Future Eagles Hall of Famers

by JasonB on Jul 3, 2007 8:10 PM EDT in News Comment 7 comments

In what is really yet another "list" column, Pete Prisco went through most of the notable veterans currently playing and gave his opinion on which are locks to go to Canton, which are on the bubble, which have a way to go, and which have no shot. In all honestly, I actually agree with his thoughts on the Eagles he included in the list.

Brian Dawkins, S, Philadelphia Eagles
Decision: On the bubble.
He has been one of the most-dominant safeties for a long time. But safeties have a tough time getting in, for whatever reason. If he can have a year or two like he did in 2006, he has a chance.

Unfortunately, he's absolutely right. Safeties have always had a tough time getting into the hall. Typically they don't rack up picks like corners or tackles & sacks like linebackers or lineman. That said, Dawkins is probably going to finish his career with real close to a thousand tackles, 35+ picks, and probably about 40 fumbles forced. He's been a part of 94 Eagles wins, which is a franchise record. He's played in 15 playoff games, another franchise record. 6 pro bowls, 8 playoff wins. He's 5th on the all time among DBs in sacks. In fact, he's one of only 3 players in NFL history to post at least 32 picks and 18 sacks.

The Eagles site had some more

His 32 INTs as an Eagle are the most with one team of any player in the NFL entering 2007
With 18 career sacks, is tied for 5th on the NFL's all-time list among DBs. He is 3rd among active players behind Rodney Harrison ( 28.5) and Ronde Barber (20)
Since entering the NFL in 1996, Dawkins, according to Stats Inc., has recorded 32 INTs and 26 FFs for a combined NFL-best 58 "disruptive plays." In fact, Dawkins is the only player since 1996 to record at least 25 INTs and at least 25 FFs. In addition, according to stats kept by Eagles defensive coaches, Dawkins has recorded 32 INTs and 32 FFs, for a combined 64 "disruptive plays." That total is the most by any Eagle since 1982 (when the Eagles began keeping forced fumbles as an official stat). Former Eagles S Wes Hopkins (49) is the closest to Dawkins' total with 30 INTs and 19 FFs
Has appeared in 157 regular season games, tying him for 4th on the team's all-time list and 2nd among DBs (behind Randy Logan, 159)
Became the first player in NFL history to record a sack, an INT, FR, and TD reception in a single game vs. Hou. (9/29/02). It was the first time a fake punt was converted into a TD by the Eagles since 1988 (Terry Hoage). He victimized Texans QB David Carr for the defensive trio of events before taking a pitch from Brian Mitchell on the fake punt and racing 57 yds. for his 4th career TD. Earned NFC defensive POW honors for his effort.

Clearly I think any Eagles fan and probably most any NFC East would tell you that #20 is a no brainer hall of fame player. In addition to being a dominant force on the field, he's been regarded as one of the finer character guys in the league. Let's hope the folks get over whatever they have against safeties and give Dawkins his rightful place in Canton when his times comes.

Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Decision: Needs more work.
He's been a good quarterback, but has he ever been the best in the NFL? He hasn't done enough yet, and needs some big years to get there.

I agree with Prisco here, although I somewhat disagree with what he thinks McNabb needs to get there. QBs are always judged more on playoff success than other guys. I think a superbowl ring and a couple decent years will get McNabb in the hall. That said, if he put up 4 or 5 more years of 30 TD seasons he may very well accumulate enough stats to put himself in even without a ring.

Those are the only 2 he has in his list and Iwould tend to agree. Jon Runyan has been a pretty great player for a long time, but it's always hard to say for lineman. When I think of Runyan, I don't immediately think "hall of famer." The only other guy who has had enough years under his belt to even bother discussing is Jeremiah Trotter and I don't think he has a chance. Jevon Kearse may be another guy that could enter into the discussion, but like Trotter I don't think there's much he could do now to play himself into the hall.

Any guys I've missed? Any thoughts on the guys we did list?

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Give Akers another 7 years...

and 5 pro bowls? Still probably not.

by brooksy on Jul 3, 2007 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's funny

After I posted this, I actually thought about Akers... but I figured it's so rare for kickers to get into the hall there was no point.

Although I think Vinateri could get in.

Bleeding Green Nation Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Jul 3, 2007 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I actually agree with the list

Westbrook doesn't have anywhere near the longevity to be in the discussion at this point.

If McNabb gets a Superbowl or two that'll probably be enough to get him in.

by Dire Radiant on Jul 4, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We can only hope

by Alon on Jul 4, 2007 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lock

I cant remember how many times i have said to whomever im watching a Eagles game with that Dawkins would make a play when they need it most. He never lets me down. When i work out i actually spell his name when doing reps. Also have 2 of his jerseys. He is the greatest safety i have ever seen.

by Sabonis4Ever on Jul 4, 2007 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hall of Fame

HOF inducts 3-6 players every year.

So look back from 1993 (very few active players since then) to present and ask yourself who belongs in the HOF from each draft and crop of undrafted free agents.

For two years that concern Eagles fans ...

For example, from 1996, is there anyone else you think could be inducted besides Simeon Rice, Jonathan Ogden, Marvin Harrison, John Runyan, Ray Lewis, Brian Dawkins, Terrell Ownes, and Tedy Bruschi?

From 1999, who else besides McNabb, Champ Bailey, Dre' Bly, Tory Holt, Chris McAllister, and Anthony McFarland deserves a look?

Or for a not so concerning years, in 1995, who besides Warren Sapp, Ty Law, Rod Smith? In 1997 who to consider besides Orlando Pace, Tony Gonzalez, Tarik Glenn, Tiki Barber, Corey Dillon, Darren Sharper, Ronde Barber, Jason Taylor?

Every year you look at, its pretty much a couple of shoo-ins and a handful of guys on the bubble who you must choose from.

by Andrew on Jul 5, 2007 4:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good info

Off the top of my head the shoe-ins from your list should be...

"For example, from 1996, is there anyone else you think could be inducted besides Simeon Rice, Jonathan Ogden, Marvin Harrison, John Runyan, Ray Lewis, Brian Dawkins, Terrell Owens, and Tedy Bruschi?

"From 1999, who else besides McNabb, Champ Bailey, Dre' Bly, Tory Holt, Chris McAllister, and Anthony McFarland deserves a look?

Or for a not so concerning years, in 1995, who besides Warren Sapp, Ty Law, Rod Smith? In 1997 who to consider besides Orlando Pace, Tony Gonzalez, Tarik Glenn, Tiki Barber, Corey Dillon, Darren Sharper, Ronde Barber, Jason Taylor?

Bleeding Green Nation Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Jul 5, 2007 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs