Running Back Roundup

It would appear that the Eagles are in the market for a veteran number two back behind Shady McCoy. Justin “Son of Huggy Bear” Fargas got the NovaCare tour last week. On Tuesday, Mike Bell of the world champion Saints gets an invite.

The names don’t interest me as much as the style of running both these gents display. Each is a downhill, between the tackles back not known for their receiving abilities. In other words, the opposite of what we’re used to in midnight green.

Westy and Shady are the prototype of the Andy Reid west coast system. Smaller, dual threat guys who rely on quickness rather than power. The fact that the brain trust is flirting with adding a bigger more physical runner marks a change in philosophy, sort of.

For years we were forced to watch chumps like Ryan Moats and Lorenzo Booker try to win the backup spot. Both had a similar style and size to Westbrook. However, they lacked one key ingredient — talent. Neither could unseat Correll Buckhalter, who despite all his injury woes, proved to be the perfect complement to Westbrook.

Bell, Fargas and Buck are all, not coincidentally, about 6’0″ 225 lbs. They run tall and hard, which of course makes them more susceptible to injury. With limited carries though, each is capable of excelling in a reserve role.

Last offseason, the Birds drafted Shady to replace Westy. This time around, it seems as if they are looking for someone to adequately replace Buckhalter. Whether it’s a vet or a rookie, the job is definitely up for grabs. I wonder if Darnell Autry is available?

Subscribe to ITI