The good times, the bad times, the hard times. When someone playing in the NFL encounters any of these circumstances, they usually thank 1) God, 2) the organization, or 3) the fans. I’ve witnessed Michael Irvin get a standing ovation for getting injured in Philadelphia and I’ve also seen Donovan McNabb get benched for having a horrible game but bounce back and win another. These guys never said one ill word towards the fans, but Mr. Derek Anderson has. Derek is sad he was let go of the Cleveland Browns. Derek is mad at the fans for cheering when he got hurt in 2008 with an MCL injury. Derek also currently doesn’t have a job.

In all honesty, if I were to be cut by team I wouldn’t go about bashing the fans. What have they done to make his life oh so bad? Although he may not have had the easiest job at times, he did his part. He showed up to play, and let his actions speak on the field. He had one good season  going 10-6 in 2007, and earning a spot in the Pro Bowl. Granted, most of his throws that season were to Braylon Edwards. He was known as a team leader even with going through the revolving door of starting QB between him and Brady Quinn. At the time, he didn’t say much to being starter and 2nd string quarterback and he didn’t bark when the fans wanted number 10 in. Since being cut, his silence has ended.

“The fans are ruthless and don’t deserve a winner.” Looks like they didn’t have one the entire time! Anderson also said, “I know at times I wasn’t great. I hope and pray I’m playing when my team comes to town and (we) roll them.” It sounds to me like Derek is acting like an angry 14 year old that just had his girlfriend stolen from him. Remember folks, this guy is also is getting paid millions of dollars to act and speak like this. I cannot wait until this season, until someone picks up D.A., and he does roll into Cleveland. What exactly is going to roll? I predict either Derek himself will be rolling on the ground or as seen many times, the ball rolling into the defense’s hands or across the hard field.

Actions speak louder than words. Will D.A. manage to back his words up, and roll over the same team who thanked him for five hard working years and made him one of the highest paid backup quarterbacks in NFL history? Will number 3 roll out of Cleveland in an ambulance? I am in no way a fortune teller. I do see him on another team. I also see him getting a few wins for his new home. What do I see the most? I see his little temper tantrum coming back and biting him hard. Good luck in your future endeavors Derek, and tell the Browns hello for me!

Josh Usher has been a fan of sports and sports entertainment for over 20 years.

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We are just days into NFL free agency and the frenzy continues throughout the league. Within a matter of hours the NFL’s hottest free agent was signed, while other teams look to sit pat in something of a holding mode. It may only be March but a series of moves may have changed the balance of power between some NFL pretenders and contenders coming into what could be the last season before an NFL lock out.

I wanted to take a quick look today at some of the bigger, more intriguing, and in some cases shocking developments during the first week of NFL free agency. Keep in mind while I may criticize a team in its current state, there are plenty of viable free agents currently available, including a plethora of some impressive restricted names. That said, let’s take a look at some of the bigger moves and how they are likely to shape out according to this blogger.

Chicago Bears sign Julius Peppers, DE - Peppers was arguably the hottest unrestricted free agent in NFL history. Peppers’ new deal makes him the highest paid defensive linemen with a deal worth $84 million (so much poverty huh NFL owners?). The move immediately gave the Bears the Norris division according to some writers. I on the other hand am very dubious of the signing.

The upside with Peppers is that he has stayed relatively injury-free throughout his career and yes, he is a beast. But, the addition of Peppers could prove costly in money, wins, and team chemistry. Peppers has been accused of taking plays off. Peppers is also known to get frustrated when double-teamed and some say can be mentally taken out of a game. Peppers spoke highly of coach Lovie Smith and he being a main reason for the interest in Chicago. Lovie Smith is a lame duck coach, going into the final year of his contract. What if the Bears can’t turn it around next season? What if Lovie goes elsewhere either by his choice or the organization’s choice? Now a new coach is stuck with a guy that may not want to play for him. Peppers could get caught in the middle of a transitional period between coaches and d-coordinators. I just think the move is high risk and high reward for the Bears. As big as this signing could be, it could also throw the franchise back for years being stuck with a contract the size of Peppers.

Chicago Bears sign Chester Taylor, RB - In a move that could pay dividends on a few levels, the Bears signed RB Chester Taylor. In addition to bolstering their own backfield, the move took away one of their division rival’s biggest weapons. It will be very interesting to see what kind of year Adrian Peterson has when he doesn’t have to give up carries to someone like Taylor. The move also gives the Bears a great 1-2 punch with Matt Forte and Chester Taylor.

Yet again, this is another high risk and high reward situation for the Bears. Taylor has a ton of potential, especially in a Mike Martz offense. Taylor has great hands and is likely to get heavily involved in the passing game. However, Taylor is 31-years old. The positive here is that Thomas Jones has had two solid years and he is the same age as Taylor, and had about the same wear and tear when he came to the Jets. The downside here is that in an increased role, it is unknown how Taylor’s body will hold up. Also, if Matt Forte’s stinker season last year was a result of a bad offensive line which I think it was, than adding Taylor will turn out to be a big waste of time and money.

Baltimore Ravens acquire Anquan Boldin, WR – In my opinion, Boldin is fool’s gold. Boldin at one time was pegged by some to be the next Terrell Owens in the NFL. Instead, numerous injuries have kept Boldin on the sidelines in both regular and postseason games. Boldin will now ascend to the number one spot in the depth chart and team with a quarterback who struggled in a bit of a sophomore slump.

I know a lot of fans are upset that their teams didn’t trade for Boldin. Keep in mind that the Arizona Cardinals dramatically dropped their asking price for Boldin this season. There is a reason why a lot of teams didn’t step up. With an impending lockout, it is very risky for a team like Baltimore to commit all of that money to a guy who hasn’t played a full season in years. Boldin could be the missing piece here in one of the most prolific running offenses in the NFL. Boldin will also be jumping into arguably the most physical division in the NFL. Playing Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Cincinnati twice a year is a heck of a lot different than playing the Seahawks and Rams twice a season. Derrick Mason was Mr. Durability for the Ravens, and that is exactly what you need in a number 1 WR in this division. I don’t know if Anquan Boldin can be that guy.

The Arizona Cardinals acquire Kerry Rhodes, S - Talk about a bargain here for the Arizona Cardinals. Cardinals’ fans were up in arms when the Cards let Antrel Rolle leave and sign with the New York Giants. The Cards responded by trading a couple of draft picks for disgruntled New York Jets safety Kerry Rhodes. There is not a big drop off here at all between Rhodes and Rolle. Rhodes arguably played in a tougher division, so in the end his numbers may mean a bit more than Rolle’s. The Cards will also save themselves a ton of money in the difference between the two safeties. Rhodes’ character has been questioned by some in the New York media, but a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs in Arizona.

The Miami Dolphins sign Karlos Dansby, LB - A brilliant pickup by the Miami Dolphins. If there is anything you need in the AFC East, it is a hard hitting linebacker like Dansby. The position is a huge upgrade from Joey Porter, who couldn’t back up the checks his mouth kept writing. Dansby while a great pass rusher, is even better against the run. If you don’t think this move had everything to do with the New York Jets, I think you are sadly mistaken. Having Dansby and Channing Crowder should immediately pay dividends for a Dolphins defense who struggled down the way last season. The move also opens up the opportunity for the Dolphins to address offense with their first draft pick, maybe even take a shot at Dez Bryant.

These are just a few of the moves that grabbed the headlines in the first few days of free agency. There are still a ton of restricted free agents still available in addition to unrestricted veterans like LaDainian Tomlinson, Thomas Jones, Terrell Owens, Jake Delhomme, and Brian Westbrook. The name everyone is keeping their eyes on right now is WR Brandon Marshall. Marshall can be had for a number one draft pick, yet nobody is seriously biting right now. Marshall is the kind of a player that someone may actually give up their pick for in the right scenario.

Another curious name for me is Leon Washington. The New York Jets RB is a restricted free agent, yet the Jets surprisingly only placed a second round tender on Washington. This means in order to sign Washington, a team would only have to give up a second-round draft pick for him. If Ricky Williams is really retiring, I would love to see the Miami Dolphins make a run at Washington. Putting Washington into the Wildcat with Ronnie Brown could be downright scary for opposing defenses. Additionally, grabbing Washington would hurt the Jets. Bill Parcells loved players like Washington when he was a coach, so the fit almost seems natural here. Another possible suitor could be the Washington Redskins with their tumultuous backfield situation or even the Minnesota Vikings now that Chester Taylor has left.

There is no doubt that the impending lockout has really shutdown a normally frenzied spending spree among NFL owners at this time of the year. Usual suspects like the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, and Dallas Cowboys have done virtually nothing at this point. I do suspect that as the draft grows closer, teams will start poking around some of these restricted free agents and may try and talk some of teams down off of their tends. Regardless, while a few moves won’t make a team, doing nothing certainly won’t improve your situation.

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Football fans who feel sad about the fact the season has ended, this is for you. Yes no sooner did the Saints and Colts walk off the Super Bowl field did the football buzz come right back around with scouting combines, rumors, lockouts, salary caps and of course the biggie (with no disrespect to draft day) NFL Free Agency!

So far we have been introduced to the NFL’s new buzz word “tender”, which is a number teams put on restricted free agents for other teams to match, plus the leagues value of draft compensation should a player be taken by another team (confused? you will be). Several big name players fit the restricted bill, so not as many may be on the move this season.

Then there are the trade rumors. One biggie has the Eagles trading Donovan McNabb to the St. Louis Rams possibly for draft picks. Another annual rumor is as common as free agency itself, the Arizona Cardinals are looking to unload Anquan Boldin. Most believe the Baltimore Ravens will part with a 3rd round pick to grab him.

With no salary cap in place for this year, it is expected that there won’t be many NFL teams unloading huge amounts of cash on players. Many restricted NFL free agents have already spoken up about how they feel they have been screwed out of a chance to make bigger dollars because of the cap rule. Hmm I still think it beats being a hot dog vendor. Vikings DE and restricted free agent Ray Edwards went public a few weeks back, questioning commissioner Roger Godell’s big new contract and salary, and how he can make much more money then the guys “risking their lives out on that field”. I can not help but agree, but keeping this league in line is a tall order, and one the commissioner’s office has done better then the NHL, NBA and even MLB for years.

So what I have done is gathered a list of the top 10 unrestricted and restricted free agents for this season and the team or teams they may be best suited for. Who knows what March 5th will bring, but it is always fun to guess.

Unrestricted Free Agents:

1. Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina Panthers
Peppers is easily this years Albert Haynesworth. Julius Peppers is a big time defensive player and has freakish athletic ability for a guy who stands 6 foot 7 inches. Last season’s decline in stats was a simple combination of not wanting to be in Carolina and the team’s amazing flop. While many may not get big money this off-season, Peppers may easily bring $100 million dollars in a deal. He can go anywhere, as he has the ability to be a great pass rusher in a 4-3 or a speedy stealth linebacker in a 3-4.
Possible Suitors: Bears, Eagles, Patriots, Colts, Jets

2. Karlos Dansby, LB, Arizona Cardinals
For years the Cards were not known much for defense, yet Dansby has played all over the field and has had big numbers. Now comes his turn, and he will draw interest from a lot of teams looking for a quality linebacker that can play weak or strong, 4-3 or 3-4. He also has the leadership skills coveted by today’s NFL.
Possible Suitors: Patriots, Titans, 49ers, Colts, Rams

3. Dunta Robinson, CB, Houston Texans
A big surprise here is that the Texans did not apply a franchise tag on Robinson. He is easily the best corner on the market, when healthy. He is physical, fast and tough. Robinson is the one bright spot in a usually suspect Texans secondary, but now it seems evident that another team will come hard for him.
Possible Suitors: Jets, Browns, Broncos, Lions, Dolphins

4. Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay Packers
Yes, as a defensive end only. Seen as Juluis Peppers light this off-season, in my opinion Kampman is the best available pass rusher. As a 3-4 linebacker he struggled and it is not his game. As a DE he collected 22 sacks between 2007 and 2008. He may be the best value for the money in this market. He did miss half of last season with an injury, but his excellent work ethic will have him more then ready for camp.
Possible Suitors: Eagles, Bears, Panthers, Titans, Texans, Jaguars

5. Gary Brackett, LB, Indianapolis Colts
As poor as many think the Colts defense usually is, they do have some good athletes. Brackett looks like a fire hydrant with a jet engine on his back. He plays the middle fast and hard, and rarely misses a down. The Colts will be working hard to re-sign him, but in this market he will command some high dollars. Any team with a 4-3 scheme and a strong front would love to have this guy.
Possible Suitors: Colts, Giants, Saints, Bengals, Broncos

6. Darren Sharper, S, New Orleans Saints
At 34 years old, how much more big hits can we expect from Sharper? Darren Sharper is a field general and plays hard every down. Sharper has his Super Bowl ring, so you wonder how much intensity could be left. In my opinion it’s worth a two-year deal to find out.
Possible Suitors: Bears, Seahawks, Jaguars, Raiders

7. Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE, Tennessee Titans
Very much like Kampman, Vanden Bosch is a good pass rusher. He usually thrives when he has a good supporting cast surrounding him. His numbers were way down last year, but then again so was everything with the Titans. A change of scene may be the best thing for Vanden Bosch, and his non-stop on field motor may be worth it.
Possible Suitors: Falcons, Eagles, Bears, Dolphins, Jaguars

8. Leigh Bodden, CB, New England Patriots
Bodden took full advantage of the spotlight he got in New England last year. For the third straight season he collected at least five interceptions, and with his size and speed is considered by some to be the top CB on the market. I do not see him being a number one corner, so a team with good CB play can grab him and use him in a very formidable pass defense. He is truly a guy who deserves a shot with a contender this year.
Possible Suitors: Jets, Giants, Buccaneers, Rams, Ravens, Texans, Chargers

9. Keith Bulluck, LB, Tennessee TitansAll out tough guy Bulluck may be getting older at 33, but he still has some game left in him. Bullock missed half of the last season with an injury and the Titans may not be looking to bring him back. For any team in need of line backing help, it is hard to imagine that even a slower version of Bulluck would not be worth having for two years. Maybe a team young in defense could bring him in as a teacher as well, the guy knows the game.
Possible Suitors: Giants, Redskins, Saints, Patriots, Broncos, 49ers

10. Antonio Bryant, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yes I am calling Antonio Bryant the best unrestricted free agent WR on the market. Then again the list is not that big. Bryant showed 2 years ago that when healthy and in a good system, he can haul it in 70 plus catches. 2008 was a nice bounce back for a guy many considered one big waste of talent. Bryant is not lightning fast, but he does have the strength and enough speed to get good separation and does well finding the end zone. Not quite a number one at this rate but is an excellent compliment as a number 2.
Possible Suitors: Panthers, Jaguars, Ravens, Chiefs, Bears

Restricted Free Agents ( these players may cost draft pick compensations if signed):

1. Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
Marshall may cost a first and third-round draft pick if signed. Now I ask you, what other wide receiver can you get in the draft in the first round that has caught 300 passes in the last 3 years? None, and from the looks of the class none will. Marshall has some baggage, he can be feisty and can show displeasure with his team. Now, put him on a team with Super Bowl potential, put him in a new scene where he is clearly the man. Marshall is a no-brainer for me. 26 years young, fast, strong, and hands of glue. You build an offense around a guy like this, not question marked draft picks. Any team in need of a wide out would be wise to match the offer then lock him in. Deal with his antics later.
Possible Suitors: Ravens, Giants, Bears, Titans, Cowboys, Redskins

2. DeMeco Ryans, LB, Houston Texans
Averaging over 112 solo tackles a year, and being the unsung leader of the Texans defense makes Ryans well worth a look. It is possible he would cost a first-round pick, but once again, find me a LB in the first round so ready and still this young. Linebackers are the key to any solid defense, and as much as the Texans would like to keep him, it may require a huge tender to do so. I would however be shocked if he was not back in Houston next year.
Possible Suitors: Any team with sense

3. Marcus McNeil, OT, San Diego Chargers
Durable, tough, big, strong. Did I say enough? McNeil is the top offensive lineman available right now, but his asking price may be high. However in 4 seasons he has not missed a game and has been the one constant on a Chargers line that has been riddled by injury. We all love draft picks, and the beauty of grooming a youngster, however at 26 this is a well groomed youngster and if it cost a first round pick it may be the best move a team will make all season. Watching a QB’s blind-side is a tough job, but this kid is great at it.
Possible Suitors: Redskins, Cowboys, Rams, Bears, Dolphins, Bengals, Chargers

4. Jahri Evans, G, New Orleans Saints
Fresh off of a Super Bowl win, Evans has suddenly become a big name amongst O-Lineman. In four years he has become one of the games best and many believe the Saints, who have lots of free agent issues, will lay a big tender on him. If not, he may be well worth whatever a team surrenders to anchor a line.
Possible Suitors: Colts, Cardinals, Giants, Saints, Broncos

5. Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego Chargers
Big time knee injuries and off-field spats have made some a little leery of Merriman. Oh so do the four sacks he recorded all of last year. Ok so he seemed slowed last year, but lots of players who dealt with similar injuries usually are. Many wonder if he is in the Chargers long term plans, and if not he is worth a shot. If he returns to the multi-sack guy he was pre-injury,then he is the steal of this market.
Possible Suitors: Patriots, Jets, Cowboys, Packers, Steelers

6. Logan Mankins, G, New England Patriots
Everything you see in Jahri Evans you can transfer to Mankins. Very durable, well rounded and has a great knowledge of the game. One of Tom Brady’s mainstay O Lineman, and a great asset to any team. If the tender isn’t high he is well worth a third round or even a second round pick, although I can not see the Pats letting him go that easily. A guy with many great years ahead of him and another great anchor for any teams line.
Possible Suitors: Colts, Patriots, Cardinals, Giants, Broncos

7. Oshiomogho Atogwe, S, St. Louis Rams
Perhaps the one bright spot in the last few years for the Rams has been Atogwe. A very unique blend of speed and hard hitting mixed in with great ball hawking skills at the Safety position. At 29 many feel he is not worth an early draft pick, so it is very likely he will stay with the Rams. Being a Philly guy myself perhaps a deal for McNabb should include Atogwe on a sign and trade basis. Still 5 or 6 good years left for this kid, and with talent around him he is a sure fire pro-bowler.
Possible Suitors: Eagles, Broncos, Cowboys, Bears, Vikings

8. Antoine Bethea, S, Indianapolis Colts
See above.

9. Dawan Landry, S, Baltimore Ravens
Did I mention, see above. 3 quality safeties, none may be worth the compensation.

10. Pierre Thomas, RB, new Orleans Saints
I never quite understood Sean Payton’s logic, but here we have a lightly used (415 touches in 3 seasons) talented running back who may soon need a new home. Yes they have Reggie Bush, Mike Bell, Lydell Hamilton, and in the past have had Deuce McAllister and Aaron Stecker, but seriously Thomas seems to be the best the of the bunch as far has having all the tools in place. He has good hands, terrific run power and is agile. So why do the Saints limit his touches? Clearly unknown, but if his tender is low, in a season in which guys like Westbrook and Tomlinson and even Thomas Jones have been sent packing, Thomas can jump right in and be an immediate lead back with big dividends.
Possible Suitors: With emphasis on 2 and 3 back systems, i’d say any team that has the pick to part with.

So here is my outlook. As I said once the frenzy begins who really knows what can happen. So let’s all tune in on Friday and check it out!

If you’d like to hear anything else from me on topics or ideas I can be reached at phillyphan1971@yahoo.com

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My love/hate relationship with my favorite NFL team goes back well over twenty years. I can vividly remember being a sad and frustrated little boy the night the Philadelphia Eagles lost the 1980 Super Bowl. Maybe it was the emotion, maybe it was the fun of the Super Bowl party, but for whatever reason I was hooked and as much as I tend to say otherwise  it at the end of every Philadelphia Eagles season, I have never looked back.

Due to my color of green blood and love for the birds, I was recently approached about penning several guest blogs on the Philadelphia Eagles. The first one is a topic that is near and dear to every Eagles fan’s heart…trades. I look back at the history of the Philadelphia Eagles franchise and break down ten memorable trades. Thanks to a lot of research and some great information from fellow CamelClutchBlog.com writer Brett Clendaniel, you can relive some of the highs and lows of being a Philadelphia Eagles fan over at phillyburbs.com.

I won’t give too much away, but I will say that once I gathered all of the information I was rather surprised at some of the things I came across. For starters, I was really surprised as to how many great trades that the Eagles have made over the last several decades. Particularly the seventies saw the Eagles take scrap heap from other teams and turn them into Pro Bowl and even Hall of Fame NFL players.

In giving the birds praise, I felt my blood pressure go up as I researched and wrote about several of the bungled Eagles trades. Most of those trades came on NFL Draft Day and a lot of it quite honestly is 20/20 hindsight. I have to tell you that I came real close to grabbing my left arm and calling an ambulance when writing about a draft day deal made by the Philadelphia Eagles just a few years ago. Even now I can feel my green blood coming to a boil.

So judge for yourself whether the Philadelphia Eagles have gotten the better end, or blown some of the biggest transactions in franchise history. Relive the good, the bad, and the real ugly now over at phillyburbs.com by clicking here. If you feel that I may have missed a big one whether good or bad, leave a comment here or there and let’s hash it out 700 level style!

http://www.phillyburbs.com.

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Is it football season already?! Less than a month after The New Orleans Saints pulled off the impossible in lifting the Lombardi, both LaDanian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook are looking for new homes. Both have lead amazing careers in the NFL. Both have tasted playoff victories, with Westbrook going to the Super Bowl with the Eagles. One more thing in common? They both have had injuries that have kept them off the field. A team that is struggling right now is considering this a miracle. Is it the answer a team like the Lions or Redskins are looking for? Or are both number 21 and 36 a little too late to be a threat?

As you have seen in my previous football columns, I am an avid Eagles fan. I was one of the many here that loved and embraced Westbrook. When he was drafted in 2002, who would have guessed the 91st overall pick in the 3rd round would go down as one of the 3 best running backs in Eagles history. Yes, we knew what he was capable of, and his stats do not lie, but one thing that haunts him is he hasn’t played a full season. Yes, he has had 5,995 rushing yards, and 3,790 receiving yards in his career, but as stated, he has done this in only 15 games most a season. This past year was understandable, with receiving 2 concussions he only played 8 games. Westbrook is made for the mold of his position. The burst of someone 5′8”, at 200 pounds is incredible. He can drive the ball into the end zone, no doubt. I feel as if he has more miles in the tank. He can be a huge help to a team like the Browns, or the Raiders, if he stays healthy. Many will miss him, some may not. When another team picks him up, and he comes back to The Linc, the Eagles D better be ready to stop him, as long as injury doesn’t plague him elsewhere.

The name L.T, like Westbrook, has sent shivers down many opposing defensive lines over the past 9 years. Ladanian Tomlinson was drafted in the 2001 draft, 5th overall. He has played in all 16 games in his career, except 2 this past year. He has 12,490 rushing, and 3,955 receiving yards in his career in San Diego. In the latter years, he has shared some ball time with Darren Sproles, but still managed to add more to his legacy. Tomlinson has an incredible slew of awards backing him, such as MVP, Walter Peyton Man of the Year, not to mention he has been to the Pro Bowl five times, compared to Westbrook’s two. He has been an All Pro three times, again more than Westbrook’s one. Altogether, Ladanian Tomlinson is better on paper than Brian Westbrook. I feel his only downfall is the fact he has played in every game, and his age will catch up to him sooner rather than later. To do what this 5′11”, 221 pound man has, and is doing, is only sealing the deal more for a sure pick into the prestigious NFL Hall Of Fame. Call me crazy, (like many did when I wrote about what if Michael Vick were to become an Eagle) but do not be surprised to see a team such as Baltimore, Atlanta, or Pittsburgh to take this super charger, and turn him into a champion.

In the end, 2 teams, or maybe even one, are going to be getting two proven running backs. Will all the hype of years past prove worth it in the years ahead? Will Tomlinson finally get that Lombardi trophy, and the honor of wearing a Super Bowl ring? Can Brian Westbrook stay healthy for a couple more seasons, and be as dominant as ever? There are a lot of questions surrounding these two, so my main question I ask is: Who is going to step up, and make the most out of the cards they were handed? Someone is going to float, and someone is going to sink.

Josh Usher has been a fan of sports and sports entertainment for over 20 years.

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Over the course of the last eight years, there has been one constant on the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia Eagles fans were guaranteed exciting plays and moments from #36, Brian Westbrook. Whether it was breaking a long run for a TD, a spectacular kick return, or turning a negative screen pass into a doubled-digit touchdown, Brian Westbrook never disappointed. Here is a look back at five memorable moments in the great career of Brian Westbrook on the Philadelphia Eagles.

Oct. 19, 2003 - The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the New York Giants. One of the most memorable plays in all of Philadelphia sports history came on this day. With less than two minutes to go, the Eagles trailed the Giants 10-7 on the road. Brian Westbrook received a Jeff Feagles punt on the Eagles 16-yard line. Westbrook turned a routine punt into a dazzling 84-yard punt return giving the Eagles a 14-10, sealing a huge division win. This singular moment is credited with turning a disappointing start into a run that took them all of the way to the NFC championship game.

Nov 10, 2007 - The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Washington Redskins. This was yet another tough divisional game on the road for the birds in mid-season. The Eagles trailed the Redskins 20-25 late in the fourth quarter. Once again, Brian Westbrook put the team on his shoulders and turned the game around. Westbrook took a screen pass which he caught behind the line of scrimmage 57 yards for a touchdown. The score sealed the deal for the birds and once again, is credited from turning a disappointing season into another playoff run.

Jan. 4, 2009 - The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Minnesota Vikings. This was clutch football at its finest courtesy of B’West. On the road in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs, the Eagles were leading a tight one against the Vikings. Going into the fourth quarter it looked like the momentum was swinging towards the Vikings until Westbrook once again sealed the deal. Westbrook took a simple screen pass from Donovan McNabb 71 yards to pay dirt and put the game away with a 26-14 lead.

Dec. 16, 2007 - The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Dallas Cowboys. While most NFL players are remembered for scoring touchdowns, this moment is remembered for the touchdown that wasn’t scored. The Eagles were underdogs and holding onto a 10-6 lead in the fourth quarter. The birds had the ball with 2:19 to go and the Cowboys had no timeouts. From the Dallas 25, Westbrook broke through a wall and sprinted all of the way down the field towards the end zone when he stopped on the 1-yard line and took a knee. Fantasy football owners are still in frenzied over the play! Instead of going into score and giving the Cowboys the ball back, Westbrook took the knee and allowed the Eagles to smartly run out the clock and steal a win.

Dec. 07, 2008 - The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the New York Giants. Anyone see a theme here? Here we go again, five years later. This was one of the biggest days in Brian Westbrook’s Eagle career. Westbrook once again put the team on his back and collected 203 yards of total offense on the day. Westbrook ran for 131 yards on a career-high 33 carries and scored two touchdowns. The game’s memorable moment came on the third play of the fourth quarter. On a 3rd and 11 from the Giants 40-yard line, Westbrook took a short pass from McNabb and blew past Antonio Pierce for a 40-yard touchdown. The image of Westbrook blowing past Pierce has turned into an iconic image in its own right.

For these moments and an exciting eight years, Brian Westbrook will go down as one of the most popular Philadelphia Eagles of our generation.

Thanks to the pressofatlanticcity.com with some help on the details.

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