Brian Westbrook: Parallels To San Francisco 49ers Dynasty Days?

When rookie mini-camps and organized team activities started at 4949 Centennial Boulevard in Santa Clara this spring, it was already apparent that the 2010 San Francisco 49ers would share one notable parallel in the backfield with some of the great 49er dynasty teams of years past: a halfback wearing No. 33 and a fullback wearing No. 44.

The former 49er great and future Hall of Famer Roger Craig wore No. 33 for the 49ers from 1983 to 1990 and his fellow University of Nebraska alumnus Tom Rathman (now in his second stint as the running backs coach) wore No. 44 from 1986 to 1992. Together they helped the 49ers to two back-to-back Super Bowl victories.

Craig has given way to rookie Anthony Dixon and Rathman has given way to veteran fullback Moran Norris.

While Norris and Dixon certainly lack the caché and fancy jewelry of Rathman and Craig, and at least at this point nobody in his or her 49er-loving mind would try to compare the two tandems, when paired effectively with Pro-Bowl veteran Frank Gore and second-year up-and-comer Glen Coffee, the two gave at least some promise of a return to the rushing effectiveness enjoyed by that legendary all-Nebraska backfield.

Then things got a little strange.

Two weeks into training camp, and less than two days prior to the preseason opener, Coffee shocked the 49ers and the NFL at large by announcing his abrupt retirement from football. While speculation began to swarm immediately about what the 49ers might do to fill this sudden void, few likely expected the situation to be resolved so quickly or in such exciting fashion.

Monday morning, the 49ers announced that they had signed free agent RB and former Philadelphia Eagles' Pro-Bowler Brian Westbrook. This news surprised many because the St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins were considered to be front-runners in the Westbrook sweepstakes, but the ex-Eagle decided to spurn those two options, and their higher payouts, for an incentive-laden deal with the playoff-hopeful 49ers.

The irony of course was that many 49er fans had pleaded for the team to acquire ex-Eagle Pro-Bowl QB Donovan McNabb, now in Washington. In the end, though, they made a much more savvy move to scoop up a different Eagle's Pro-Bowler in Westbrook.

Many predicted turmoil for the 49ers when news of Coffee's exit broke, but now—just two days later—they have found a definite upgrade to replace him. Health is a concern, given that Westbrook missed half of last season with multiple concussions and a knee injury, but he claimed to be completely healthy in his introductory press conference.

If Westbrook can stay healthy enough to contribute, he adds instant depth and credibility to the 49ers' backfield. Pairing Westbrook with Gore gives the 49ers the highest grossing RB tandem in terms of yards from scrimmage since 2005 in the NFL, though individual productivity will probably curtail for each as they begin to split touches.

The potential one-two-three punch of Gore, Westbrook, and Dixon should be a daunting adversary for opposing rushing defenses. The 49ers seem committed to returning their offensive focus to the ground game (especially to control games late) and having three capable-to-great backs will allow each to remain crisp, rested, and fresh deep into the regular season and hopefully the postseason.

But how does Westbrook relate to the days of Craig and Rathman?

Brian Westbrook may be the closest thing to Roger Craig since Roger Craig himself.

The beauty and uniqueness of Craig's game was his incredible ability to be just as dangerous as a pass-catcher as he was as a runner. He was the first back in NFL history to compile 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving in single year (1985). In 11 seasons, he racked up 8,189 yards rushing and 4,911 receiving with 73 combined touchdowns. He also never missed the playoffs as a member of the 49ers.

While Westbrook may lack the punishing high-kneed running style and wide-eyed "Catfish" stare of Craig, he shares his versatility (in fact, he is more balanced than Craig) and playoff experience.

In eight professional seasons, Westbrook has amassed 5,995 yards rushing, 3,790 yards receiving, and 66 combined touchdowns. He has also made the playoffs six times in those eight years.

The 49ers are hopeful that trend continues in his first year in San Francisco.

Maybe Dixon and Westbrook should trade jersey numbers, and suggest the same to Alex Smith and Andy Lee?

Between Westbrook and Dixon, the 49ers will have strong shades of the great Roger Craig in their ground game this year, and that cannot be a bad thing. However, when you pair that tantalizing tandem with multiple-Pro-Bowler Frank Gore, the 2010 backfield may have the potential for even more prolific production than those shared by Rathman and Craig.

I am sure that Rathman would gladly see his old teammate's stats eclipsed for a chance at a third Super Bowl ring, this time as a coach.

Keep the faith!