The Return of Brian Westbrook

Added on Dec 01, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

A familiar face reemerged Monday night. Running back Brian Westbrook took over for a injured Frank Gore and helped guide the San Francisco 49ers to a much needed victory. Westbrook rumbled for 136 yards and a touchdown in his most significant action since September of 2009. The ex-Eagle entered the Monday nighter with only five carries, but with Gore sidelined for the rest of the season with a fractured hip, he’ll be asked to carry some of the load as the Niners battle for a playoff spot.

One of the decade’s most dynamic playmakers, Westbrook found few suitors after being released by the Eagles in February. A pair of concussions and nagging knee and ankle issues plagued his 2009 campaign. At 31, with his best years clearly behind him, many pundits assumed he would call it quits, but B-West had other ideas.

After watching him shred a bad Cardinals defense, it’s obvious he still has some life left in those shifty legs. How much life is the question, though. Rookie Anthony Dixon will split carries with Westbrook for the final five games. At 4-7, the Niners are still alive in the NFC West. However, replacing Gore, who leads the team in rushing and receptions, won’t be easy.

An upcoming schedule includes brutal road games in Green Bay and San Diego, and key divisional matchups with Seattle and St. Louis. A 4-1 finish will probably be needed to reach the postseason. Maybe Westbrook can stay healthy and conjure up some of his old magic. If not, it’s curtains for San Fran.