Westbrook shows extra effort

Last week Brian Westbrook spoke about his leadership role on the team. His emphasis was leading by example. As mini camp comes to an end tomorrow, Westbrook continues to display veteran leadership on the practice field at the Nova Care Complex.

Morning drills typically consist of each running back taking hand-offs from coaches at the 10 yard line. They take the ball, make their cut, and run. Westbrook however has started a new trend among his backfield teammates. Since the start of camp, each time Westbrook takes a hand-off, he makes his move and sprints to mid-field. Other players would begin their run back to the huddle around the 30 yard line. Westbrook said he would lead by example - and he has. Backups Correll Buckhalter, Ryan Moats, and rookies Tony Hunt and Nate Ilaoa have begun following Westbrook's example.

Ilaoa spoke about working with Westbrook throughout this two week mini camp.

“He’s defiantly helped me out in all phases. He’s always open for questions we have for him and he always gives us tops every time he sees something. He plays a ‘coach-player’ role especially with me and (fellow rookie) Tony (Hunt)”.

Ilaoa recognized the extra effort Westbrook has shown throughout camp and says he has tried to emulate his role model.

“It’s only smart to follow suit on what he’s doing. He’s got the formula for success and you just want to mimic that and run with it”.

This extra hustle and determination showed this early in mini camp could give the Eagles running game an extra boost come September 9th in Green Bay.

-Extra Points-

Donovan McNabb practiced for the third consecutive day with the first team offense. Today, Andy Reid allowed McNabb to practice from 11:10 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. (the longest practice this week).

Tomorrow, Donovan McNabb will address the media for the first time during this June mini camp. Both McNabb and Coach Reid will hold press conferences tomorrow as mini camp concludes.

Eagles’ cornerback Will James showed off his red zone skills today. James deflected three passes in the end zone during one drive.