Brian Westbrook didn’t need extra motivation. Not when it comes to playing his hometown team. But he had a little more to play for than normal Sunday.
So when he zig-zagged his way 57 yards downfield with a screen pass, he did it for more than just himself.
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Westbrook’s uncle died last week and the funeral was Saturday.
“I came into the game with a heavy heart,” said the DeMatha High grad. “I dedicated this game to him. He was a big part of my life. It’s always good to get a win here in Washington, but it was a little sweeter because of my uncle.”
He might have had a heavy heart, but he has light feet, as the Redskins discovered on the screen that gave the Eagles a 26-25 lead with three minutes, 29 seconds remaining. It’s his first touchdown at FedEx Field. Offensive linemen Shawn Andrews and Jon Runyan sprung him with blocks and receiver Reggie Brown made a nice downfield block. Westbrook, who finished with 100 yards rushing and 83 receiving, did the rest.
“He reminds me of Marshall Faulk in his heyday when he gets into the open field,” Redskins assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams said.
Westbrook touched the ball 25 times Sunday. He added a 10-yard run late in the game — when the Redskins admitted they allowed him to score, giving them a chance to get the ball back and possibly rally. It might not have mattered.
“For a linebacker, he’s probably the ultimate mismatch,” Redskins corner Fred Smoot said, “because the things he can do and he’s by far the most elusive person.”
