Can the Eagles run the ball without Westbrook?

[kcas31]

Re: Can the Eagles run the ball without Westbrook?

IMHO I think Portis is the best inside runner in the division and he is no where near a big back. But he has a knack for hitting the right crease and staying with it. I think you a need a guy who can move the pile and unfortunately we do not have one right now. I love Westy but Portis is better in that aspect.

[Vote for Kalas]

Re: Can the Eagles run the ball without Westbrook?

VFK, I would argue that we need a power back in addition to the backs we already have. He would provide depth and an element of our offense that is lacking - POWER!

I get the point, I just think having a RB just for those rare "power" situations is over-rated and that more successful teams have a group of versatile RB. Plus we have both Buck and Hunt that are bigger RB; one is a vet who has proven himself in this league and the other is a 2nd year guy still growing.

If instead you want Reid to change his overall philosophy and go to a power running game, that ain't gonna happen.

[Vote for Kalas]

Re: Can the Eagles run the ball without Westbrook?

VFK, how can our running situation be good, if Westbrook is injured, Buckhalter is one-dimensional and prone to injury, and Hunt and Booker "need to improve" (as you put it. I would say that they suck.)?

Westbrook has a sprained ankle and is coming back soon, maybe even this week. He played with a bum knee nearly the last 2 seasons and had the best years of his career. Now, if he goes down for the season or something then yes we would be in trouble, but again so would 99% of the team in the league.

Buck's last injury year was 2005, he has been fine since then and is not one-dimensional IMV. He can do everything necessary in this offense via pass & run including between the tackles. I wish Reid would utilize him more.

Hunt is already playing in short yardage and goal line situations and should get more opps this season if he can prove he deserves it. He hardly sucks, but if you believe that so be it.

Booker has not shown well so far outside of TC. I think Reid is trying to find ways to utilize him and get him up to speed on blocking and protections. He is very quick/fast and a good reciever so he could be an asset if he can get the offense down.

Hunt/Booker are in their 2nd seasons so they hardly are out of time to improve or earn more opps.

[leifdawg]

Re: Can the Eagles run the ball without Westbrook?

LOL@Portis being called a power back.

Buckhalter is just as much a power back as Portis. Buck is also more of a workhorse back than Westbrook, he usually gets better the more touches he gets. IMO he should be getting as many carries as Westbrook and have Westbrook moving around catching passes more.

And to answer the question in the topic. Yes the Eagles can run the ball without Westbrook. Losing Westbrook hurts the passing game a lot more than the running game.

[stocknowledge]

Re: Can the Eagles run the ball without Westbrook?

Portis is a much tougher running back than Buckhalter. Pound-for-pound, Portis may be the toughest running back in the league. And, while he might not have the build of a true power back, he runs with authority, breaks tackles and probably finishes runs better than anyone (including LT).

Buckhalter can't even be mentioned in the same sentence with Portis. Since 2001, Portis in seven seasons has gained 8,084 yards, Buckhalter in eight seasons has gained 1900 yards. The most yards Buckhalter has gained in any season is 586 - and that was his first year in the league.

Buckhalter has had three knee operations in five years. I don't think he can be relied upon to carry the rock.

[rspurr]

Re: Can the Eagles run the ball without Westbrook?

Portis is one of the top 5 running backs in the league right now. Maybe even top 3.

[FRESH]

Re: Can the Eagles run the ball without Westbrook?

Portis really aa nice pickup for the Skins. He's on pace for 1500 yards and 15 TDs this season, and at age 27 he doesn't look ready to slow down. I'm real curious to see how well the Iggs with their #1 ranked run D can handle him.

As for whether the Eagles can run the ball without Westy, I think Buckys is a pretty fantastic option #2, and if he's needed to carry the load for a bit, he can and will, especially if we can ever get Andrews back. (But a real FB would be nice )

[Soaring Eagle]

Re: Can the Eagles run the ball without Westbrook?

Well this turned out to be a familiar debate.

The Eagles could certainly use a more diversified running
attack, e.g., more carries for Buck & Hunt and
more focus on getting the OL to run block.

As far as a power back, Hunt seems to fit this role well enough.
Hopefully Westy is back this week and the offense will be more effective
passing and running.

[Eagle60]

Re: Can the Eagles run the ball without Westbrook?

I don't know what's so hard about finding 3 decent RBs. There are a lot of teams with 3 good ones. Wasn't it just a couple of years ago it was the most underpaid position in football because they were supposedly so easy to replace? Anyway, the FO appears to have really misjudged Booker's talent. Buck needs to stay healthy and do the job.