Philadelphia Offense Faces Big Test Without Westbrook in San Fransisco.

Eagles fans received the bad news at about noon on Friday, Brian Westbrook will miss this Sunday's battle with the 49ers along with: Reggie Brown, Shawn Andrews and JR Reed. But does that necessarily mean that the Eagle offense will struggle?

The last time Philadelphia was without their biggest gun, the offense struggled in Chicago and eventually blew the game, failing to punch the ball in on the goal line late in the game. But that was against one of the leagues fiercest defenses in the Bears. This Sunday however, they face a beleaguered 49er defense ranked 23rd in the NFL stopping the run.

Westbrook's absence causes some concern for the Eagles strategy on Sunday. Correll Buckhalter does not have the reliable hands that Westbrook possesses and is not the blocker that Westbrook is. But he is a very good runner who when given the chance to start, makes the most of his opportunities.

When given the opportunity to start in his career, Buckhalter has averaged 4.7 yards per carry. He is a reliable runner and may very well have success against the San Fran defense. There should not be much of a drop off on the ground Sunday for the Eagles.

Donovan McNabb and company will be without two of their top weapons in Westbrook and receiver Reggie Brown on Sunday. However, there's a chance that last years leading receiver Kevin Curtis will return to action which is a big plus for the Eagles. Andy Reid has to be licking his chops this week, as the 49er defense has really struggled to keep opponents off of the scoreboard, giving up over 25 points per game. Reid's play calling has come under harsh criticism the past two weeks, as twice in key goal line situations he has refused to sneak the ball with his 240 pound quarterback and try to run the ball in, both times unsuccessful, proving fatal in both games.

But those struggles should come to an end this Sunday. McNabb has had the luxury of standing behind one of the best offensive lines in the league this year. Even without All-pro guard Shawn Andrews, they have had very little trouble keeping their quarterback upright. If McNabb is given the time, he should have no problem picking the struggling 'Niners defense apart.

With starting receiver Reggie Brown out, expect tight end LJ Smith to have a bigger role in the offense on Sunday along with impressive rookie DeSean Jackson. Smith has been a disappointment this year, while Jackson is in the running for rookie of the year as he is off to a tremendous start.

There are three players that I think the Eagles will need to keep at bay. Linebackers Takeo Spikes, Patrick Willis and highly priced cornerback Nate Clements. They have been turnover magnets this season as the two have a combined four forced turnovers. But if they don't make an impact, the defense will be in trouble. Nate Clements will be the Niners X-factor on defense. He will be matched up with DeSean Jackson and will have the task of keeping the young star at bay. If those three players don't make an impact, the Eagles offense will have a field day.

I think Eagles fans will get the explosive offense that they've missed for the past two weeks. San Fransisco's defense is in for a tough game on Sunday. One that I don't see ending too positive for them.