What about Buck?
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
What about Buck?
Daily News staff
For Correll Buckhalter, Sunday’s game was a microcosm of the disappointment that he experienced all season with a lack of opportunities.
Buckhalter, a free agent, showed flashes of brilliance in his limited chances, fueling questions about why he was not used more often. In two starts in the absence of Brian Westbrook, Buckhalter rushed for a combined 159 yards against Pittsburgh and Chicago.
But he was used sparingly after that except for the late regular-season games against Cleveland and Dallas, both of which were lopsided. His 76 carries were 14 more than last season but still 20 below his career average.
It was no surprise to Buckhalter then that his number was called just four times on Sunday.
“Well, Westbrook only got 12 carries,” Buckhalter said, “so I can’t expect to get 10.
“It was out of my hands. I did everything they asked. I practiced hard. It’s up to the coach, in the end, to see how many plays you’re going to play.
“If you don’t get that many opportunities, what can you do besides stand and cheer,” Buckhalter asked.
Now a full three seasons removed from his torn patella tendon and previous ACL injuries, Buckhalter erased his health question marks that lingered when he was last a free agent in 2007.
This year Buckhalter wants a promised bigger role in an offense – be it Philadelphia or elsewhere.
“Ever since I came here [in 2001], I’ve wanted to be a starter in this league,” Buckhalter said. “If the opportunity presents itself somewhere where I can start, naturally I’m going to take that. That was my goal.
“To play 3 years now injuryfree, I think it is a lot better situation coming into free agency than where I was last time. When free-agent time comes, I will try to put everything in perspective.”
It just doesn’t seem likely that behind Westbrook on the depth chart, Buckhalter will get that opportunity with the Eagles.
“It’s not realistic,” Buckhalter said. “He is one of the better running backs in the league and he still has a lot left in him.”
But he wouldn’t be opposed to a dedicated two-back system, should the Eagles decide to run that route in the offseason. Would that be something that the pass happy Eagles would consider?
“Most of the teams in this league use a two-back system” Buckhalter said. “It keeps the players fresh and it keeps defenses off balance as well. It’s just up to the team and the coaches to make that decision.
“If I’m here, they’re going to get everything out of me.”
- Frank Seravalli
Comments (47)
Sad to see Buck go. He was a true workhourse and came through in the clutch for us. He's gonna see a nice contract offer from a team like the Seattle, Kansas City if they cut/trade Larry Johnson or Denver and he'll be ripping us apart when he plays the Eagles just like everyone does.— Anthony Franklin- I like Buckhalter, he's a solid player, they should re-sign him. But, I saw him yucking it up with someone on the Cardinals right after the game, almost like he was playing for the Cardinals....WTF?....Try to act a little dissapointed, even if you have to fake it.— Will T.
- Buck will never get a chance as long as Mcnabb feels the need to throw the ball 47 times a game....Mcnabb is a 'ball hog' pure and simple.— coach1456
- Buck does fairly well when he's in there, why he doesn't get more snaps only Andy can tell us. 2 backs work well for other teams and I can't see why it doesn't work here, besides it'll keep Westbrook a lot fresher and possibly keep his injuries down. Give it a go big guy!!!— DJ
- Hold on - Buckhalter is not that great. He is no Westbrook and does not warrant being a starter. This guy has had more surgeries than playing time. They do need to draft a future running back because LT showed that when the wheels falls off, it happens fast.— jdogle1
Comment removed.- Hey coach1456, I think there is a higher power calling the plays. I sure don't think McNabb has free reign like Peyton Manning!— puddlejumper
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- He'll be gone....Another guy who Andy failed to use correctly....— nuggett
time to get another starting RB and use Westbrook as the change of pace back. can't stay healthy.- coach1456 - Mcnabb is a ballhog? You got the wrong sport. You do realize mcnabb doesn't call the plays right?— westbrookmvp
- They did a two back system with success before with Buck and Brian. Westbrook has been wearing down. If it would help keep him fresh and extend Westbrook's career, bring Buck back and give him the ball. Design more plays for him and develop a more effective rushing attack. This year showed they don't have that and needed it.— MikeP
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- Remember back when priest Holmes became a free agent from the Ravens and he came to Philly and here was Reid's comment to Priest we have Duce Staley!Some more Andy's quotes "Weee Don't need any STINKING GOOD RECEIVERS" After watching McNabb for the last 5 years his passing is just the worst I have ever seen, yes every blue moon he throws a good pass! REID/McNabb have to go!— losteagle
- Buckhalter is a good player. You have a dope coach that is not using him more— louturks
- I want Buck back. I think he's underutilized and we will regret letting him walk. If he leaves, I would use one of our 1st round picks on a top quality RB to compliment Westy. We also need to resign Runyan or Tra, but i doubt both. Tra looked a step slow yesterday so i'd rather have Big John back. But replacing a starting OT w/o losing a step is tough.— philafan
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- If Buck leaves the Eagles will pass even more. Westbrook, although a great football player can't run the ball unless he's in open space. He doesn't know how to pound the ball between the tackles. Instead he dances around looking for a hole and usually gets tackled for a loss when he does. Westbrook is a GREAT football player, but not a good running back. Use Westbrook for the screen passes and as a safety valve and keep Buck to be the main running back. What does it say that Westbrook got hurt playing for a team that doesn't run the ball that much? Westbrook cannot handle the running load by himself. If Buck's gone, the offense will pass more next year than they did this year.— androoo
- until andy decides to chnage his 60 - 40 pass ratio there is no need for andy eagles to use what beat us sunday two back system— eir
- Nobody gives a rat's Reid about what Buckhalter wants. This team still needs a complete housecleaning, from the GM on down. The Eagles did what they always do: win a few games, then don't show up at the most critical times of the season. Getting into the playoffs was the worst thing for this team, long term. Now Jeffey can feel justified by standing pat, instead of manning-up and doing what's best for the "team". (I say "team", because the best thing for the "organization" is to keep doing what they're doing. The Eagles will continue to make money, no matter how bad they play. That's all Lurie (and his lapdogs Banner & Reid) really cares about— jman
- If Buck leaves it will truely be at the fault of Andy Reid and his idiotic coaching style.— gulls3012
- I have never been that crazy about Buck. While he had potential his ealry injuries and that dog incident sourer me on him. I really don't think we are losing a pro bowler if we let him go. If Larry Johnson is available I would go after him. I'd even trade McNabb to get him and then get Garcia who is just good enough to keep the run defenses honest.— towman
- I am done with him after I saw him celebrating with E James after the game. I am shocked he didn't blow his knee out jumping with the Cardinals players. These guys don't care about pride and team spirit, all they care about it their game check.— thesoothseer
- i hope he gets an opportunity to start somewhere else. After coming back from two severe injuries, he deserves it. Even when westbrook is healthy, he's not as good as buckhalter at running in between the tackles. I think westbrooks best days are behind him. The eagles need to draft a running back and actually use him— franknbeans
Het losteagle, you are lost and brain dead.— Flyboy24- As long as you have the Lewis', Smiths, and Browns of the league as your primary receivers you will never win!! The WCO was built for guys like Taylor, Rice, & Clark. Not no stinking Pinkston, Mitchell, or Greg Lewis. If the Eagles don't go get a true #1 receiver this year I will PUKE!!!!— hollowhustla
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- Why did he not get the ball more yesterday? He was 2 steps faster then Westy this past month and a bit tougher to bring down. Stupid.— bobcitydoc
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- Good luck, Buck - I think it's much more likely that we'd go to a no-back system than a 2-back one...— heimtime10
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- They should bring him back. He's finally healthy, he runs hard, he's a very good blocker, he's got better hands than most of the receivers, and he knows the system. I would also rather he acknowledge the accomplishments of his peers in a tad bit more subdued manner, although much better and less devisive than Boldin's early departure.— jonnyb0916
- “Most of the teams in this league use a two-back system” Buckhalter said. “It keeps the players fresh and it keeps defenses off balance as well." Here's a backup running back that knows more than the coach. Too bad the insulin resistance kid didn't take his advice earlier in the year. Buckhalter is a good change of pace RB who should have been more involved all year. However if reports are true about his chest-bumping with a Cards player on the field after the game, he can take a hike.— Bob1
- I agree with you eeglenutt . In fact, I'll go further and say I think Buckhalter is the MOST EFFECTIVE back of the two on the ground. As usual, he is misused by Reid. If anyone needs to go, it's ANDY REID.— essell
- I remember back when Duce Staley was around. It seemed that Buckhalter and Westbrook would trade season ending injuries. That is where the stigma comes from regarding these backs durabilities. Now, if these guys went to a two back system, I think it would work. It would keep them fresh. Heck.. Back when Duce Staley was around, they used the 3 back system. You would never want to pick an Eagle runningback for your fantasy league because the wouldn't get enough touches.— roque32
- Two things I'm not feeling right now about the Birds. 1) Why on earth they won't grant McNabb a marquee receiver like every other top tier QB in the league has, so all his haters can take a hike. Look at the numbers he put up when T.O. was sane for that one year. 2) What the heck was that all about with Buckhalter celebrating with the Cards, I guess Andy knows more than the rest of us about who the true loyal players are in his clubhouse. Buckhalter can take a hike too!— SherrifSharp
- What a luxury it must be for Warner, his best seasons he had Isaac Bruce and Tori Holt as his receivers, and freggin Marshal Faulk in the backfield. This year, he has Fitzgerald and Boldin at the wides, and the 'Edge" in the backfield. You name one point in Mcnabb's career he has had such a supporting cast. If Mcnabb does leave Philly, I just hope he is put in a similar situation like Randall when he left for Minn, he was finally surrounded with weapons. At the time, that Minn team was the best offense in league history.— SherrifSharp
- i'd sure like to replace buckhalter with brandon jacobs or larry johnson. that would put us over the top— Ryan
- Simple: Just as Wilbert Mongomery was ground up in his day, Westy is going the same route. If sputters a panic happens on Offense. Forget the Mahes, Moats, Hunts, etc, get a real 255 lb running back.— starman
- Simple: Just as Wilbert Mongomery was ground up in his day, Westy is going the same route. If sputters a panic happens on Offense. Forget the Mahes, Moats, Hunts, etc, get a real 255 lb running back.— starman
- [I would cut any player that was laughing and having fun with the Cardinal players after the game.] ... Football players are a disgrace. You don't see that post-loss lovefest between abseball teams. Players sit in the dugout, either sad, disgusted, some even crying. Even NFL coaches sometimes have to bite their lip and be polite for the politically-correct post-game handshake (except Buddy Ryan). For the players, it's just another party-time, win or loss. There's no pride or heart out there - it's all about cashing a check.— jman
- DMACRULES: You are a complete nut-case and probably a moron. Do you really believe the best all around back in the NFL is soft when he played hurt and played well through injury for most of the year? Your user name says everything we need to know about you. Buck is a one dimensional back, and he's no Westbrook. Even he knows that. You are clueless. Please go back into the short bus and take your seat.— eagles7777
- I like Buck but let's face it, we need a back that can pick up short yardage and push the line on a 3rd & 1 and he just aint it unless they pick up a LEGIT full back. if they can't aquire one, someone like Jamal Lewis would be a nice fit. i know Jamal aint the same but it's not like he's gonna be playing everydown and he's much better than Lorenzo Booker !— GSEaglesFan
- For those of you who are making excuses that McNabb needs better WRs. That may be a little true, but are those elite WRs going to correct his passes over their heads, hitting the ground and behind them?? When is he going to take responsibility for his poor play at the worst possible times for years?— Bob1
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- Buckhalter's "skill" skills are not what is keeping him back. He out-averaged Westbrook in many games (per carry basis) and proved to be a threat catching passes out of the backfield. His problem is blocking and picking up the blitz which is where Westbrook gets the nod. But even Westbrook whiffed on a block yesterday, leading to a sack. I think if the Eagles spell Westbrook and put in Buckhalter, that encourages blitzes. While that sometimes springs Buckhalter for some big plays, more often than not it leads to broken plays.— adamklee
- They used to run a 3 back system with Duce, buck and west and all of them had over 500 yards rushing. ANDY WAKE UP AND SMELL WHAT THE REST OF THE LEAGUE IS COOKING!! San Diego, Atlanta, Tennesee, Baltimore, Carolina, all have two back systems, all made the play-offs and their over-rated QB's all looked liked studs because of it!! Please Andy get it together!!— aphillyphan
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