Either Dave Spadaro has gotten his hands on some of Mugatu’s crazy pills, or he’s been spending too much time with Chicago Sun-Time’s very own homer, Jay Mariotti .

In case you haven’t read Spadaro’s latest article, here’s a clip:

Now, with the numbers as they are, though, the rest of the league is taking notice of what a superstar the Eagles have in No. 36. And I’m here to suggest, on this feeling-really-good-about-the-Eagles day that Westbrook is the best running back in the NFL right now.You read it right.

The best running back in the NFL right now.

Brian Westbrook.

Obviously if we’re going by the “right now criteria”, you could definitely make the claim that Westbrook is the best running back in the game (leading all RB’s in total yards). At the same time though, if we’re going by those rules, we could say that Plaxico Burress is the best receiver in the game (5 receiving touchdowns), or that Derek Anderson is the best quarterback (760 passing yards/7 touchdowns). I’m obviously kidding yes, and I know Spadaro was just using Brian’s amazing stats to help his case, but he really, truly and honestly believes that Westbrook is the best running back in the game… and to make that claim is Cruise-azy!

Question to Dave – don’t you think one of the criteria for being called “the best running back in the game” should be the ability to stay healthy (ironically B. West is a question mark for this weeks divisional game against the Giants). Let’s be honest, Westbrook’s bones are made from incandescent lights. He’s so frail that I once suggested to the league that they implement the “1, 2, 3, you’re down” rule with Westbrook in an effort to keep him from getting tackled (it was declined). He has never played a full season. He is, for lack of a better phrase, the NFL’s very own version of The Bubble Boy.

Unlike Dave, I don’t think Westbrook is the best running back in the game, and here are my reasons as to why (and this is coming from someone who went to school with him):

- It’s not even October. Derrick Ward, Adrian Peterson and Marion Barber III are among the top ten running backs. Kevin Curtis and Braylon Edwards are among the top ten receivers. Shaun McDonald is getting added in every fantasy league known to man. We just finished up with week three! There are more than three months left in the season. Only places like ESPN crown teams or players champions or MVP’s in the first weeks of a season. It can’t be that slow of a work week for you Dave, it’s just can’t be.

- The Eagles are 1-2. They lost two games that they should have won (if you’re of the mindset that the Redskins or Packers are legitimate contenders, then I suggest you check back into whatever clinic you escaped from). I have always been a believer in the best players come through in the clutch. That the best players do whatever it takes to win. That the best players want the ball when the game matters… and for that matter, win the game. The fact is B. West didn’t record a touchdown in the first two games, even after touching the rock 51 times.

- Westbrook occasionally sports a beard. A beard, as everyone knows, prevents people from reaching their optimum speed. Sure it helps you with the ladies, but it definitely takes away from your 40 time. If Westbrook were the best running back in the league, he’d no doubt keep dirt off his face for the sake of the team.

- The Eagles played the 10^th, the 11^th and the 23^rd best rush defenses in the league, and the 13^th, 15^th and 31^st best pass defenses in the league. Just to put the above information in perspective, the San Diego LaDainian Tomlinson’s have played the 5^th, 10^th and 12^th best rush defenses in the league, and the 2^nd, 14^th and 15^th best pass defenses in the league. Sure Westbrook rushed for 110 yards and caught 5 passes for 111 yards against the Lions, not to mention scored 3 touchdowns, but to be fair, anyone with legs and arms could put up similar stats against the Lions (God only knows the kind of Madden stats LT could put up against the Lions at home with McNabb as his quarterback).

- The Eagles have arguably the best offensive line/quarterback combination in the NFC. Their offensive line is a healthy mix of former and future pro bowlers (John Runyan, Shawn Andrews and William Thomas). Their quarterback has the ability to go deep, buy time with his feet or just tuck it and run. Any running back would be successful with these weapons.

- Not even Puxitony Phil could have predicted the disaster that is the running back position. Guys like Larry Johnson, Ladanian Tomlinson, Shawn Alexander and Steven Jackson are struggling; while guys like Adrian Perterson, Marion Barber III and Lamont Jordan are becoming house hold names. If this pattern keeps up, Kevin Turner could un-retire and become a legitimate threat.

- Westbrook is not a power runner. Sure he can occasionally run it up the middle, but he is far more dangerous running off tackle, draws or screens. There is a reason #36 isn’t in the game in certain situations. Do you see LT by the Gatorade jug during goaline situations? Is Larry Johnson on the bench writing new lyrics when it’s 4^th and inches? Ask yourself this question – In a short yardage, or goaline situation, who would you rather have running the ball? Exactly!

Even though I spent the past four hundred words or so listing reasons as to why I think Westbrook is NOT the best running back in the league (not to mention that it’s irresponsible for someone to crown a player “the best” after just three weeks), I do think he’s the most original athlete since Allen Iverson. And just like Iverson, Westbrook uses his speed, agility, vision and heart to overcome his shortcomings; but just like Iverson, Westbrook is not the best at his position.

I guess you’re right Dave, Westbrook is the best running back in the game (so far this season)… but this column would be better off sitting on your desktop until December 30^th.