Mark Purdy: 49ers' signing of Brian Westbrook is well-grounded -:
The 49ers are going for it. In six words, that sums up the Brian Westbrook deal.
Last week, the 49ers lost backup running back Glen Coffee when he suddenly retired, citing his religious beliefs. But in response, the team's honchos did not merely sit back and pray for the best. They called up Westbrook, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who was the best available option on the open market. Monday, he signed.
A conversation with coach Mike Singletary was apparently the clincher.
"My No. 1 concern throughout this process was going to a winning team," Westbrook said, adding he wanted to play for a team "coached by a man that I respect."
Hmm. Did someone tell him that the 49ers have not had a winning season since 2002? Westbrook had visited the Redskins, Broncos and Rams this summer to talk about joining those teams. But he stayed patient and did not commit, as if he knew something might happen in Santa Clara.
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