Lots of speculation about the Eagles need for a big running back. I cannot say I totally disagree, but I am probably a little less pessimistic than most because I think that IF Buckhalter returns to form (admittedly that is a pretty GD big IF) that they do have the 220lb back, is Buck a 250+ load-carrying pile-driver...uh no...but they again WHO IS that might be available...
I know the 'Skins picked up TJ Duckett who was probably the best big guy out there (and that ain't saying much), but for all his size TJ should be pounding folks, but he gets brought down too easily...somehow Warrick Dunn is tougher to bring down that TJ...how can a guess that big be a "finesse" back? Same thing goes for Ron Dayne - who is rumored to be in Mike Shanahan's doghouse and possible on his way out in Denver...Let me say that name again RON DAYNE...does that ring a bell Eagles fans ? It should, Dayne is the player I wanted Jim Fassel to put into the backfield when the GYNts were in short yardage situations against the Eagles. Maybe he was tough at some point in his career (though I kinda doubt, he has great blocking at W) but Dayne couldn't bust through the pep-rally banner at a Wisconsin homecoming let alone take on LaVar Arrington, Antonio Pierce, or Bobby Carpenter in the hole on fourth and 1 if playing for the Eagles. Come on, by now we should know that Dayne is a total bust...He had two respectable years for the GYNts...end of story.
Who else is there? Someone mentioned Lee Suggs, and about 6 weeks ago I might have taken a flier on the guy...history of being banged up, but he is pretty big....here's the problem with that - he just failed a physical with the RB-desperate NY Jets, so scratch him off the list...
BTW - Suggs is listed at 213 lbs...Buckhalter is listed at 217 lbs, so why would be in a hurry to replace one injury-prone big back with another who has no experience is our style offense?
Last night Glen Macnow on local sportsradio mentioned the best possibility: Eric Shelton, an early 2005 pick is rumored to have fallen out of favor in Carolina. He's a 6'1" 250 bruiser that hasn't been able to crack the Panthers rather deep RB corps...could be good news for us, because for years teams would pluck up the players we just couldn't find a way to squeeze onto our 53-man roster, so if they got a glut of talent, there are a whole lot worse teams than Carolina from which to try and snag a hidden gem...do we really someone who the frickin' Browns don't want?
So there it is, I am not saying Shelton is the guy, or even that he's going to available, (though he does NOT even appear on Carolina's on-line depth chart). I like Buckhalter...I would LOVE to see him return to form....but we'll see what Andy Reid and Tom Heckert do...they've shown a willingness to go out and get guys they think can help the team...
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