Westbrook's handcuff (1 Viewer)

[Tornacl]

Who is going to be Westbrook's backup this year? With the acquisition of Booker, Hunt in his 2nd year, and CBuck still hanging around, who is the best to go after? Westy's injury history isn't the greatest, so there's a good bet someone else will get at least one start this year. Also, with Westy getting up there in age, is his replacement on the roster (Booker or Hunt), or are they all just filler?

I tend to think that Booker's skill set is the most similar to Westy's (but not near the same caliber), so he may be a good in-game replacement that wouldn't require a drastic change of the week's gameplan. But at least for this year, CBuck would probably be the starter if they knew Westy was going to be out for the week.

Do any of the Philly homers have any insight?

 

[renesauz]

NONE of the ABOVE (null vote)!!!!

If Westbrook were to miss significant time, the work would be spread among the other RB's, meaning that none of them are a legit "handcuff".

Buckhalter would get more carries, but Hunt would likely get the bulk of the short yardage/goal line work.

Booker will be get a few more carries, and a few more receptions...enough to become a flex option in deep leagues, but no-where near enough to call him a true handuff.

They won't go after another back. Philly has one of the deeper and more diverse RB corps in the NFL right now.

You need a "None Of The Above" option.

 

[renesauz]

ALSO...check Westbrook's "injury history" a little closer...you'll find he's every bit as reliable as the other top backs, and more so then many.

 

[Slider]

Booker is a clone.

 

[Tornacl]

I've happily owned Westy in a dynasty league for the last four years, so I pretty much count on him at least some time. I realize that he's not much different than anyone else, but I never count on him starting 16 games.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

From everything coming out of the Eagles mini camps, Booker looks like he will get some serious playing time. They want to limit BWests touches a bit and Booker looks like he may be able to bring many of the things to the table that BWest does. There have been several mentions by the Birds about playing Booker and BWest at the same time, flanking them out as WR's. Could be a very interesting offense this year.

I would expect the birds to use Tony Hunt much more this year in short yardage and Buckskin as the change of pace back.

 

[Jason Wood]

The answer would be ALL OF THE ABOVE.

You don't replace Westbrook's productivity, PERIOD. If he got hurt, they would pass more (a scary thought) and use every back on the roster depending on down and distance. But again, you don't replace his abilities. There's not many backs in the league (if any) better suited for that offense with as much ability, and we don't have anything close to that on our bench.

And while Booker may see a lot of PT, let's please not call him a clone of BW; that's patently unfair to the kid and really unrealistic.

 

[Cookiemonster]

From everything coming out of the Eagles mini camps, Booker looks like he will get some serious playing time. They want to limit BWests touches a bit and Booker looks like he may be able to bring many of the things to the table that BWest does. There have been several mentions by the Birds about playing Booker and BWest at the same time, flanking them out as WR's. Could be a very interesting offense this year.

I would expect the birds to use Tony Hunt much more this year in short yardage and Buckskin as the change of pace back.

That could be some funn high school ####. A wishbone w/ Hunt/Buck as the lead back and Booker/Westy the tailbacks. You could motion the two out to WR, and run some single back w/ the big guy. Run & shoot. The Eagles have the line to do some stuff like that. Add McNabb to that equation when he's back to 100% and it could get crazy.Sorry for the tangent, I was just checking in to see what the vote was as I'm as ignorant about the Eagles as I could be about any other high-profile team in the league.

 

[mdog1967]

Took a flyer on Booker late this year in a Rookie draft. I don't know who would be the starter if Westbrook went down, I like Tony Hunt but there were some who had Booker pretty high coming out last year, not in the same tier as Peterson and Lynch but high none the less. Westbrook is 28ish and I think its a safe bet to start to see some decline in production. The issue of Westbrook hurt a lot is mis-leading, but he always has an injury - always and I think he is one of the most gut it out backs in the NFL. There comes a time when the body just cant hold up, is it this year? Next Year?

Tough question to answer, I would put it in this order myself Booker, Hunt, Buckhalter for 2008. Booker skill sets are closer to Westbrook than the other runners.

 

[Jason Wood]

Took a flyer on Booker late this year in a Rookie draft. I don't know who would be the starter if Westbrook went down, I like Tony Hunt but there were some who had Booker pretty high coming out last year, not in the same tier as Peterson and Lynch but high none the less. Westbrook is 28ish and I think its a safe bet to start to see some decline in production. The issue of Westbrook hurt a lot is mis-leading, but he always has an injury - always and I think he is one of the most gut it out backs in the NFL. There comes a time when the body just cant hold up, is it this year? Next Year?

Tough question to answer, I would put it in this order myself Booker, Hunt, Buckhalter for 2008. Booker skill sets are closer to Westbrook than the other runners.

I keep hearing this and it really isn't accurate at all. Booker is the best receiver of the backups, sure. But Westbrook also happens to be a phenomenal blocker and is great between the tackles. He's also excellent at the goal line. Anyone that's going to say Booker is the best in those situations is hoping for something we haven't seen of Booker in Miami or at Florida State. Buckhalter is the team's most powerful runner and knows the blocking schemes by virtue of his long-time experience in the offense. Hunt has a lot to prove (as to Booker), but based on his running style and collegiate skill set, he projects as the far more capable short yardage and goal line option.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Jason I think you are missing a bit on Booker. What he brings to the table is the ability to get mis matches in the defense. I do not think anyone is saying that Booker is even close to Westbrook. But what he does do is allow the Eagles to play a similiar type of offense and still use a RB to get those type of mismatches that Westbrook does.

 

[mdog1967]

Took a flyer on Booker late this year in a Rookie draft. I don't know who would be the starter if Westbrook went down, I like Tony Hunt but there were some who had Booker pretty high coming out last year, not in the same tier as Peterson and Lynch but high none the less. Westbrook is 28ish and I think its a safe bet to start to see some decline in production. The issue of Westbrook hurt a lot is mis-leading, but he always has an injury - always and I think he is one of the most gut it out backs in the NFL. There comes a time when the body just cant hold up, is it this year? Next Year?

Tough question to answer, I would put it in this order myself Booker, Hunt, Buckhalter for 2008. Booker skill sets are closer to Westbrook than the other runners.

I keep hearing this and it really isn't accurate at all. Booker is the best receiver of the backups, sure. But Westbrook also happens to be a phenomenal blocker and is great between the tackles. He's also excellent at the goal line. Anyone that's going to say Booker is the best in those situations is hoping for something we haven't seen of Booker in Miami or at Florida State. Buckhalter is the team's most powerful runner and knows the blocking schemes by virtue of his long-time experience in the offense. Hunt has a lot to prove (as to Booker), but based on his running style and collegiate skill set, he projects as the far more capable short yardage and goal line option.

Hate posting this from a scouting group that I clearly dont like but:The good: A shifty scatback who was one of the better playmakers in the ACC. Has a quick burst through the hole with the speed to get to the second level and outrun defenders. He is a quality return specialist who may get opportunities in that role. Capable of being an immediate playmaker as a third-down back. As a senior, he rushed for 616 yards and four TDs on 143 carries. He also caught 33 passes for 420 yards. At the Combine, he ran a 4.46 and 4.5 with 26 reps and a 35.5-inch vertical leap.

The bad: Has only marginal strength to break tackles, and it’s uncertain if he has the power to pound inside as a pro feature back. As a blocker, he must show the toughness to contain linebackers.

Outlook: Explosive, versatile playmaker who never realized his full potential at FSU because of splitting playing time and nagging injuries. Has the skills to be a fine playmaker in a pro offense and a full-time starter if he answers the durability issues. Marginal top-50 prospect with the ability to be a major surprise early in his career. Should be picked in the second or third round.

From the archives of FFToday

Matt Waldman (Wildman)

2007 Post-Draft Impressions: Part 2

5/9/07



Impact Player: RB Lorenzo Booker, FSU

Booker is a quick, fast, tough runner with vision and receiving skills. He lit up the Senior Bowl practices and faced top-notch competition while looking like the better of the two backs in the rotation in 2004-2005 (Leon Washington was that other back). I think Booker will see the field as a situational back and Cam Cameron will also find ways to get him the ball similar to the way the Saints used Bush split wide.

Jason you can disagree with me that Buckhalter and not Booker would be the immediate backup, but I am correct in the portion you highlighted as I state again that Booker is the closest to Westbrook in skill set. The Eagles gave a 4th round pick for him, need major help at WR and cold have easily used that 4th to acquire a decent guy for McNabb to throw to. Now none of this means that Booker is the heir apparent to Westbrook, but if we are speculating (and we are all speculating) Then I don't see any reason not to say "Why not Booker".

 

[renesauz]

The OP was asking who the handcuff is...and there is no handcuff.

All three backup RB's would see more action, but none would see enough of an increase to qualify as a "handcuff".

 

[Riffraff]

Philly got what they needed for special teams improvement. They brought in Booker and Jackson.

Jackson should end up being a starter at WR for them eventually. Booker can continue to be a returner.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

NONE of the ABOVE (null vote)!!!!If Westbrook were to miss significant time, the work would be spread among the other RB's, meaning that none of them are a legit "handcuff".Buckhalter would get more carries, but Hunt would likely get the bulk of the short yardage/goal line work.Booker will be get a few more carries, and a few more receptions...enough to become a flex option in deep leagues, but no-where near enough to call him a true handuff.They won't go after another back. Philly has one of the deeper and more diverse RB corps in the NFL right now.You need a "None Of The Above" option.

I have to agree. Westbrook's handcuff is someone on another team that you draft or purchase in case he goes down. Your depth is the handcuff. It isn't anyone on the Eagles.

 

[Jason Wood]

Jason I think you are missing a bit on Booker. What he brings to the table is the ability to get mis matches in the defense. I do not think anyone is saying that Booker is even close to Westbrook. But what he does do is allow the Eagles to play a similiar type of offense and still use a RB to get those type of mismatches that Westbrook does.

Not if he can't block or run between the tackles.

 

[mdog1967]

Jason I think you are missing a bit on Booker. What he brings to the table is the ability to get mis matches in the defense. I do not think anyone is saying that Booker is even close to Westbrook. But what he does do is allow the Eagles to play a similiar type of offense and still use a RB to get those type of mismatches that Westbrook does.

Not if he can't block or run between the tackles.

I think as of today it don't matter. Were arguing hypothetically before training camp even starts. You can teach blocking much easier than elusiveness and vision, but at this point who really knows? I have my favorite for the reasons I stated, Jason has his and some have chosen none of the above. I have not seen enough of Bookers college play to state emphatically that he can run between the tackles, I will respect and defer to Jason's POV until proven otherwise.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Jason I think you are missing a bit on Booker. What he brings to the table is the ability to get mis matches in the defense. I do not think anyone is saying that Booker is even close to Westbrook. But what he does do is allow the Eagles to play a similiar type of offense and still use a RB to get those type of mismatches that Westbrook does.

Not if he can't block or run between the tackles.

They do not create mis matches with westbrook by keeping him in to chip block or pass protect and running between tackles (which I believe Westbrook is one of the best in the league at). They get mismatches by moving Westbrook around his natural position, running screen plays and ISOing him on certain linebackers. Thats where Booker is clearly the closest thing on the Eagles roster to Westbrook. Having a player like Booker allows the Birds to create those sort of mis matches with someone other then Westbrook. Its that simple.

 

[EBF]

If Westbrook went down, I think we'd see a RBBC with Booker, Hunt, and possibly Buckhalter.

The Eagles don't really have an "every down" type back in the bullpen at the moment.

 

[Flea Flicker]

The Eagles don't really have an "every down" type back in the bullpen at the moment.

Hunt has not proven it on the NFL level yet, but I think he has the ability to be an every down back. He caught plenty of passes out of the Penn State backfield ('06 receving was 27-259-3, and he had 39 receptions as a soph, too), and of course he is a tough inside runner and a load to tackle (233 lbs). My understanding is that his PT was limited last year because he struggled with his blocking ...like most rookie RBs. Maybe a true offseason will help in that regard. That said, I could definitely see him as being effective in some kind of RBBC with Booker if Westbrook went down.

 

[Kleck]

NONE of the ABOVE (null vote)!!!!If Westbrook were to miss significant time, the work would be spread among the other RB's, meaning that none of them are a legit "handcuff".Buckhalter would get more carries, but Hunt would likely get the bulk of the short yardage/goal line work.Booker will be get a few more carries, and a few more receptions...enough to become a flex option in deep leagues, but no-where near enough to call him a true handuff.They won't go after another back. Philly has one of the deeper and more diverse RB corps in the NFL right now.You need a "None Of The Above" option.

The answer would be ALL OF THE ABOVE.You don't replace Westbrook's productivity, PERIOD. If he got hurt, they would pass more (a scary thought) and use every back on the roster depending on down and distance. But again, you don't replace his abilities. There's not many backs in the league (if any) better suited for that offense with as much ability, and we don't have anything close to that on our bench.And while Booker may see a lot of PT, let's please not call him a clone of BW; that's patently unfair to the kid and really unrealistic.

x2If someone like Westbrook goes down, there is no single RB that will see the kind of workload or fantasy impact that Westbrook brings.

 

[Gary Davenport]

Jason I think you are missing a bit on Booker. What he brings to the table is the ability to get mis matches in the defense. I do not think anyone is saying that Booker is even close to Westbrook. But what he does do is allow the Eagles to play a similiar type of offense and still use a RB to get those type of mismatches that Westbrook does.

Not if he can't block or run between the tackles.

They do not create mis matches with westbrook by keeping him in to chip block or pass protect and running between tackles (which I believe Westbrook is one of the best in the league at). They get mismatches by moving Westbrook around his natural position, running screen plays and ISOing him on certain linebackers. Thats where Booker is clearly the closest thing on the Eagles roster to Westbrook. Having a player like Booker allows the Birds to create those sort of mis matches with someone other then Westbrook. Its that simple.

This is the same Booker that Miami traded for a 12-Pack and a Bag of Fritos?If Westy goes down and you own him you'd better have another, non-Philly option, because their ground game will degenerate into a fantasy nightmare.

 

[Jason Wood]

Jason I think you are missing a bit on Booker. What he brings to the table is the ability to get mis matches in the defense. I do not think anyone is saying that Booker is even close to Westbrook. But what he does do is allow the Eagles to play a similiar type of offense and still use a RB to get those type of mismatches that Westbrook does.

Not if he can't block or run between the tackles.

They do not create mis matches with westbrook by keeping him in to chip block or pass protect and running between tackles (which I believe Westbrook is one of the best in the league at). They get mismatches by moving Westbrook around his natural position, running screen plays and ISOing him on certain linebackers. Thats where Booker is clearly the closest thing on the Eagles roster to Westbrook. Having a player like Booker allows the Birds to create those sort of mis matches with someone other then Westbrook. Its that simple.

The question before the table is which Eagles RB is Westbrook's handcuff. The answer is NONE of them. Honestly, if you're in a redraft league no Eagles backup is worth rostering you are far better off drafting another team's backup who MIGHT end up being a productive full time runner in the event of injury.And considering Westbrook makes up nearly half of the Eagles offensive output, it's not AT ALL simply about having a RB in there who can be put outside and catch passes. Amp Lee could do that. Kevin Faulk can do that. That's not what Brian Westbrook is. The problem with Booker or Buckhalter or Hunt versus Westbrook is that it DRAMATICALLY changes the way defenses scheme for the Birds. Even when Westbrook is lined out wide or sent in a pass pattern to "create mismatches", part of the problem is that teams can't or won't play a lot of nickel and dime against us because Westbrook is too capable of breaking off a 15-yard run. With Booker, teams would be much more comfortable betting on the pass; and that means they'll be right more times than not; ergo much lower overall production from the Eagles offense.

This really isn't as hard as people are making it out to be. A lot of the elite RBs in the NFL don't have true "handcuffs", it's one of the myths of fantasy football. And considering that Westbrook is probably the most unique of those elite backs given the way he goes about producing his stats; it makes it all the harder.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Jason,

If Westbrook is out for the year, which RB do you pick up? None?

 

[mdog1967]

Jason,If Westbrook is out for the year, which RB do you pick up? None?

I too am at a loss. I know Westbrook is a good RB, but I thought the intent of the post was to discuss who would be his handcuff. I guess my argument had been Booker who closely resembles the skill sets of a Westbrook would allow the Eagles to keep intact most of their offensive scheme. I guess I missed something I guess.Westbrook is great RB, but he is not irreplaceable. I am sure that there were some here who didn't give Westbrook a chance to be the man in Philly when Deuce Staley had his 2002 near 1600 combined yard season.

 

[renesauz]

Jason,If Westbrook is out for the year, which RB do you pick up? None?

Any two of the three (I'd bet Buckhalter and Booker) could then become viable RB3's in a RBBC type situation...but is a RB3 really a handcuff to a top 5 Runner?

 

[renesauz]

Jason,

If Westbrook is out for the year, which RB do you pick up? None?

I too am at a loss. I know Westbrook is a good RB, but I thought the intent of the post was to discuss who would be his handcuff. I guess my argument had been Booker who closely resembles the skill sets of a Westbrook would allow the Eagles to keep intact most of their offensive scheme. I guess I missed something I guess.Westbrook is great RB, but he is not irreplaceable. I am sure that there were some here who didn't give Westbrook a chance to be the man in Philly when Deuce Staley had his 2002 near 1600 combined yard season.

The problem lies in the fact that NOBODY truly represents Westbrook's skill set. Booker might be decent out in the flat and in the misdirection plays (and look a lot like Westy then) but he can't hold a candle to Westbrook's inside running ability. It's the inside running ability of Westbrook that allows so many mismatches when he takes off for the flat pre-snap.As you said, he is replaceable, but not easily, and almost certainly not by one RB, and definately not by any one RB currently on the Eagles roster.

Booker can never handle the every down back role, or the inside running.

Buckhalter can't stay healthy enough to be an every down back, and while solid, isn't anywhere close to dynamic enough to "replace" Westbrook anyway.

Hunt has a good chance to be an ever down back, but his game leans more towards power running, and he is nowhere close to Westbrook in his open-field shiftiness and recieving ability.

Together, the three represent a quality set of backup's, but none are individually capable of "relacing" Westy.

 

[mdog1967]

Jason,

If Westbrook is out for the year, which RB do you pick up? None?

I too am at a loss. I know Westbrook is a good RB, but I thought the intent of the post was to discuss who would be his handcuff. I guess my argument had been Booker who closely resembles the skill sets of a Westbrook would allow the Eagles to keep intact most of their offensive scheme. I guess I missed something I guess.Westbrook is great RB, but he is not irreplaceable. I am sure that there were some here who didn't give Westbrook a chance to be the man in Philly when Deuce Staley had his 2002 near 1600 combined yard season.

The problem lies in the fact that NOBODY truly represents Westbrook's skill set. Booker might be decent out in the flat and in the misdirection plays (and look a lot like Westy then) but he can't hold a candle to Westbrook's inside running ability. It's the inside running ability of Westbrook that allows so many mismatches when he takes off for the flat pre-snap.As you said, he is replaceable, but not easily, and almost certainly not by one RB, and definately not by any one RB currently on the Eagles roster.

Booker can never handle the every down back role, or the inside running.

Buckhalter can't stay healthy enough to be an every down back, and while solid, isn't anywhere close to dynamic enough to "replace" Westbrook anyway.

Hunt has a good chance to be an ever down back, but his game leans more towards power running, and he is nowhere close to Westbrook in his open-field shiftiness and recieving ability.

Together, the three represent a quality set of backup's, but none are individually capable of "relacing" Westy.

A point of View, good enough and just as valid as any other posted here.

 

[Jason Wood]

Jason,If Westbrook is out for the year, which RB do you pick up? None?

I wouldn't expect any other Eagles RB to approximate top 30 production for any extended period of time; so no, picking up one of them wouldn't be a priority if I owned Westy and lost him to injury. I would hope that I drafted and had enough depth to put another top 15-20 option into my starting lineup and/or had the guns to trade for someone if the need be.And to be clear, I'm not generally a fan of handcuffing as a strategy in all but the deepest of redraft leagues.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Like I said before, I'm fairly ignorant to the inner workings of the Eagles, but I do pride myself on being a fairly good judge of RB talent and Hunt is the only one that has an opportunity to be drafted by me. Dude hits like (to quote Mike Tyson) "a ####### mule kick." He'll hurt a defense over 4 quarters.

 

[finito]

ppr I would take Booker, otherwise I'd probably ignore the whole cluster F.

 

[Cookiemonster]

ppr I would take Booker, otherwise I'd probably ignore the whole cluster F.

While watching one of his "highlight reels," I saw him get absolutely LIT UP on a kick return. Then they showed it in slow motion and I noticed it was the kicker. <_< I lost all respect for him at that point.ETA... if it was Sepulveda, please correct me, as that dude is a freight train for a kicker.

 

[westbrook36]

If Westbrook gets hurt you are screwed, because Andy Reid would probably have a major committee of all 3. Right now Buckhalter would have the edge at getting the most carries since he knows the offense the best, and has the most NFL experience on the roster.

 

[finito]

ppr I would take Booker, otherwise I'd probably ignore the whole cluster F.

While watching one of his "highlight reels," I saw him get absolutely LIT UP on a kick return. Then they showed it in slow motion and I noticed it was the kicker. I lost all respect for him at that point.ETA... if it was Sepulveda, please correct me, as that dude is a freight train for a kicker.

Haha, I'd love to see that.Last year Booker only played in 5 games, and in those games he put up 362 total yds of offense, averaged over 4.4 yds a carry with over 5 catches a game. In ppr leagues that is pretty solid. Small sample size, but if Westbrook missed significant time I think Booker would see the field enough to be productive in ppr leagues.