After a long career with the Eagles, Dawk had 3 strong years with the Broncos. In 2009 Dawkins had a career best 95 tackles to go along with 2 interceptions. Last year he had 55 tackles with 2 sacks and an interception. And in a more limited role this past season, Dawk had 38 tackles and 3 sacks.
Dawkins' numbers in Denver beg Eagles fans to ask the question: what if the Eagles had re-signed him? What if he had still been on the team against the Packers in the 2010 playoffs? What if he had been on the field this past year to help a lost in the woods defense gain an identity?
Overall, the Eagles' failure to re-sign Dawkins after the 2008 season was a humongous mistake. The Eagles were right in letting Westbrook, McNabb, and Trotter walk. They were great players during their time with the Birds, but their time had come. Dawkins on the other hand was a true leader on the field and in the locker room, and his departure left the Eagles defense scrambling to find an identity.
I don't know if the Eagles would have won the Super Bowl if Dawk had remained in Philadelphia. But I can assure you that the Eagles 2010 playoff run which ended abruptly in the first round against Green Bay, would have been extremely different with number 20 in midnight green.
With injury problems this past season, Dawkins could very well retire within the coming weeks. I hope that the Eagles show him the respect that he deserves and allow him to sign a one day contract so that he can retire as a Philadelphia Eagle.
While he will be remembered for his intensity, leadership, and ferocious hits, the sad thing about Dawkins' career is that many people are always going to wonder; what if he had played his entire career with the Eagles?
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