Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook and right guard Shawn Andrews were named to the NFC Pro Bowl squad Tuesday. For Westbrook, it is his first selection to the Pro Bowl, after being named as an alternate in 2004 and 2006. He played in game after the 2004 season when he replaced the injured Shaun Alexander. For Andrews, it is his 2nd-straight selection after being voted a starter in 2006. He was also selected as an alternate in 2005.
Westbrook has enjoyed a terrific season in which he has proven to be one of the most explosive and complete running backs in the NFL. He currently leads the league with 1,896 yards from scrimmage (145.8 per game), and ranks 5th in the NFL (2nd in the NFC) with 1,191 rushing yards (91.6 per game).
"I think it’s a big deal for me to make it," Westbrook said. "I’ve worked hard. My teammates have worked very hard to put me in this position and it’s a big deal for us as a team, and us as the players, and myself as a player as well. I continue to take my hat off to my teammates who have provided the way and have shown me the way to work hard and providing the opportunities to do the great things that I’ve been able to do on the football field."
Andrews has duplicated his tremendous 2006 season, in which he earned All-Pro honors and was voted a starter on the NFC Pro Bowl squad, but was unable to play in the game due to injury. His 2007 season has been highlighted by his ability to neutralize defensive lineman and open holes for the NFL’s yards-from-scrimmage leader.
Westbrook’s 2007 and career highlights:
*Averages 5.6 yards per touch, which leads all NFL players with at least 225 touches.
*With 1,896 yards from scrimmage this season, is 111 yards shy of breaking Wilbert Montgomery’s team record set in 1976.
*Has accounted for a league-leading 94 first downs.
*His 83 receptions on the season are the most by any NFL running back, and are 5 shy of the Eagles single-season team record of 88 set by Irving Fryar in 1996.
*Leads all NFL running backs with 705 receiving yards and 5 touchdown receptions.
*With 12 total touchdowns in 2007, he ranks 2nd among all NFC running backs.
*Since becoming a full-time starter in 2004, he has amassed 6,416 yards from scrimmage, the 3rd-highest total in the NFL.
Andrews’ 2007 and career highlights:
*Paced an offensive line that contributed to the league’s 8th-ranked offense (9th in rushing, 13th in passing). The offense also ranked 2nd in the league in rushing average behind his efforts.
*Landed a key block in the 4th quarter on 11/11 at Washington to spring Westbrook on a game-winning 57-yard touchdown reception.
*Was voted to the Pro Football Writers Association Midseason All-Pro team.
*Was voted by fans as the starting right guard on the Eagles 75th Anniversary Team.
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