Brian Westbrook was standing up for his quarterback today on ESPN's "First Take" This is the first time we have heard Westbrook say very much since the season ended.
During the interview on the First Take program, BWest was asked whether McNabb deserved a new contract.
"I think Donovan means so much to this football team," Westbrook said. "He brings a leadership, he brings a lot of value on the field as well. I also think this is a business kind of thing. Do I think he deserves a contract? Absolutely. He has brought so much to the team and this organization as well as the city. Hopefully, he's able to handle his business and the way he wants to get it done."
He was also asked about the arthroscopic surgery which he had on his knee earlier this off season.
"I've gone through a lot of rehab and I'm still continuing to go through rehab. Hopefully this will be the first year I've played pain-free football on my knee in a long time. I have to kind of rebuild myself back and get ready to play this year. I'm excited about the outcome of my rehab."
BWest is a much better politician than McNabb and he knows how to tip-toe through the media minefield better than his quarterback. When asked about all the guys who have left the team and whether the team was rebuilding, here's what he said.
"I think we let go a lot of talent, a lot of leadership and a lot of my good friends, but at the same time Coach Reid, Joe Banner and those guys upstairs have done a great job of replacing talent," Westbrook said. "They've done a great job of bringing new guys in here to feed the need for talent here and hopefully they will continue to do that."
Is that straddling the line or what?
Finally they asked BWest about how he feels about another running back being drafted.
"I think we definitely will go get a guy that's very talented in the draft, free agency or trade," Westbrook said. "I have no problem with that. You see that throughout the league. You have two or three guys that can play and any talent you can bring into this team … it will definitely help this team and that's what you're looking for."
He needs to run for office after that all that skillful tip-toeing.
