Eagles Diary 2-24-2010 – Thanks 36
I don’t get too spun up about birthdays. They don’t make me feel old. Brian Westbrook being cut by the Eagles makes me feel old. When a guy like Mike Schmidt retires or a guy like Westbrook leaves, it’s a reminder of the years that have passed.
So today I’m bummed out for two reasons: I feel decrepit and BWest is an Eagle no more.
Of course, Westbrook was fast, but usually, at least to me, he didn’t appear fast. What I will remember most about Westbrook is him catching screen passes and just flowing, like water, downfield, behind and around blockers, past defenders. It was like watching a fast flowing river go on and on.
Make no mistake, though. Brian could, and would, put you on your ass.
Westbrook was so dangerous because you could put him anywhere. In the backfield, back for a punt return, in the slot, out wide, in for protection. He wasn’t just a decoy, he was great wherever he lined up. That’s really saying something about his smarts because we Eagles fans constantly hear how tough it is for players to pick up Andy Reid’s offensive scheme. Brian Westbrook seemed to know every part of that vast machine like the back of his hand.
He was electrifying on the field, yes. But I think the reason why he was respected and loved in Philadelphia was that he brought a very workman like approach to the game, which of course will get you a long way in Philly. As great as it was to watch him move downfield, it was even better at times to see him staying in to protect and blow up a blitzing linebacker.
Off the field he seemed genuine and humble, without any pretense. In an era where the athletes who wear three pounds of gold around their necks, ride around in limos and go to strip clubs get most of the attention, there was something refreshing about a guy who, on his days off, couldn’t wait to head south to Maryland and hang out at his horse farm than burn the candle at both ends.
From this one fan, and I’m sure there are many others, thanks Brian.
