Westbrook Return Set for Eagles' Pigskin Battle with Cowboys

Why bring Brian Westbrook back for a non-conference Philadelphia Eagles' home game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday?

To get him ready for the season-ending clash against the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas on Jan. 3.

Just as Michael Vick had to get his legs back after a two-and-a-half year layoff from football, Westbrook has to see game action for the first time in five games.

He last played on Nov. 15, in a 31-23 loss to the San Diego Chargers. He ran six times for 28 yards before he suffered his second concussion of the season.

The Eagles have not lost since.

So why bring him back?

I, and I assume the Eagles brass, have a gut feeling that the Eagles will need all weapons available for the Jan. 3 matchup with the Cowboys, with the NFC East title potentially at stake.

Expect him to have limited touches, mostly from screen passes in open space, where he can do the most damage on Sunday.

I know another thing: Westbrook is going to play all-out, as he has his whole career.

If the Eagles win against Denver and the Cowboys win this week, the winner of the Jan. 3 match will win the division.

Dallas wins on Jan. 3, the Eagles and Dallas both are 11-5. Dallas would have beaten the Eagles twice, so they would win the tie-breaker.

For the Eagles: Beat Dallas, and the division is theirs. Seven straight wins and a 12-4 regular season record.

Imagine this: Westbrook in backfield with Leonard Weaver, DeShawn Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant as the wideouts.

Or: LaSean McCoy and Weaver in the backfield with Donovan McNabb at quarterback, Westbrook, Jackson and Maclin split out.

Ouch.

Once again the Eagles are doing the right thing.

You don't want to bring Westbrook in cold after six weeks off against Dallas.

The Eagles just won't admit it.

Bring it on!

God Bless, you, Brian Westbrook.