Addai vs. Westbrook (1 Viewer)

[JAMMIN]

I couldn't find a good link that compared the two. They rank out pretty close since they are simalar type players.

Addai has his downside that he has never carried the load. Also the loss of Glenn will hurt. Manning also spreads the ball around and with a solid #3 there will be a lot of sharing. Upside is this guy is still in a prolific offense and is the unquestioned #1 RB. He has great hands and finds the end zone consistently.

Westbrook's downside is his injuries. He played 15 last year but was questionable for most. McNabb is injury prone and the team has no real backup. Also Hunt could steal carries. His upside is what we saw last year. Top 5 numbers epecially in PPR leagues. When he played last year he was a stud.

Is this a flip a coin and you win either way or is this a clear choice. I almost with FBG would have faceoff between these two guys.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

PPR a slight edge to Westy because of the solid rush/rec history.

Non PPR a decent edge to Addai as he will likely get more carries and goalline touches.

Keeper and dynasty is a big edge to Addai in either format.

If its me, Im taking Addai everytime, but I dont knock anyone for disagreeing or being big on Westy.

 

[AnonymousBob]

BigSteelThrill is absolutely correct. Addai is the way to go.

 

[JAMMIN]

bump

 

[Keith Lewis]

Addai is the most overhyped player at FBG. Try asking the same question at another Fantasy message board and prepare to get laughed at for even asking this question, no other site has hyped this guy up so hard. He started out after Rhodes left as being a 2nd round guy, then each month he has jumped up the boards 2-3 spots where people now post stuff like "LJ or Addai" or "Gore or Addai". The only significant thing out of Indy in the last few months is Tarik Glenn retired yet Addai shoots up the charts, trust me on this, it's just FBG, no other board has hyped him to a point where if someone asked "LJ or Addai" you wouldn't get stoned and ridiculed.

 

[GoinDeep]

Addai is the most overhyped player at FBG. Try asking the same question at another Fantasy message board and prepare to get laughed at for even asking this question, no other site has hyped this guy up so hard. He started out after Rhodes left as being a 2nd round guy, then each month he has jumped up the boards 2-3 spots where people now post stuff like "LJ or Addai" or "Gore or Addai". The only significant thing out of Indy in the last few months is Tarik Glenn retired yet Addai shoots up the charts, trust me on this, it's just FBG, no other board has hyped him to a point where if someone asked "LJ or Addai" you wouldn't get stoned and ridiculed.

FINALLY, someone talking some sense! Now if he is great, maybe next year I swing from his sack....but this dude hasn't proven anything yet. But then again...I felt the same about Cadillac, R. Brown and all those other heralded flops...to hyped before taking any snaps. Westy is proven.

 

[Bobcat10]

I think everyone remembers Edge stats from the Colts years with Manning and bumps up Addai's stats from last year as Rhodes is gone. This is why he's hyped. Whether or not it is right or wrong, or FBG is the only site hyping this guy, I can't say for sure.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Addai is the most overhyped player at FBG. Try asking the same question at another Fantasy message board and prepare to get laughed at for even asking this question, no other site has hyped this guy up so hard. He started out after Rhodes left as being a 2nd round guy, then each month he has jumped up the boards 2-3 spots where people now post stuff like "LJ or Addai" or "Gore or Addai". The only significant thing out of Indy in the last few months is Tarik Glenn retired yet Addai shoots up the charts, trust me on this, it's just FBG, no other board has hyped him to a point where if someone asked "LJ or Addai" you wouldn't get stoned and ridiculed.

there is another fantasy message board worth looking at????

 

[The Man with the Plan]

I couldn't find a good link that compared the two. They rank out pretty close since they are simalar type players.

Addai has his downside that he has never carried the load. Also the loss of Glenn will hurt. Manning also spreads the ball around and with a solid #3 there will be a lot of sharing. Upside is this guy is still in a prolific offense and is the unquestioned #1 RB. He has great hands and finds the end zone consistently.

Westbrook's downside is his injuries. He played 15 last year but was questionable for most. McNabb is injury prone and the team has no real backup. Also Hunt could steal carries. His upside is what we saw last year. Top 5 numbers epecially in PPR leagues. When he played last year he was a stud.

Is this a flip a coin and you win either way or is this a clear choice. I almost with FBG would have faceoff between these two guys.

I really wish people would stop saying this. Joseph Addai had over 300 carries last season. He also had over 60 catches last season. He didn't start a single regular season game. He started every postseason game. What more do people want to see from him to be convinced that he can carry the "load". Just what the hell is the load anyway or the full load or whatever?Brian Westbrook has never had more than 250 carries in a season. Is he considered someone who can carry "the load"?

Counting the playoffs Joseph Addai had more touches than Brian Westbrook in 2006 (364 to 358). So if anything Joseph Addai is more proven as a workhorse running back than Brian Westbrook.

If you think Westbrook is a better player fine. If you think he's a more proven player fine. People need to stop acting like Joseph Addai is coming out of nowhere when if you watched him play or looked at the stats that couldn't be farther from the truth.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Addai is the most overhyped player at FBG. Try asking the same question at another Fantasy message board and prepare to get laughed at for even asking this question, no other site has hyped this guy up so hard. He started out after Rhodes left as being a 2nd round guy, then each month he has jumped up the boards 2-3 spots where people now post stuff like "LJ or Addai" or "Gore or Addai". The only significant thing out of Indy in the last few months is Tarik Glenn retired yet Addai shoots up the charts, trust me on this, it's just FBG, no other board has hyped him to a point where if someone asked "LJ or Addai" you wouldn't get stoned and ridiculed.

FINALLY, someone talking some sense! Now if he is great, maybe next year I swing from his sack....but this dude hasn't proven anything yet. But then again...I felt the same about Cadillac, R. Brown and all those other heralded flops...to hyped before taking any snaps. Westy is proven.

Did you watch a Colts playoff game last season? Are you going to seriously tell me that he showed nothing going up against the best teams. Incredible. This same player who hasn't proven anything was ranked 11th at running back last season missing the top 10 by the slimmest of margins (2 points). And that's with Dominic Rhodes rushing for 6 touchdowns and Peyton Manning rushing for another 4. How in the world you could compare Joseph Addai with Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown? Those guys never showed as much ability as Joseph Addai. Those guys were top 25 running backs playing for bad offensive teams. Joseph Addai is a top-10 running playing for an incredible offensive team. Big difference. Yet they'll be drafted in roughly the same positions. Just because those players didn't pan out doesn't mean the same will happen for Joseph Addai. He's already a top-10 back. Now it's about how high up the chain can he go.

 

[joey]

Addai is the most overhyped player at FBG. Try asking the same question at another Fantasy message board and prepare to get laughed at for even asking this question, no other site has hyped this guy up so hard. He started out after Rhodes left as being a 2nd round guy, then each month he has jumped up the boards 2-3 spots where people now post stuff like "LJ or Addai" or "Gore or Addai". The only significant thing out of Indy in the last few months is Tarik Glenn retired yet Addai shoots up the charts, trust me on this, it's just FBG, no other board has hyped him to a point where if someone asked "LJ or Addai" you wouldn't get stoned and ridiculed.

Just did a quick survey of other web site's rankings and I saw Addaiat 4, 5, 7 and 7. Only checked 4 sites but didn't see one lower than 7.I wouldn't say that FBG is the only place that's high on him.For the record, I have the 4 slot in my upcoming draft and I planon taking LJ or Addai.

 

[JAMMIN]

Westbrook has proven he can do it WHEN he is on the field. I don't think Westy has to prove anything except he has to stay healthy. I honestly think Addai has a higher ceiling that is why I am having this conversation and I think that is why FBG and other sites and ranking him so high. Seeing the numbers he put up while he was splitting time was incredible.

Addai- Potential

Westbrook - Complete stud when healthy.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Addai is the most overhyped player at FBG. Try asking the same question at another Fantasy message board and prepare to get laughed at for even asking this question, no other site has hyped this guy up so hard. He started out after Rhodes left as being a 2nd round guy, then each month he has jumped up the boards 2-3 spots where people now post stuff like "LJ or Addai" or "Gore or Addai". The only significant thing out of Indy in the last few months is Tarik Glenn retired yet Addai shoots up the charts, trust me on this, it's just FBG, no other board has hyped him to a point where if someone asked "LJ or Addai" you wouldn't get stoned and ridiculed.

He may or may not be loaded with talent but any rb that is in the Colts backfield is money.

 

[ATRAIN56]

I couldn't find a good link that compared the two. They rank out pretty close since they are simalar type players.

Addai has his downside that he has never carried the load. Also the loss of Glenn will hurt. Manning also spreads the ball around and with a solid #3 there will be a lot of sharing. Upside is this guy is still in a prolific offense and is the unquestioned #1 RB. He has great hands and finds the end zone consistently.

Westbrook's downside is his injuries. He played 15 last year but was questionable for most. McNabb is injury prone and the team has no real backup. Also Hunt could steal carries. His upside is what we saw last year. Top 5 numbers epecially in PPR leagues. When he played last year he was a stud.

Is this a flip a coin and you win either way or is this a clear choice. I almost with FBG would have faceoff between these two guys.

I really wish people would stop saying this. Joseph Addai had over 300 carries last season. He also had over 60 catches last season. He didn't start a single regular season game. He started every postseason game. What more do people want to see from him to be convinced that he can carry the "load". Just what the hell is the load anyway or the full load or whatever?Brian Westbrook has never had more than 250 carries in a season. Is he considered someone who can carry "the load"?

Counting the playoffs Joseph Addai had more touches than Brian Westbrook in 2006 (364 to 358). So if anything Joseph Addai is more proven as a workhorse running back than Brian Westbrook.

If you think Westbrook is a better player fine. If you think he's a more proven player fine. People need to stop acting like Joseph Addai is coming out of nowhere when if you watched him play or looked at the stats that couldn't be farther from the truth.

 

[ATRAIN56]

Addai is the most overhyped player at FBG. Try asking the same question at another Fantasy message board and prepare to get laughed at for even asking this question, no other site has hyped this guy up so hard. He started out after Rhodes left as being a 2nd round guy, then each month he has jumped up the boards 2-3 spots where people now post stuff like "LJ or Addai" or "Gore or Addai". The only significant thing out of Indy in the last few months is Tarik Glenn retired yet Addai shoots up the charts, trust me on this, it's just FBG, no other board has hyped him to a point where if someone asked "LJ or Addai" you wouldn't get stoned and ridiculed.

Just did a quick survey of other web site's rankings and I saw Addaiat 4, 5, 7 and 7. Only checked 4 sites but didn't see one lower than 7.I wouldn't say that FBG is the only place that's high on him.For the record, I have the 4 slot in my upcoming draft and I planon taking LJ or Addai.

 

[Diabolic]

Addai isn't just "hyped" here. He is ranked very highly on virtually every chart, everywhere and for good reason. I had him last year on two of my FF teams and I watched him very closely, not because I was all that concerned about his production at the time but because I wanted to make mental notes for this year. No one can predict the future but if I had to place a bet on the top three running backs for the upcoming year, I would say LT, Gore, and Addai in no specific order.

 

[((Morpheus))]

Addai, and I don't think it's close.

 

[Blackstar]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ). That being said, BWest is almost guaranteed to miss at least 1 game due to swollen knees.

 

[JAMMIN]

Yes it is pretty close. That is why there adp is only a few spots apart.

 

[switz]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ).

Are you serious?I would say in no particular order -AlexanderGoreJacksonAddaiBushParkerMTurnerTaylorPeterson (the rookie)are all better RBs than Westbrook...

 

[JAMMIN]

That is funny. How did Westbrook rank in your league last year.

 

[theghosthorse]

That is funny. How did Westbrook rank in your league last year.

I play in a PPR league. Westbrook ranked #4 overall if I remember correctly.If he plays a full season this year (and I know its a BIG if) I beleive he will put up numbers similar to Tikis a couple of years back....this will be THE year for him.But he has to stay healthy.

 

[Rev]

Biased Addai owner here:

I think Addai's value will rise once (or if, I'll admit) he has a strong season as the feature back. I simply cannot imagine him tanking it in Indianapolis' offense. He is a very smart player who can pass block, catch the ball well, and make nice strong moves.

Man, I like his future there. I'd go with him in dynasty, and put Westy and he at about even in redraft.

 

[JAMMIN]

I am really on the fence on this one but to say one guy is the obvious choice is ridiculous.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

All this is off the top of my head, so take it as that and not me preaching or pretending to have any insight, just spitballing here...

Indy will always be a pass first, second and third offense with Manning there. I don't know if there was bad blood between the Colts and Edge his last year in Indy, but it seemed to me that they stopped utilizing Edge as a receiver, and by extension, the RB in general. Maybe now that Manning has his Super Bowl ring he won't be quite as pass happy, but I doubt it. Basically, Addai is down the Colts' priority list on their offense, behind Harrison, Wayne and even Dallas Clark, but I think Westbrook is considered one of their top two or three options for moving the ball and scoring on offense. If Westbrook's health history wasn't part of the equation, I don't think this would even be a question. Bottom line to me, all things being equal I'd go with the guy I'd expect to be the more important to his team's offense, and that's Westbrook. I think Addai proved he's a good fit for the Colts offense last year, but I don't think of him as the explosive player Westbrook is when healthy, and the Colts RBs are going to stay second priority to the receivers, i.e. WRs and Dallas Clark, which means the system Addai is in is working against him. Now, if Indy tries to balance out their offense more this season, Addai will benefit, but if they moved away from that during Edge's last season or two, I'm not sure I seem them doing that with Addai in his place.

I guess I'll go back to now.

 

[Blackstar]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ).

Are you serious?I would say in no particular order -AlexanderGoreJacksonAddaiBushParkerMTurnerTaylorPeterson (the rookie)are all better RBs than Westbrook...

You can believe that all you want but the bottom line is none of those above, WHEN HEALTHY are more important to their respective teams than BWest. Reggie bush is trying to be for the Saints, what BWest is to the Birds.

 

[zamboni]

All this is off the top of my head, so take it as that and not me preaching or pretending to have any insight, just spitballing here...Indy will always be a pass first, second and third offense with Manning there. I don't know if there was bad blood between the Colts and Edge his last year in Indy, but it seemed to me that they stopped utilizing Edge as a receiver, and by extension, the RB in general. Maybe now that Manning has his Super Bowl ring he won't be quite as pass happy, but I doubt it. Basically, Addai is down the Colts' priority list on their offense, behind Harrison, Wayne and even Dallas Clark, but I think Westbrook is considered one of their top two or three options for moving the ball and scoring on offense. If Westbrook's health history wasn't part of the equation, I don't think this would even be a question. Bottom line to me, all things being equal I'd go with the guy I'd expect to be the more important to his team's offense, and that's Westbrook. I think Addai proved he's a good fit for the Colts offense last year, but I don't think of him as the explosive player Westbrook is when healthy, and the Colts RBs are going to stay second priority to the receivers, i.e. WRs and Dallas Clark, which means the system Addai is in is working against him. Now, if Indy tries to balance out their offense more this season, Addai will benefit, but if they moved away from that during Edge's last season or two, I'm not sure I seem them doing that with Addai in his place.I guess I'll go back to now.

Edge's receptions in his full seasons in Indy were 62, 63, 61, 51, 51 and 44 - not exactly a huge drop. In the last year, his carries went up, so he actually had the most touches since his second year. The slight drop in receptions probably, to some extent, reflected the emergence of Reggie Wayne.While Manning gives them that luxury, I don't think Indy is necessarily a pass-first team. For many years, they had to be due to the lackluster defense. But we saw in 2005 that Manning's numbers went down when they leaned more on Edge as the defense improved and they tried to control the clock. If the team remains in control of many games, they'll likely lean on Addai as well.Bottom line: I think it's pretty close between Addai and Westbrook - the former will get more touches on the ground, while the latter will get more via the air. Philly is the one that tends to have more of a pass-first mentality than Indy.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Edge's receptions in his full seasons in Indy were 62, 63, 61, 51, 51 and 44 - not exactly a huge drop. In the last year, his carries went up, so he actually had the most touches since his second year. The slight drop in receptions probably, to some extent, reflected the emergence of Reggie Wayne.While Manning gives them that luxury, I don't think Indy is necessarily a pass-first team. For many years, they had to be due to the lackluster defense. But we saw in 2005 that Manning's numbers went down when they leaned more on Edge as the defense improved and they tried to control the clock. If the team remains in control of many games, they'll likely lean on Addai as well.Bottom line: I think it's pretty close between Addai and Westbrook - the former will get more touches on the ground, while the latter will get more via the air. Philly is the one that tends to have more of a pass-first mentality than Indy.

Thanks for the hard stats about Edge in Indy. I guess my memory was clouded by the couple of games--including one of their playoff losses I think--when Edge was open but ignored. Personally, I'm shying away from both; Westbrook because of his injury history and Addai because I'd rather not take him where I'd have to draft him when he hasn't been the starter for a full season. And you're dead on about Philly being more pass happy than Indy, but at least Westbrook when healthy is a major target. Good info here. Thanks.

 

[joffer]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ).

Are you serious?I would say in no particular order -AlexanderGoreJacksonAddaiBushParkerMTurnerTaylorPeterson (the rookie)are all better RBs than Westbrook...

 

[shadyridr]

All this is off the top of my head, so take it as that and not me preaching or pretending to have any insight, just spitballing here...

Indy will always be a pass first, second and third offense with Manning there. I don't know if there was bad blood between the Colts and Edge his last year in Indy, but it seemed to me that they stopped utilizing Edge as a receiver, and by extension, the RB in general. Maybe now that Manning has his Super Bowl ring he won't be quite as pass happy, but I doubt it. Basically, Addai is down the Colts' priority list on their offense, behind Harrison, Wayne and even Dallas Clark, but I think Westbrook is considered one of their top two or three options for moving the ball and scoring on offense. If Westbrook's health history wasn't part of the equation, I don't think this would even be a question. Bottom line to me, all things being equal I'd go with the guy I'd expect to be the more important to his team's offense, and that's Westbrook. I think Addai proved he's a good fit for the Colts offense last year, but I don't think of him as the explosive player Westbrook is when healthy, and the Colts RBs are going to stay second priority to the receivers, i.e. WRs and Dallas Clark, which means the system Addai is in is working against him. Now, if Indy tries to balance out their offense more this season, Addai will benefit, but if they moved away from that during Edge's last season or two, I'm not sure I seem them doing that with Addai in his place.

I guess I'll go back to now.

 

[Snotbubbles]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ).

Are you serious?I would say in no particular order -AlexanderGoreJacksonAddaiBushParkerMTurnerTaylorPeterson (the rookie)are all better RBs than Westbrook...

I know this post can't be serious when you have Chester Taylor in there.

 

[Blackstar]

Edge's receptions in his full seasons in Indy were 62, 63, 61, 51, 51 and 44 - not exactly a huge drop. In the last year, his carries went up, so he actually had the most touches since his second year. The slight drop in receptions probably, to some extent, reflected the emergence of Reggie Wayne.While Manning gives them that luxury, I don't think Indy is necessarily a pass-first team. For many years, they had to be due to the lackluster defense. But we saw in 2005 that Manning's numbers went down when they leaned more on Edge as the defense improved and they tried to control the clock. If the team remains in control of many games, they'll likely lean on Addai as well.Bottom line: I think it's pretty close between Addai and Westbrook - the former will get more touches on the ground, while the latter will get more via the air. Philly is the one that tends to have more of a pass-first mentality than Indy.

Thanks for the hard stats about Edge in Indy. I guess my memory was clouded by the couple of games--including one of their playoff losses I think--when Edge was open but ignored. Personally, I'm shying away from both; Westbrook because of his injury history and Addai because I'd rather not take him where I'd have to draft him when he hasn't been the starter for a full season. And you're dead on about Philly being more pass happy than Indy, but at least Westbrook when healthy is a major target. Good info here. Thanks.

Philly is a pass-first mentality but who do you think gets the balls? 2006-LJ smith - 50 recreggie brown - 46 recdonte stallworth - 38 rechank baskett - 22 recBrian Westbroook - 77 rec

 

[YoUnG GuNz]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ).

Are you serious?I would say in no particular order -AlexanderGoreJacksonAddaiBushParkerMTurnerTaylorPeterson (the rookie) are all better RBs than Westbrook...

I hope you are not serious... I think we have a Viking homer on our hands.Westbrook is a top 5 running back when healthy. He proved that last year. Westbrook is the number one passing target and rushing targer on his team which none of those running backs you have listed are. He is the most important player in the Philly Offense. It's obvious you hate the eagles with that list or you have never seen Westy play. Don't say are you serious to that guy because I'm sure everyone is thinking the same thing about the non-sense you just said.Slim Advantage-WestbrookAddai is not the number one recieving target on his own team. Westy is.

 

[switz]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ).

Are you serious?I would say in no particular order -AlexanderGoreJacksonAddaiBushParkerMTurnerTaylorPeterson (the rookie)are all better RBs than Westbrook...

You can believe that all you want but the bottom line is none of those above, WHEN HEALTHY are more important to their respective teams than BWest. Reggie bush is trying to be for the Saints, what BWest is to the Birds.

Being more important to your team, doesn't equal being a better RB. The Eagles have no WRs, so of course Westbrook is important, heck they don't have any other RBs either (what exactly is their FO doing?)My argument was against "when he's on the field there are only 2 RBs you can consider better than him" - which to me meant form an NFL RB persepctive, not from a FF perspective. As an NFL RB, I don't tihnk Westbrook is better than the guys I listed, nor is he top 3 in terms of talent in the NFL. He's the perfect back for the offense the Eagles run, and he gets used a ton. And all that makes for great FF numbers.

 

[switz]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ).

Are you serious?I would say in no particular order -AlexanderGoreJacksonAddaiBushParkerMTurnerTaylorPeterson (the rookie)are all better RBs than Westbrook...

I know this post can't be serious when you have Chester Taylor in there.

Chester Taylor??????????????????????????????????????????I'm talking about Fred Taylor - who while being oft injured, is a better runningback than Westbrook.

 

[Snotbubbles]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ).

Are you serious?I would say in no particular order -AlexanderGoreJacksonAddaiBushParkerMTurnerTaylorPeterson (the rookie)are all better RBs than Westbrook...

I know this post can't be serious when you have Chester Taylor in there.

Chester Taylor??????????????????????????????????????????I'm talking about Fred Taylor - who while being oft injured, is a better runningback than Westbrook.

You still can't be serious.

 

[Blackstar]

When I made my post, I was assuming we were talking fantasy football, since we're talking fantasy football.

I'm sorry but there is a reason the Birds feed him the ball. You don't feed the ball to someone who doesn't do anything with it. When he gets his touches, his team wins. coaches know that which is why they line him up in so many different ways.

Last time I checked, AD hasn't played a second in the NFL, Bush isn't even the starter on his own team and Turner has started all of 1 game in his career. Chill

 

[switz]

When I made my post, I was assuming we were talking fantasy football, since we're talking fantasy football.I'm sorry but there is a reason the Birds feed him the ball. You don't feed the ball to someone who doesn't do anything with it. When he gets his touches, his team wins. coaches know that which is why they line him up in so many different ways. Last time I checked, AD hasn't played a second in the NFL, Bush isn't even the starter on his own team and Turner has started all of 1 game in his career. Chill

What's the "Chill" for? I merely explained my take on your post, and the reason for my response. Regardless, from an NFL point of view, I would still say all those backs are more talented than Westy.And yes, there is a reason the Birds feed him the ball, even though he breaks down when overworked. It has something to do with relative talent. Most Eagles offensive players are pretty bad football players. L Smith, McNabb, and Westbrook are really the only good players they have.Most of his damage was done when either Stallworth, McNabb, or both were out.2006 was the first season Westbroook even sniffed 1000 yards rushing, it was also his second highest receiving total ever. So raising him on a pedestal with LT and LJ might be just a bit premature.

 

[Blackstar]

I was saying chill because, especially from a FF perspective, your initial list is crazytalk. but, then again, it makes more sense seeing that you have Portis as your #3 back.

I'm trying to be as unoffensive as I can but you're certainly making it hard.

 

[switz]

I was saying chill because, especially from a FF perspective, your initial list is crazytalk.

Yeah, I wasn't responding from a FF perspective.

 

[joey]

ok. let's try to get back to the conversation at hand instead of the "he said/she said" sidetrack...

I think their situations are very similar. RBs in very good offenses that should get leaned on often.

But for me, I would rather draft a guy that doesn't have a history of injuries in the NFL. So I

go for Addai.

 

[The Bad CEO]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ).

Are you serious?I would say in no particular order -

Alexander

Gore

Jackson

Addai

Bush

Parker

MTurner

Taylor

Peterson (the rookie)

are all better RBs than Westbrook...

I know this post can't be serious when you have Chester Taylor in there.

Chester Taylor??????????????????????????????????????????I'm talking about Fred Taylor - who while being oft injured, is a better runningback than Westbrook.

You still can't be serious.

 

[Blackstar]

Camp tour: Nod to McNabb, but Westbrook's The Man in Philly

Aug. 5, 2007

By Clark Judge

CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Look, I'm not going to get caught up in another debate on the merits of quarterback Donovan McNabb and his value to the Philadelphia Eagles. I like the guy, and I think he's critical to the success of his team.

But I don't think he's the Eagles' most valuable player. Running back Brian Westbrook is, and here's why: The Eagles can win without McNabb; they can't without Westbrook.

It's as simple as that.

Look at last year. The Eagles won the division without McNabb. They did it in 2002, too, when he missed the final six regular-season games.

Now look at the 2003 playoffs. They lost to Carolina in the championship game with McNabb but without Westbrook. A year later they won that same game -- this time against Atlanta -- without star receiver Terrell Owens.

One reason: They had Brian Westbrook.

I think you can see where this is going. Westbrook is invaluable to the Philadelphia Eagles because he can do what others can't -- namely, win games running or catching the football.

Heck, he can beat you as a returner, too, if the Eagles allow him to catch punts -- which they did in 2003 when he beat the New York Giants on an 84-yard return with 1:34 left.

Essentially, he's Tiki Barber without the durability and New York press. There is nothing the guy can't do, and that includes move a pile. A year ago he lobbied coach Andy Reid for more carries, basically telling him he could handle a rushing attack once shared by a committee of backs.

So Reid fed him the ball a career-high 240 times, and Westbrook responded with personal bests everywhere -- including 1,217 yards rushing and 79 catches.

He led the team in scoring during the regular season, and he led them again in the Eagles' two playoff appearances. He had six 100-yard games rushing in 15 regular-season starts, then added another two in the playoffs.

In short, he was the Eagles' most effective weapon. Again.

"I truly believed that if I had the opportunity I would make the most of it," said Westbrook, "and I proved to myself that I could do it."

He proved it to everyone else, too. Before last season the rap on Westbrook was that he was a marvelous but fragile talent who had to be used carefully. He might not withstand the punishment of a 16-game season, and he certainly couldn't handle the ball 20-25 times a game -- particularly if he had to carry it between the tackles.

Or so the argument went. Then Westbrook touched the ball an average of 21.1 times per start, scored 25 percent of the team's offensive touchdowns and produced 31 percent of Philadelphia's offense. Most important, he missed only one start.

"I know for a fact that I can get it done between the tackles," said Westbrook, "and I know for a fact I can make people miss in the open field.

"For me, you need touches. And if you can't give the ball to playmakers where they can have success you're not going to have success. .

You can never accuse the Eagles of not finding Brian Westbrook. He led the team in touches last season. And the season before that. And in 2004 when the club went to the Super Bowl. And again in 2003.

"He puts tremendous stress on the defense in multiple ways," said offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. "He does an excellent job running inside or out. His pass blocking is excellent. We don't ask him to run block a lot, but when we do he's outstanding. And he can catch the ball anywhere on the field. Plus, he has decent power and excellent speed."

Stop. I'm sold.

"He's so good for us," said general manager Tom Heckert, "because he's such a dynamic weapon. If you talk to coordinators they think he's the hardest guy to defend."

I have no doubt about that. What I don't understand is why Westbrook isn't appreciated more for what he is: The glue that helps keep the Eagles' offense together, especially when McNabb bows out.

He has been named to one Pro Bowl in five seasons. One. And it wasn't last year, when none of the league's top 10 finishers in yards from scrimmage averaged more per touch than Westbrook.

"It's tough because I'm not a vocal guy," said Westbrook. "I'm not doing touchdown dances. I'm not a first-round pick. I didn't go to the big school. I'm not causing a lot of controversy. And I play on a team with a superstar.

"And we had a superstar wide receiver as well that gained a lot of attention. That's not to say those guys aren't guys who can get it done. They can. And they did. But they overshadow a lot of people on this team."

Now, before I go farther let me make one thing clear: Westbrook isn't jealous of the attention given McNabb. Heck, he recited McNabb's pre-injury numbers from last year, pointing out how the quarterback was an early -- and deserving -- choice for league MVP.

"He's the guy," he said. "He's our man. We know what he can do and that he can carry the team by himself."

I don't doubt that. But the Eagles can survive without Donovan McNabb. They did it last year. They did it in 2002. But they can't do it without Brian Westbrook. Who would replace him? Correll Buckhalter? Ryan Moats? Tony Hunt?

The bottom line is this: For all the speculation about McNabb and his future with the Eagles, the club already demonstrated what it can do when it must live without the guy.

The same can't be said about Westbrook.

So let the public debate what happens if McNabb suffers another injury. I already know what can happen. I also know what can happen if Westbrook bows out, and, trust me, Eagles fans: It's worse than the loss of your quarterback.

 

[switz]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ).

Are you serious?I would say in no particular order -

Alexander

Gore

Jackson

Addai

Bush

Parker

MTurner

Taylor

Peterson (the rookie)

are all better RBs than Westbrook...

I know this post can't be serious when you have Chester Taylor in there.

Chester Taylor??????????????????????????????????????????I'm talking about Fred Taylor - who while being oft injured, is a better runningback than Westbrook.

You still can't be serious.

Outside of last season, prove Westbrook is an elite RB? Impossible.

 

[Blackstar]

outside of last season, prove addai, jackson, bush, gore, turner, peterson or taylor(1 probowl in 10 years) is elite

 

[Dmasses]

Didn't see Ontario Smith on that list Switz. What's wrong, gave up on him?

 

[Snotbubbles]

The Birds may as well chew the ball up into little leather and rubber pieces they feed westbrook so much. When he's on the field, there is only 2 RBs that you can even consider better than him(LT, LJ).

Are you serious?I would say in no particular order -

Alexander

Gore

Jackson

Addai

Bush

Parker

MTurner

Taylor

Peterson (the rookie)

are all better RBs than Westbrook...

I know this post can't be serious when you have Chester Taylor in there.

Chester Taylor??????????????????????????????????????????I'm talking about Fred Taylor - who while being oft injured, is a better runningback than Westbrook.

You still can't be serious.

Outside of last season, prove Westbrook is an elite RB? Impossible.

What would it take to prove it?2004: 13 games, 1515 total yards, 09 TDs. 117 yards per game. .69 TDs/gm (Missed 2 games due to coaches decision)

2005: 12 games, 1234 total yards, 07 TDs. 103 yards per game. .58 TDs/gm (Missed 4 games due to injury)

2006: 15 games, 1916 total yards, 11 TDs. 128 yards per game. .73 TDs/gm

WILLIE PARKER:

2006: 16 games, 1716 total yards, 16 TDs. 108 yards per game. 1.0 TDs/gm

FRED TAYLOR:

2003: 16 games, 1942 total yards, 07 TDs. 121 yards per game. .43 TDs/gm (Hasn't done anything since 2003)

Addai and Bush only have one year under their belts, non more impressive than any of the three Westbrook has had and Turner and Peterson have done nothing yet.

Alexander is too one dimensional.

Outside of last season, prove Gore or Steven Jackson are elite RBs? Impossible.

 

[YoUnG GuNz]

Switz have you ever watched an Eagles game? If you have you wouldn't be saying this stuff. He is one of the most talented backs in the league hands down.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Didn't see Ontario Smith on that list Switz. What's wrong, gave up on him?

 

[switz]

Didn't see Ontario Smith on that list Switz. What's wrong, gave up on him?

Smith had talent, anyone who denies that is doing it out of ignorance. As far as being a headcase, well, that keeps him out of the league.