Appreciating Westbrook
I have a new obsession. It’s the Media Guide over at PE.com. If you’re a stats and records junkie like me, you’ll love it. Since I haven’t perused the Eagles record book lately, I spent over an hour scanning the names and numbers. One name kept popping out: Brian Westbrook.
I guess that should come as no surprise. The dude has compiled an impressive resume in seven seasons. Are you aware how impressive? I sure wasn’t. Don’t worry, I chided myself for being ignorant. At any rate, since Brian’s current status is a tad unclear, I thought it appropriate to heap some well-deserved praise on one of the NFL’s most feared players. Here it goes.
- Westbrook sits 8th on the All-Time scoring list. Only four non-kickers have scored more than his 398 points. Only one running back (Steve Van Buren) is ahead of him.
- His 66 career touchdowns is 4th on the All-Time list. He needs 14 touchdowns to become the franchise leader. If (big if) he stays healthy, he could achieve that mark this season.
- He is third in rushing. 818 yards and he’ll be tops on the list. His 4.6 avg ties Charlie Garner for best among running backs. His 36 rushing TDs is third highest. Wilbert Montgomery’s 45 is within reach. Van Buren’s 69 is untouchable.
- He’s one of four running backs with more than 1000 rushing attempts. His 1247 sits third in the rankings. 219 more carries will give him the number one spot.
- This one is amazing. He is third on the All-Time receptions list. Only Harold Carmichael and tight end Pete Reztlaff are above him. He holds the team record for catches in a season with 90 back in 2007.
- His 3069 yards receiving is 10th best. He is the only running back in the Top 10. His 28 touchdowns is also 10th best. Again, no other running back is in the Top 10.
- In seven seasons, he’s already the franchise leader in yards from scrimmage with 9,330. He will undoubtedly become the first Eagle to cross the 10,000 yard plateau.
- His 1648 touches is second best. 84 more and he will surpass Wilbert Montgomery. In 2003, he averaged 6.1 yards per touch, which ties for 5th in team history.
- He owns the 1st and 4th best total yards from scrimmage in a season.
- His 15.3 punt return average in 2003 ties for first in team history. His two career punt returns for scores are the 2nd and 3rd longest.
I’m sure some of you have committed these records to memory, but I think it’s important to recognize how good Westy has been in only seven seasons. If he can gut out a couple more years, he will smash the record book to pieces.
Best running back ever to wear a Birds uniform? I’d say so. Best offensive player ever? He definitely deserves consideration.