Brian Westbrook could pass an Eagles legend in Sunday's game against Carolina, on the way to a potentially record-breaking season for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Westbrook needs just 74 yards to pass Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren and become the second all-time leading rusher in Eagles history. Westbrook currently has 5,721 yards to Van Buren's 5,860. Wilbert Montgomery is the all-time leader with 6,538, putting him just 817 yards ahead of Westbrook.
Montgomery's record is easily within reach this season for Westbrook, who has topped 817 yards rushing each of the last three seasons. However, those are the only three seasons he has started more than 12 games in his seven-year career, so while a healthy Westbrook would surely catch Montgomery, an injury-free season isn't guaranteed.
Westbrook, a third-round pick who was taken 91st overall, was a steal in the 2002 NFL Draft. Of the seven running backs picked higher than Westbrook, only two-time Pro Bowler Clinton Portis (9,202 career yards) has outplayed him.
In fact, Westbrook alone has outgained the combined rushing totals of the two running backs picked in the first round, William Green (2,109 yards) and T.J. Duckett (2,814), both of whom are now out of football. The other backs picked ahead of Westbrook include DeShaun Foster (3,570), Maurice Morris (2,612), Ladell Betts (2,966), and Lamar Gordon (774).
Assuming Westbrook plays 16 games, he needs to average a little more than 51 yards a game to pass Montgomery. If Westbrook can stay healthy, he'll run his way into Eagles history by season's end.
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1 comment:
Great points and very informative...Keep up the good work
Mr. Phelan
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