Eagles RB Westbrook says defenses, not knee, slowing him

Jan 14, 2009 - 2:59 AM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook pinpointed what is slowing him down.

After carrying the ball 38 times for just 74 yards this postseason, Westbrook noted that it's the opposing defenses stepping up - not his body letting him down.

"You see the way teams are playing us now ... they're going to load the box, eight or nine guys. For us, it's encouraging ... that other people step up and have good games," Westbrook told the Philadelphia Daily News.

"We faced a very good defense ... one of the better defensive lines in the league. I think they paid extra attention to me, which allowed opportunities for other players. ... I don't feel injuries have had much to do with my production. I think I'm going out there as healthy as I've been, for the most part (lately)."

Westbrook has been nursing a chronically swollen knee in addition to the lingering high ankle sprain he suffered earlier in the season.

The sixth-seeded Eagles will face the fourth-seeded Arizona Cardinals in the NFC championship game on Sunday.