Brian Westbrook's Departure Means What For the Philadelphia Eagles?

Brian Westbrook was one of the greatest Eagles running backs in history. 

Because of chronic injuries the Eagles were left with a big money back that was frequently injured, and is at the point where one more injury could be it.  Westbrook is also aging, and everyone knows the Eagles policy on aging players. 

The Eagles also have second year player and former second round pick LeSean McCoy who seems a capable replacement. 

So what does cutting Westbrook mean for the Eagles?

Number One

Someone needs to step up to support McCoy. 

If McCoy is forced to carry the load alone don't be surprised if he ends up like Westbrook.  Asking one back to run, and catch everything all year like Westbrook you can't expect him to be healthy.

Eagles fans have wanted a solid back to support Westbrook, and they finally got one in McCoy, but now Westbrook is gone. 

Buckley looked good at times, but his capability as a solid number two back in the rotation is questionable. 

Martell Mallet, CFL rookie of the year last season might be the guy.  If he can look anything like he did in Canada he should be a suitable number two.  The question will of course be the transition.

The Eagles might look to draft a running back in the middle or later rounds to add another guy in case Mallet's transition does not go smoothly.  

Number Two

This might be part of a change in the core of the Eagles roster.  Dawkins left via free agency last season, Lito Sheppard got traded, and Westbrook is has been released.  The central pieces of the NFC East powerhouse of the mid 2000's seems to be dissolving.

Donovan McNabb should be worried.

The only continuous forces on the offense from the mid 2000s that now remains is McNabb.  Runyan, Thomas, and Westbrook are all gone.  The Eagles lineup has changed drastically over the last two seasons.

No secret has been made of Eagles fans displeasure with Donovan, and the Eagles have three good QBs on the roster. 

One or two are likely to be gone by training camp, and Westbrook's departure could be the second to last piece of the recent changing of the guard that has taken place.