Brian Westbrook Meeting with Redskins on Wednesday

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by tootergray34

so we offered him a deal?

Redskins Insider - Shanahan: Skins have made offer to Brian Westbrook

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan made his most emphatic public overtures to free agent running back Brian Westbrook Wednesday, saying Washington has made Westbrook an official offer to join a full stable of running backs that already includes veterans Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker.

Asked after Wednesday's offseason workout session if he had heard from Westbrook or his agent, Shanahan told the assembled media, "No, but if you guys hear anything, just tell him that we're ready.

"We want him to sign with us," Shanahan said. "Like I said, it could be some great competition. I really like Brian, what he's done and how he's handled himself. I'm sure he's weighing some options. It's not too far away from home. Any more I can do?"

Shanahan was reminded that Westbrook's younger brother Byron plays cornerback for the Redskins. "I've played that card already," Shanahan said.

Westbrook, 30, played his entire eight-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles before he was released this offseason. He is coming off two concussions that limited him to eight games and 274 yards rushing--his lowest output since his rookie season of 2002. St. Louis also has shown interest in Westbrook.

Westbrook's quarterback in Philadelphia was new Redskins signal caller Donovan McNabb. Though McNabb emphasized Wednesday that he has no say in personnel decisions in Washington, he said he speaks with his former -- and perhaps future -- teammate regularly.

"It's not just pertaining to football," McNabb said. "I just want the guy to have an opportunity to continue on what he started and prove the critics wrong that he can still play. If it's here or anywhere else, that would be his decision and for the people upstairs. For me, I'm just trying to get my feet settled and get this thing in the right direction."

[ethat001]

Hmmm.. I just remember the Eagles with Westbrook in recent years, and they just *couldn't* run on third down (or fourth down). Sure, Westbrook is a great pass-catcher, but then wouldn't opposing defenses know the team will pass if WB goes in?

I guess the theory is:
- 3rd down and 3 -- put LJ in and try to use the power back...
- 3rd down and 10 -- put Westbrook in there to use RB as a catching threat..

So:
1st down - Clinton Portis
2nd down - Willie Parker (if he's still there)
3rd down - LJ (short yardage) or WB (passing situations)

Still think it'd have been better to get some young RB to develop instead of reworking the entire RB corps next year about this time..

[SBXVII]

^ I'm not so sure about Parker. I guessing if Portis does what Shanahan wants him to do then Portis will be the main RB otherwise he could be gone. But as it seems now he is doing what Shanahan wants.

I get the impression LJ will be the big RB on short yrdge.

I think it's obvious Westbrook would be used for passing downs and as you said other teams would key on that unless of course they choose to use a 2 back system say Portis and Westbrook.... have them run to opposite sides and defenses would have to account for either Portis running or Westbrook catching out of the back field.

Basically Westbrook just adds another wrinkle for defenses to have to account for. I also wonder if Shanahan would decide to use certain RB's against certain teams based on the other teams weaknesses. Portis might be the main RB in one game but Parker might be the main RB in another. Westbrook another and finally LJ perhaps against teams with strong DL's.

[tryfuhl]

can't wait for all out practices to see who reads and cuts best

[NYCskinfan82]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

can't wait for all out practices to see who reads and cuts best

Agree, the season can't start fast enough for me.

HTTR.

[Monkeydad]

No news since June 2. C'mon! What's going on, Brian?

[SBXVII]

I think at this point the media and fans need to be cornering Byron Westbrook and asking him what his brother is going to do.

[Leader In Sports]

I am pretty sure I read that the Redskins had wanted WP but it looked like they would be unable to get him, so they brought in LJ. I would think if they have to cut one of them, it would be LJ. Of course, that could just be the Steeler fan in me talking too.

[MTK]

Reports of Parker not looking too hot in camps so far certainly doesn't help his case.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by Leader In Sports

I am pretty sure I read that the Redskins had wanted WP but it looked like they would be unable to get him, so they brought in LJ. I would think if they have to cut one of them, it would be LJ. Of course, that could just be the Steeler fan in me talking too.

Hey...one more post for you to post pictures.

[Leader In Sports]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Reports of Parker not looking too hot in camps so far certainly doesn't help his case.

I haven't had time to follow the training camp reports, so I defer to you. That does suck for me though, since I am a big WP fan.

[Leader In Sports]

Originally Posted by Buster

Hey...one more post for you to post pictures.

Pictures, what pictures?

[skinsfan_nn]

Broncos backing off Westbrook pursuit - AFC West Blog - ESPN

Broncos backing off Brian Westbrook
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on June 11, 2010 8:32 PM ET
Brian Westbrook successfully drummed up interest after the NFL Draft, but he's yet to make a decision about his future. There are indications that at least one suitor is tired of waiting.

Bill Williamson of ESPN writes Denver is "softening" its pursuit of the former Eagles running back. Instead, the Broncos want to see how J.J. Arrington looks in a third down role during training camp.

The Redskins remain interested in Westbrook, although we wonder if they would like to finally get an answer from him, perhaps before the team's mandatory minicamp next week. Westbrook visited the Rams first, but St. Louis appears to be his fallback plan.

[skinsnut]

Originally Posted by skinsfan_nn

Broncos backing off Westbrook pursuit - AFC West Blog - ESPN

Broncos backing off Brian Westbrook
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on June 11, 2010 8:32 PM ET
Brian Westbrook successfully drummed up interest after the NFL Draft, but he's yet to make a decision about his future. There are indications that at least one suitor is tired of waiting.

Bill Williamson of ESPN writes Denver is "softening" its pursuit of the former Eagles running back. Instead, the Broncos want to see how J.J. Arrington looks in a third down role during training camp.

The Redskins remain interested in Westbrook, although we wonder if they would like to finally get an answer from him, perhaps before the team's mandatory minicamp next week. Westbrook visited the Rams first, but St. Louis appears to be his fallback plan.

Thanks for the link!
It has been too long...I am jonesing for some real skins news.
I would be cool if he joined the skins...part of me thinks he may say something tomorrow in philly with that event with Portis and McNabb.
On the other hand..what a way to tick off a city...announcing in town with your star QB who left.