Westbrook's workload will drop
If past offseasons have taught us anything, the screaming headlines of June often look silly by September. So what do we make of the panic in Philadelphia after the Brian Westbrook surgery?
If I was an Eagles fan, I wouldn't be so worried yet. If I was a Westbrook fantasy owner, I would.
Even in a best case scenario (and Rotoworld has confirmed Westbrook should be running in six weeks), this injury hurts Westbrook's value significantly. Let's say Westbrook is fully healthy before Week 1 and looking like his old self. I think these surgeries, combined with Westbrook's struggles late last season, will encourage the Eagles to be extremely cautious with his workload.
This Philadelphia team is hunting big game - a championship. They won't get carried away worrying about Westbrook's contributions in October when they are focused on January. With improved weapons on both sides of the ball, especially offense, they also can be more careful with him.
After 368 touches in 2007, Westbrook dropped to 287 last season. We projected him for 275 in our first magazine, but that number is going to drop. It could be closer to 225, which is line with his averages between 2003-2005. Even if Westbrook plays well, he's unlikely to be a top-15 back with that workload. What's good for the Eagles and Westbrook won't be good for owners.
Comments
I will not be drafting Westy at all. Matter of fact i have never owned him on any team of fine. Too many injuries and way too worn out and abused by Philly. Like LT with SD , LJ with KC and on and on.
Posted by: Misfit | June 5, 2009 03:14 PM
Even with the injury concerns I imagine Westy will be drafted before Romo. A ton depends on the format of your league, but I don't think I'd be deal Westy and a 2nd for Romo and a 3rd.
Posted by: LestersLegends | June 5, 2009 03:29 PM
I "unloaded" Westbrook in my Dynasty league last season for FORTE and BERRIAN. I too thought he would have one more good season in 2009. But it looks like that won't happen. I got 4 very good seasons out of him before the trade.
Posted by: GoodMoveInJersey | June 5, 2009 05:28 PM
thats a pretty good trade but i dont think that relates to now.
Posted by: scott c | June 5, 2009 06:01 PM
"Not crazy about the deal at all, but am thinking maybe I should take what I can get at this point...his value couldn't be any lower."
Exactly, so why trade him now? Wait until he is running the ball again, trade him just before week 1 when he appears healthy and ready to go, or even wait until the season starts. Even with limited touches he will have at least one big game out of his first 3 or 4. After that big game everyone will think "hes back", then you dump him. Oh, and don't be fooled into being one of the people who thinks "hes back" at that time.
Posted by: Dan | June 5, 2009 11:25 PM
So, What do you guys think about keeping Jacobs over Westbrook in a keeper PPR league? I already have AP, Slaton and Kevin Smith and need to figure out which one to keep. We start 3RB's weekly.
Posted by: MG | June 5, 2009 11:45 PM
Jacobs is booty
Posted by: MG's Daddy | June 6, 2009 03:51 AM