A Very Brian Christmas

A couple quick thoughts before Santa comes down the chimney.

You may have heard that the two Brians are returning this week - Dawkins in Denver orange, Westbrook in midnight green. I'm sure the Griffins' dog we'll be watching somewhere.

It'll be great to see them both back on the field, but I have to admit I'm not expecting a lot from either one.

First, Westbrook. The Eagles have said that they'll ease him back in, and everything points to exactly that happening. I'd be shocked if he had much more than eight touches. And if his performance earlier this season is any indication, he'll look a little rusty. The only time he really showed that ol' giddy up this season was in the first Redskins game, just before he suffered the concussion.

But I think it's okay if Westbrook looks a little pedestrian. The Eagles goal should be to get him ready to be fully unleashed by the second week of the playoffs. If they suddenly have an effective/explosive Westbrook, opposing defensive coordinators will be in significant trouble. Hopefully, we'll be talking about that down the road.

Now, Dawkins. It's going to be awesome to hear the reception he gets on Sunday. I can't wait; he's always been one of my faves and you just know it'll be an electric moment.

I was sad to see him go last Spring but not as angry as some. Tactically, I thought the Eagles made the right move; B. Dawk was a real liability in pass coverage, and Jim Johnson spent much of last season devising ways to hide Dawkins.

As for this Sunday, I can't figure out what's going to happen. This is just about the worst match-up in the League for Dawkins. The Eagles bring speed, speed and more speed to the table, which would seem to render him ineffective. On the other hand, he has always risen to meet a challenge, and so he just might do that again in his return to Philadelphia.

But don't be surprised if the Eagles speed burners go whizzing by him a couple times. It would be a bittersweet, watershed-type moment. If that happens, it'll be like the Eagles turning the page on the past and heading into an explosive future.

If it happens, it'll be crushing for us as Dawkins' fans. But if it happens, it'll be exhilarating to us as Eagles' fans, because it'll be yet another sign that these Birds are bound for glory in 2010.