 3, 2004 Author Share Posted May 3, 2004 Navy Dave, No China is not a chick's handle. Its origins are based on my initials ROC, which if you look at the underside of alot of cheesy plastic merchandise will say something like "Made In Taiwan, ROC" So you see, I make alot of crap. But anyway ROC=Republic of China, hence the name. Sorry for the longwinded explanation. Edit: BTW I am not an Eagles fan. I simply posted Eagles info as it is always good to know what your enemies are up to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EagleSteve Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 Originally posted by NavyDave Now if he is going to used as primarily a 3rd down back that would be interesting ND, There's no way that Westbrook will be used more on third downs. He will share the RB load with Buckhalter. For better or worse, that's how Reid likes to use the RB's. However, Westbrook is a scoring threat from anywhere on the field. It's very likely that he will go in motion or split out as a WR, with Buckhalter in the backfield. Owens-Smith/Mitchell (slot)-Westbrook(slot)-Pinkston. That's very difficult to defend, unless a team is in nickel. You can't put a LB on any of them, so you're stuck in man-to-man coverage or a loose zone against 2 decent receivers and 2 excellent receivers - deadly 12-20 yards downfield. Of course, Reid will call a dive to Buckhalter in this situation, and pass out of a two receiver set. I'm sure Westbrook will return a punt or two, when absolutely necessary, similar to what Darrell Green used to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 Ok This gender neutral name era is driving me nuts. Leslie and shannon are bad enuff . But I understand the name matching the job description. I just hope a guy who job is placing fudge in easy to transfer containers don't sign up here as fudge packer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skinmonger Posted May 3, 2004 Share Posted May 3, 2004 The Eagles felt comfortable taking away return duties from Westbrook, as they think they may have found an answer for kickoff returns with rookie JR Reed, whonled the nation in KR returns. PE.com: JR Reed Profile PR duties are still up in the air & may be relegated to Reno Mahe, who filled in Westbrook last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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