DAWKINS: EAGLES HAVE SUPER BOWL PARTS IN PLACE
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
DAWKINS: EAGLES HAVE SUPER BOWL PARTS IN PLACE
Bob Brookover
The emcee at the Home Depot playground build in Tampa this morning cracked a joke that Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner couldn't take part as scheduled because he had a "pretty big" game he was getting ready for Sunday.
Brian Dawkins didn't even crack a smile.
The Eagles' safety admitted that it's difficult to be at the site of Super Bowl XLIII after losing to Warner's Cardinals in the NFC championship game 10 days ago, but he was a finalist for an award presented by Home Depot based on contributions in the community. The winner of the award was Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.
Dawkins applauded Witten's recognition, then talked about his potential free-agent status and the future of the Eagles.
"I think we'll be able to get something done," Dawkins said when asked about getting a new contract from the Eagles. "That's what I'm hoping, so when that time comes and they finally decide it's time to start talking ... hopefully we'll get something done real quick."
The 35-year-old safety wouldn't reveal what kind of deal or even the number of years he's hoping to receive from the Eagles, but he did say that he expects this to be his final contract.
"Obviously there's a number in my head and my agent's head and when it comes time to talk, we'll talk about it," Dawkins said. "Hopefully, we'll be very close if not right on the same number."
As for the team's future, Dawkins believes the Eagles have the pieces in place right now to be a Super Bowl contender again next season.
"If you look at what we were able to do and the talent we have ... when Kevin (Curtis) got back healthy and 100 percent, you saw what we were able to do," Dawkins said. "Brian (Westbrook) was never healthy and that was a big hindrance to our offense. I think if the line is solidified and everybody is there protecting Donovan (McNabb) and allowing that running game to get going, I think that's a high-powered offense and it's going to be tough for teams to stop. I really do believe that.
"Absolutely you're always going to want to add good players to the puzzle, but do you absolutely need to add. I don't believe that. I think (the team) is in a good place with an if there. If everybody learns from this year and the mistakes that were made ... if everybody does that, both players and coaches, this will be a team to be reckoned with next year. I think we can push for the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl. The thing for coaches and players is we can't go into the offseason saying, 'We're fine and we'll be OK' and forget about some of the things that happened this past year."
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dmacrules, dont you DARE disrespect dawkins. the man plays his heart out every sunday! unlike a certain player that you think "rules"— ca97- Comment removed.
- Unless they bring in a free agent safety then it would be in the team's best interest to bring Dawkins back for next year. Quinton Demps is not ready to play every down but may be able to give Dawkins more of a blow next year as he develops. Plus he is the leader of that defense which will again be the strength of the team next year.— NEPHILLY215
- He's probably the furthest from his prime of any member of the defense, but what does it matter how talented the group is if it doesn't 'bring it' every game, every series? well the heart ofthis defense still beats in the chest of number 20.— robinlupe
- The entire defense was horrible, especially the 1st half - and Johnson was outcoached too. Dawk is the heart & soul of this team, because the defense has always been the heart & soul of the team .- we only made NFC Championships this decade b/c of great defense. and whenever the day comes that Dawk leaves - this team will never be the same.— AllDawk_AllTheTime
- just retire, dude, the birds are done— PuPuMan
- Love Dawk, just not sure hes worth a new contract at his age. Maybe they can get a 1 or 2 yr deal done. That would be in everyones best interest and we all want him to retire an Eagle.— peteike
- Ask Jim Johnson if Dawk should be brought back.— phillyboobird
- Just ask Jim Johnson if Dawk should be brought back.— phillyboobird
- DMACrules I would love to see you tell that to Dawkins personally. My recommendation.... wear brown pants.— rockinrob
- Maybe his tackling was poor against Arizona, but he had enough defensive stops late in the season to warrant another year or two. It's safe to say that he carried the team into and through the playoffs. What's the worst that happens? Demps takes over midyear?— andwhysee
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- king...Considine stinks in coverage but is great on special teams...plus Demps is higher on the depth chart than 37. Oh one more thing, when you need to explain a joke then it isn't funny.— TheNationHimself
- the guy is a career failure, good riddance Dawkins— BHite15
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That picture might be the greatest NFL Photo ever taken.... Regardless of play, who would they realisticall give Dawk's roster position to? Some 6th round draft pick? Brian Dawkins has more than earned his spot on this team, and the intangibles he brings are invaluable. I say this guy stays here as long as he wants...— kjuggs77- The problem is asante cannot cover man to man. Needs to be part of a "system" to be effective. Thats why Fitz ran wild against the birds. GM needs to do more homework. Sign Dawk for 2 more years then let him coach the secondary.— PEFF
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- Brian Dawkins (like Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Bobby Clarke, Mo Cheeks, Moses Malone, Bill Bergey, and many others) epitomizes the true Philly athlete. He's got class, gives 100% everyday, plays hurt, and is honest when he speaks. You can't ask any more of the man. He's earned the right to leave Philly on his terms, even if his last year(s) aren't up to Pro Bowl standards.— bleeding green
- His leadership is invaluable....Keep him...but unfortuantely his play (speed) is less than it needs to be...so sign him and draft his replacement...I love him as a player and a leader and an inspiration but the sad truth is that his time is almost over.....Someone has to mentor the young players and after he, Runyon and Tra there is no one else....BWest could lead but his talent is so far above the other guys I think they are afraid to talk with him.— nuggett
- what we really need is to be able to pressure the QB with a 4 man front. The Cards mercilessly exploited the Eagles after picking up the blitz and making easy short throws to the hot receiver, back or tightend.— bung
- You know, it's funny because of all of thenegativity and ya, it was another heartbreaking loss, but the Eagles really are in really good shape next year. Curtis and Westbrook healthy, Jackson with a year under his belt... I still don't know what happened in the first half against AZ, though... Maybe just an emotinal letdown after so many back-to-the-wall games? I don't know.— Jim C.
- DMACRULES...typical philly fan...What are you going to replace him with? Another ineffective retread cut or released from our competitors. Dawkins is a leader and using him sparingly if you have to for another year or two.— phillyfan19335
- Hopefully Eagles Team, coaches and management will "FINALLY" get their collective act together next year. The once young talent is not so young anymore and the rest of the conference is ripe for the picking!— phillyfan19335
- well whatever the Eagles Do Howard Eskin will stand behind it.— unknownblogger
They must bring him back! He has been a warrior for years and it would be a complete travesty if they don't sign him, a complete slap in the face for his years of loyal service. It certainly is not like they have anybody else, and he played great down the stretch.- He is a Pro-Bowl Safety. You don't let Pro-Bowl players go if they want to stay. Then get him a two year deal and that will be that.— albertpa
- Demps is going to be a good player and resigning Dawk will be great for his development as well as the locker room.— frustrated 22
- the day he leaves this team will be the end of an era, an era in which wide receivers and tight ends cringed at the sight of number 20, he will forever be admired and never forgotten— jbettner
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- bleeding green - I would add Barkley to the "many others" in your post. That guy was a personal favorite just for his excessive honesty. On topic, give Dawk 2 more years, unless - like Trotter - he can't handle a non-starting role. I know Demps is the heir apparent, but between falling down on the double pass and cheap shotting Warner, he obviously needs at least 1/2 a season of seasoning.— Phrossty
- Retire, Dawk, and take Conlin with you. Go on dinner theatre circuit as "The Odd Couple" You will be a "hit", he will get meal coupons and free blueberry pie.— mick314
- Dawkins stays....grooms young safeties....until he says enough......our bigger problems are on the O- side of the ball from the line to skill..to getting a real 2 back system....Brian does not have much left..— oldBird
