Eagles Reed the play

[ChiTownBull]

Eagles Reed the play

By Steve Conroy

Saturday, February 5, 2005

JACKSONVILLE - With the Patriots heading into the Super Bowl as overwhelming favorites, New England fans would do well to keep one thing in mind.

    Special teams can be the great equalizer between mismatched teams. Remember the Pats themselves used special teams in 2001 to get by the Steelers and make the Super Bowl. The Philadelphia Eagles hope to unleash their gamebreakers to win the ultimate prize.

    Rookie J.R. Reed led the nation in kick returns at South Florida last year and, while his 23.1-yard regular season averge for Philly was decent, he has stepped it up in the postseason. He's averaged 31.6 yards on three returns, and his 48-yard run against the Minnesota Vikings set up a touchdown.

    On punts, meanwhile, Dexter Wynn and Reno Mahe have handled the duties almost all season. Earlier this week, however, Eagles coach Andy Reid told Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook he may handle some punt returns.

    ``I think any time I can help this ballclub, they'll get the ball in my hands,'' Westbrook said.

    Westbrook returned only two punts all year, but he's certainly proven he can do it. Last year, he gained more than 300 yards on punt returns and had 84 and 81-yard returns for touchdowns.

    Westbrook said the team will play it by ear.

    ``It's really not up to me. It's up to the coaches and we'll see what they want. I think we'll just see how the game goes,'' said Westbrook, who added he's practiced on special teams every day throughout the season.

    The dreadlocked Reed is confident.

    ``I'm thinking about wanting to start the game off on the right foot,'' Reed said. ``I want to start the offense off right. Hopefully, we'll win the toss.''

    Pats Pro Bowl special-teamer Larry Izzo might change his mind.

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