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Running back Brian Westbrook led the NFL in yards from scrimmage last season, and he is a major reason why the Eagles are in the postseason hunt this season. He is dangerous as a runner or receiver, and this season he has averaged 4.3 catches and 16 rushes per game. The Eagles love to line him up all over the field and dictate matchups. This forces defenses to always ask one question before every play: Where's Westbrook?

He is the focal point of the Eagles' offense, and when he's not on the field, they lack explosiveness. No matter where Westbrook lines up -- I-form, offset, slot or split wide -- there are numerous routes he can run, but ideally the Eagles want Westbrook to be matched up with a linebacker because he is simply too quick. He isn't a real deep threat, so defenses play Cover 2, but he is excellent on screens, inside releases and circle routes.

Westbrook makes his teammates' lives easier, especially QB Donovan McNabb. He provides an explosive target for his quarterback and is double-teamed so often that the other receivers have favorable matchups. The one knock on Westbrook is that he is not a pile-moving, short-yardage back, and the Eagles don't have a true fullback to help him, which has really cost them this year. Regardless, at 5 feet 10, 203 pounds, he can only do so much.

Here is a look at four plays that show Westbrook's invaluable versatility.

The I-formation is a traditional run formation, and when Westbrook is lined up in the backfield he has the ability to run inside or outside. On this play, the defense counters with a base defense and Westbrook finesses his way through the line on a draw.

Where's Westbrook?: I-Formation - Draw

The offset formation is the one formation defenses fear most, because it is difficult to determine if it is a pass or a run. Westbrook is lined up behind LT Tra Thomas, which allows him to get to the edge in a hurry.

Where's Westbrook?: Offset - Swing Pass

When Westbrook lines up in the slot, defenses treat him like a wide receiver, because it is more likely he will catch a pass than run.

Where's Westbrook?: Slot - Screen

Defenses rarely send a linebacker out to cover Westbrook when he is split wide because he is too quick. Defenses will play a Cover 2 and try to keep everything in front of them. This bubble screen allows Westbrook to make a play in space, and is particularly effective in the red zone.

Where's Westbrook?: Split Wide - Bubble Screen

No player means more to his team than Westbrook.

Gary Horton, a pro scout for Scouts Inc., has been a football talent evaluator for more than 30 years. He spent 10 years in the NFL and 10 years at the college level before launching a private scouting firm, The War Room.