Are the Philadelphia Eagles Better Off without Westbrook This Sunday?

Earlier today, it was brought to attention that Eagles star running back Brian Westbrook had re-aggravated his left knee in the Eagles' stunning win over the New York Giants this past Sunday. 

This Sunday, the Eagles travel to Arizona to battle the Cardinals for the NFC Championship. The Eagles trounced the Cardinals 48-20 on Thanksgiving night. Only that time, Brian Westbrook was healthy. Now he is plagued with injuries. I think it might be time for the Wizard of Westbrook to take some time off.

Throughout this postseason, the Eagles diminutive star has heavily struggled on the ground. He looks slower, his cuts are not as sharp as usual and aside from a 71-yard touchdown reception, he has been very ineffective.

It's obvious that his injuries are starting to wear on him, and it brings into question, do they really need him on the field this Sunday?

In the playoffs, he has ran for a dreadful 1.9 yard average. His lone big play was the aforementioned 71-yard screen pass that broke the back of the Vikings on Wild card Sunday. 

Most people would disagree with me on this one, but I say no. Yes, the mere presence of having Westbrook on the field can be a bit intimidating. But how can he be helping this team with how poorly he is playing and feeling right now. 

With the condition of Westbrook's knee and ankle, I think it's time to give him a rest and lay the load on the shoulders of Correll Buckhalter. Buck has proven to be a very reliable back up to Westbrook throughout his career but is rarely utilized.

Buck has been forced to start twice this season and each time he has put up stellar numbers. In his two starts he has rushed for 159 yards on 34 carries and two touchdowns. 

Buckhalter has also been a big-play machine throughout the year. Of his 26 receptions on the season, five of those have gone for over 20 yards and two over 40. 

One month ago, Brian Westbrook was the Eagles' biggest weapon. Now, he may be really hurting the team, and himself. If he was healthy, I would love to be feeding him the ball 20-30 times a game. But he's not, and his production has taken a nosedive. It's time to give the guy a rest. 

Correll Buckhalter is a very good replacement for Westbrook and has the ability to step in and make a big impact. Plus, imagine if the Eagles win. You get a Super Bowl berth and the benefit of having a Brian Westbrook with three weeks rest, opposed to a Westbrook that is spending more time in the trainers room than on the practice field. 

If Andy Reid wants to give his team the best chance of winning on Sunday, he keep his biggest gun in its holster.