running backs

Brian Westbrook: Why he's not used

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Offensive coordinator Mike Johnson gave his most complete answer to why he doesn't use running back Brian Westbrook more. Johnson said in order to get Westbrook in, you have to take either Frank Gore or Delanie Walker out. Gore is once again leading the team in receptions and rushing. As Johnson explained, Gore is the soundest player on the team in terms of pass protection. Take Gore off the field and most the offense's production goes with him.

The Brian Westbrook question arises again.

The Brian Westbrook question arises again.

Walker is having a career year, and new quarterback Troy Smith has said he looks for Walker when he's in trouble. Smith's job is tough enough, why take a guy out that he relies on?

Johnson went on to say the offense has worked on their two tight-end package since training camp, honing it, augmenting it, refining it. Westbrook arrived 12 weeks ago and Johnson just isn't as comfortable with him in the offense. Nevertheless, Westbrook is gaining more playing time. He was in on 10 plays against Tampa Bay, even though he didn't touch the ball (his one run was called back because of a holding call). In fact during that drive, Westbrook was supposed stay in the entire time. But the drive dynamics changed after the holding call; team was saddled with a second down-and-17 situation. Johnson then went with a three-receiver, one-back formation, with which Westbrook was unfamiliar.

I realize there's a big drive to get Westbrook on the field from fans and media. Personally, I'd rather have Gore. He's younger, he knows the offense better, he's probably the better back at this stage of his career and as Johnson says, he's integral to what the team does. Taking out Walker is also a problem because he presents a unique matchup difficulty. Walker said today he doesn't know what the Cardinals will do when he and Vernon are in the game together. They might be forced to counter with a nickel defense. That doesn't happen with Westbrook in the game. Here are some other developments from the day in sports at the 49ers:

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Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | November 26 2010 at 12:55 PM

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