Fullback Leonard Weaver was signed by the Eagles in the off-season for his ability to do more than block. His career-high 75 yards on eight carries and a touchdown in last week's win over the Giants certainly proved that.
The question now is whether Weaver will have a more pronounced role in the running game? Weaver certainly doesn't expect to.
"No. My job every week is to go in and be a blocker," Weaver said. "I said that when I came here. However, if Andy Reid and Marty (Mornhinweg) want to call my number again I'll be ready."
Weaver's second career rushing touchdown came in the first quarter on a play called Nickel 94. Weaver was lined up as a singleback and the Eagles had two tight ends on the field. After seeing the alignment of the Giants secondary, quarterback Donovan McNabb changed the direction of the play. Weaver took the handoff from McNabb. Todd Herremans provided the key block on Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce. Weaver broke an arm tackle by defensive end Justin Tuck, went up the middle and outraced the Giants secondary for a 41-yard touchdown.
Weaver had twice as many carries last week than in the first six games combined.
"Marty wanted to work him in a little bit more. We remember what kind of job he did when he was with Seattle last year," Reid said. "He was really their primary ball carrier when it was all said and done and was very effective. He's a big guy that plays physical and obviously is a gifted runner, so Marty wanted to get him in on a few plays."
However, Brian Westbrook is returning to the lineup after missing last week's game with a concussion. As Weaver indicated, that will probably reduce his amount of touches. But the Eagles will need his blocking ability to contend with Dallas' front seven Sunday night. Weaver said that the 3-4 was created to reduce the impact of running backs who are deft at catching the ball out of the backfield.
"That front seven that they have is an awesome group of guys. They can blitz. They can cover," Weaver said. "DeMarcus Ware, in itself, obviously well-respected throughout the league. He's an animal by himself. You talk about (Marcus) Spears. You talk about (Anthony) Spencer. Inside at the linebacker position, you have Bradie James, being the savvy vet he is along inside with Keith Brooking. Those guys by themselves are a force to be reckoned with. It's going to be a great challenge for us to come in and play against a defense that is talented as these guys and be able to establish ourselves."
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 9:50 a.m., November 7
