One Play From Brian Westbrook

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

When you play the Minnesota Vikings, you’d better be prepared to throw the football. The Vikes had the NFL’s best run defense this season and even without All-Pro, run-stuffing tackle Pat Williams, they kept the Philadelphia Eagles’ ground game in-check (67 yards) this afternoon in a 26-14 NFC Wild Card loss. That total included a meager 38 yards on 20 carries by RB Brian Westbrook. But all Brian needed was one touch to make the difference in this one. He broke open a 16-14 game by taking a screen pass from quarterback Donovan McNabb 71 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Brian finished with 121 yards from scrimmage to go along with his TD. Of course, Donovan knew what to expect from his teammate:

“Anytime you get an opportunity to give the ball to a guy like Westbrook, give him an opportunity in space or against any other defenders, you feel confident about that matchup.”

It’s not like the Vikings weren’t prepared for this. Every NFL team knows Brian Westbrook is one of the most dangerous and explosive players in the league. He’s proven it year after year. And the focus of any opposing team’s game plan is to account for him at all times. The Vikings certainly did. The problem is, you might keep him down for a while, but it only takes one play to make the difference in a game. His 71-yard catch and run today was a perfect example. The Eagles’ defense played well, especially in the second half. And Donovan was sharp for most of the game. But Brian is the main reason why the Eagles are moving on to the Divisional round of the NFC Playoffs.

Source: NFL.com