A Dunn Deal?

by Maclin7 on Jul 13, 2009 8:23 PM EDT

The Philadelphia Eagles appear to be confident in their team, and are now focused on getting over the hump, and reaching the ultimate prize in football, the Super Bowl. Even with all the unanswered questions that surround the Eagles backfield, the Birds seem to be set on their crop of running backs. Atleast, that’s what it appeared it to be. Rumors have swirled around Philadelphia that the Eagles are interested in adding the veteran back, Warrick Dunn. The rumors have been brought about by ESPN.com, and have been discussed in USA Today.

So how would bringing Warrick Dunn to Philly help out the team? Well for starters, he is an experience player in the NFL, and has been quite successful during his 13 year career. The impact the Dunn would have on the Birds, besides his play on the field, would be teaching the younger backs. With 2nd round draft pick LeSean McCoy expected to see a good amount of action in 2009, he will need to be prepared physically and mentally. Dunn would take McCoy under his wing, and could teach him the “small things” that many young backs never learn. The addition of Dunn would bring leadership to the Eagles backfield, and would give the younger players a mentor to look up too.

Warrick Dunn has had a solid career in the NFL, spending most of his years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and recently the Atlanta Falcons. In his career, Dunn has rushed for 10,967 yards, with 49 touchdowns. After doing some research, I have found that in 17 total games against the Redskins, Giants, and Cowboys, Dunn has rushed for 1,193 yards and 4 touchdowns. These are pretty good stats for him, and could help the Eagles against their division rivals. Bringing in Warrick Dunn would be a great addition, especially since he would provide leadership and experience to the backfield. The players, such as LeSean McCoy and Lorenzo Booker, would be able to get the “tricks” that have made Warrick Dunn successful in the NFL and he could also bring some relief to Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy.

Poll

Would you accept Warrick Dunn as an Eagle?

Yes

248 votes

No

35 votes

283 votes | Poll has closed

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Really? There’s enough competition at running back as it is. What does this guy offer that can’t be had by McCoy, Booker, and Eckel. If anything…I’m THRILLED about our running game right now. No need to add anything…let’s just see who makes it.

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Jul 13, 2009 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

Running back is the position where experience matters the least. Unless Wesbrook’s injury is a serious concern and McCoy/Booker have no grasp of the playbook or blocking, I’m not remotely interested. As a pure runner I don’t think Dunn provides an upgrade. If you want tutoring or a RB to provide ‘tricks’, the young guys can talk to Westbrook.

I don’t want this team to roster 4 backs at the expense of cutting talent elsewhere, whether it be Dunn or Eckel as the extra guy.

by FredEx on Jul 13, 2009 8:43 PM EDT reply actions

We tried to get him before

I don’t know when, but I do know that we did try and bring him here already before in the past. Does anyone remember?

A lot of people will say that Booker isn’t a bust, and it would be stupid to cut him because he cost us a 3rd rounder. I see that point, but, I don’t want to see another player take up a roster spot that isn’t going to produce for us. I think Booker is likley to never produce. Look at his past. He was a bust at Flordia State University, considering he was MR.Football in Flordia(I think twice!!!).

Warrick Dunn is a proven player. He can be a home run hitter and he can help McCoy mature. I don’t know if Booker can do any of those things. Why not add him? Because of L. Booker? Come on, you must be joking. It isn’t like we are going to ask Dunn to carry are squad.

It doesn’t matter at all – I know – but I predict that he will be an Eagle. Look at Billacheat, he signed a old ass RB(see Fred Taylor) for some added RB depth too. I say lets do it as well.

by topcat6 on Jul 13, 2009 8:52 PM EDT reply actions

If you want his proven, yet declining skills over the Booker, who has promise, but shown little else, that works for me. Dunn would also have to be willing to be a potential 3rd back getting close to no touches.

Westbrook will be fine, and even a busted up Westbrook is going to be the best option. Westbrook is also a veteran and can teach/mentor the other guys. Rookie running backs are often able to step in and produce right away. That’s the case for why we don’t need Dunn.

The case for Dunn, is like you said, he’s proven and he’s only replacing Booker (who may or may not have figured things out).

Also, the Patriots are definitely a great organization, but I don’t think we’re trying to model ourselves after them. They make a habit of signing veterans, where as we don’t like guys over 30. Just because they’ve done so, doesn’t make it a good idea or a good fit for the Eagles. Not that you were trying imply that logic, but just pointing that out.

by FredEx on Jul 13, 2009 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

im pretty sure we tried to get him the off-season before we got B.O., maybe a year before that.

by 5uperman on Jul 13, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Great points. I feel you.

When it comes down to it for me, I think about the chances of W.Dunn breaking a large run for a first down vs L. Booker doing it this year(we have a great chance for the SB THIS year). I cannot see L.Booker doing a better job.

I see the Eagles CB depth as a sorta model for what our RB depth should look like. Hanson is pretty good and can start if needed, but we went out and got Ellis to further solidify the position. I like that philosophy.

by topcat6 on Jul 13, 2009 10:11 PM EDT reply actions

we dont need dunn

"I think pro athletes should be forced to use steroids. I think we as fans deserve the greatest athletes science can create."- Daniel Tosh

If Football Had A Church , Brian Dawkins Would Be My Preacher. -NPK

by NorthPhillyKid on Jul 13, 2009 11:09 PM EDT reply actions

u guys

what happens when b west gets hurt .. yes i said when .. booker is fast but a bust .. and mccoy doesnt even kno the system .. will have a hard time contributing as a rookie .. he cant block yet so andy wont play him .. let alone trust him to start .. so dunn .. a proven vet can start .. and he can still contribute .. he would come in and be the 2nd back

by jack is better than asante on Jul 14, 2009 12:07 AM EDT reply actions

what happens when b west gets hurt

He plays hurt, and plays better than a Dunn/McCoy anyway.
We pass more.
Single back sets with Weaver.

Booker is still young, so it’s too early to slap the bust tag on him. Warrick Dunn doesn’t “kno” the system either. It’s not uncommon for rookie RBs to step in and produce (last year: Johnson, Forte, Slaton).The main questions are; what if any progress has Booker made, Westbrook’s health, and the pass blocking ability of both McCoy and Booker.

by FredEx on Jul 14, 2009 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions

JIBTA

You type how a kid with asmath talks. (Not trying to make fun of or offend anyone.) You have all of these little pauses in between like every five words. I remember you said you cant type with good grammer because you were to busy or something. I think it would take more time to type those periods, than to just have good grammer.

We really dont need Dunn.

Eagles fan since December 10, 1995

by Eagles675 on Jul 14, 2009 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions

I am glad that you guys are happy with our RBs. I ain’t. I don’t know nothing about McCoy and I don’t see what everyone is talking about Booker.

I want to give Booker a nickname. He reminds me of a RB on my old teams. We called him Shakes because he only dances a lot and got tackled. Picture every Booker carry all last year. Man I am confident in him.

So, I have to side with JIBTA and I am calling the signing. No way Reid is letting Dunn go, he loves the small scat back.

by topcat6 on Jul 14, 2009 12:39 AM EDT reply actions

Booker has done next to nothing and McCoy is just an unproven rookie, so you have plenty of reason to be skeptical.

My problem is this:

No way Reid is letting Dunn go

Free agency started Feburary 26th. It is now July 14th. This clearly isn’t a Reid can’t let this guy get away situation. It’s been free agency for quite some time and we have plenty of money to throw his way if we want his services.

We have 3 scat backs already, and are approaching 4 months of time during which we could have signed Dunn. That’s not to say this can’t or won’t happen, because obviously it can.

by FredEx on Jul 14, 2009 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions

You got me

Playing online poker and writing posts isn’t a smart way yo go. So, that is what I do all the time.

What I meant to say is, no way should Reid let him go. Especially because Booker is a shaky RB.

by topcat6 on Jul 14, 2009 1:19 AM EDT reply actions

I'm not ready to turn things over to McCoy just yet. Most RB take time to

learn our system. Even Westbrook was a bench player his rookie year. Lets us remember Moates and Hunt who struggled as rookies. Moates really struggled learning this offense, I know that McCoy is different, but it may take a year for him to get up to speed. Dunn would be this years Dorsey Levens.

Bleed green, or don't bleed at all!

by yophillybro on Jul 14, 2009 8:12 AM EDT reply actions

A must signing IMO...

We could definitely use Dunn. WHEN …not IF…WHEN westbrrok gets hurt we will need someone to step in who knows the system and CAN BLOCK and pick up the BLITZ. Despite Dunn being a small back he is an excellent blocker and can still break a run here and there.
Booker could not even get on the field last year…and when westbrook is REALLY hurt he is ineffective…( See playoffs last year..Giants and NFC title game)
Dunn will be a nice insurance policy to have…and worth every penny.

by Gdog2009 on Jul 14, 2009 12:09 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t understand how people would think that Booker is a better option than Dunn. Dunn can play and he might actually pass the line of scrimmage when we do need to give him the ball. Unlike Booker.

I don’t really understand why this is even a debate, but as we already know, I am always confused with everyone elses opinions.

by topcat6 on Jul 14, 2009 12:38 PM EDT reply actions

im worried about the roster spot

i could see the eagles passing on any/all of the free agent rbs and wait for the season to start, and if westbrook does get hurt and has to miss a decent number of games, signing whatever is left out there, be it an edge, dunn, alexander, or mcallister

"You always hear about ballplayers buying numbers from other players for five figures. When this .300 lifetime hitter was in Philly, he traded his number to Mitch Williams for two cases of beer." - Stuff Magazine on John Kruk

by BadCo'09 on Jul 14, 2009 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

yea

well dunn is the type of back the eagles like .. small versitale and not grreat in between the tackles but can catch the ball and has hr ability .. and he can block .. booker wont see the field cuz not only is he a bust but he cant block .. and mccoy has to learn to block before andy will play him … the diff in forte and slaton and mccoy is that A forte can block .. and b slaton plays in houston where they have no problems playing a rb who cant block .. david carr did lead the league in sacks for years .. and schaub isnt much better if im correct .. so yea .. andy is differnt . he will not play a rookie rb till he proves he can block .. so its either booker or one of the vets when westy gets hurt .. are you willing to bet a game or two on booker? cuz im not .. ill take my chances with the proven vet

by jack is better than asante on Jul 14, 2009 4:28 PM EDT reply actions

Mr. Flip

Why would we want a really old halfback backing up our oft-injured RB? I mean, at least get a back that could do some damage. I think the letting go of Bucky was a very underrated move. He was a great back up and will be missed.

Isn’t 30 the age where backs slow down? If we’re worried about Westbrook TURNING 30, why would be sign someone who is 34 and will be 35 by the time playoffs come?

by Igglesfan13 on Jul 14, 2009 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

because

hes a back up .. who said back ups cant be productive after 30 .. dunn was last year .. how about taylor .. hes not going to be ur feature back .. just a guy to plug in for a game or two when westys hurt .. plus he can spell westy a few plays .. westbrook game is similar to dunns .. he would be a good pick up

by jack is better than asante on Jul 14, 2009 5:42 PM EDT reply actions

i would take dunn over booker at this point. he may make strides in pre-season. but if he doesn’t dunn could be acquired cheaply.

by snowhill82 on Jul 14, 2009 11:56 PM EDT reply actions

How late can you wait to sign Dunn?

The ideal situation would be if you could wait until the second or third week of the preseason to see how Booker plays. If Booker looks bad, then you could go and sign Dunn. The problem is, I don’t think you can wait that long for him. I think Warrick Dunn would be a better option than Deuce McAllister if they need to sign another running back. I think Dunn would be fine as part of a three-headed monster attack at running back. I say sign him because you really don’t know if McCoy and/or Booker can be effective. You also have to be concerned about Westbrook’s health. I don’t want to be in a situation again where you’re playing a Darnell Autry because you are out of running backs. Probably better to be safe than sorry.

Sometimes it's just fun to take the family for a spin around the lake in the old boat. Even if it's not your family or your boat, and they're screaming for you to stop.

by Baron Dainer Von Tresvant on Jul 15, 2009 9:59 PM EDT reply actions