Running back Brian Westbrook offered a ringing endorsement of Kevin Kolb, saying that he had the utmost confidence in the third-year quarterback to get the job done if he is called upon to start this Sunday against the Saints.

"Kevin's a very good player, a very smart player," Westbrook said. "He knows the offense very well. We've very excited about him being out there."

Kolb also said that he doesn't think the game plan will change too much if Kolb is the quarterback instead of Donovan McNabb.

"In the past, when Donovan's been out we've run the ball a little bit more, but I think they have a little more confidence in Kevin (than the backup quarterbacks in the past)," Westbrook said. "(The Saints) are going to try to come after Kevin a little bit, so we have to protect him and allow him to get the ball down the field."

Westbrook also discussed his contract situation, which has been in the news recently.

"The contract to me is old news," Westbrook said. "I don't think the Eagles would want to change it and I wouldn't want to change it.

ESPN.com reported yesterday that the Eagles declined to extend Westbrook's contract beyond 2010, which also raises the amount of his base salary the next two years.

"For me, it's been overblown the way it's been covered in the newspapers. For me, I just continue to play ball."

Westbrook also previewed the Saints defense.

"They have two good guys coming off the edge (Charles Grant and Will Smith)," he said. "They have the linebacker corps, two of their guys have been there for a long time, and Vilma can run around. Then in the secondary, the leader is really Darren Sharper."

But Westbrook said the offense should function well whether McNabb or Kolb is behind center come Sunday.

"If Donovan's back, it'll be exciting," Westbrook said. "And if Kevin's playing we'll be excited."

-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 12:30 p.m., September 16