The Eagles have made a lot of positive additions to the offensive side of their football team since a year ago but the best addition to the lineup this Sunday will probably be a healthy Brian Westbrook.
The Birds finished their season with Westbrook limping around on bad ankles, but that has changed. He says he’s healthy, fresh and ready to go which isn’t good news for Carolina.
With their weak secondary, the Panthers are going to try to double DeSean Jackson and keep the rest of the receivers under control so that they don’t allow any big plays.
Westbrook mentioned it today during his news conference by says talking about Jackson’s ability to threaten the defense downfield.
The emergence of Jackson will force teams to double him because
defenses usually focus on the player who is in position to make the big
play. It’s harder for the Birds to get Westbrook downfield so they
will probably double Jackson before doubling Westbrook.
This will leave the responsiblity of covering Westbrook up to the Panthers linebackers. You won’t see too many backers in the league smiling when they get that news
Those guys won’t get much sleep in anticipation of getting caught in open space with Westbrook.
When he’s healthy he can make two defensive players much less just one.
If Jackson plays the way he’s capable and on the level we’ve seen during the preseason, it will force them to focus on him and that will mean easy picking for Mr. Westbrook.
It will also put the tight ends in one-on-one situations.
It’s one of the reasons I have been harping about getting a number one wide receiver. If Jackson plays to his capabilities, Westbrook might be playing with a true number one receiver for the first time since Terrell Owens left town.
