PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Lost in the hoopla surrounding the return of Brian Dawkins to Philadelphia is the importance of a game with strong playoff implications.
All eyes will be on No. 20 when the Denver Broncos (8-6) visit the NFC East-leading Eagles (10-4) on Sunday. Dawkins spent 13 seasons in Philadelphia, establishing himself as a Hall of Fame-caliber safety and one of the all-time greatest fan favorites in the city.
Though he’ll be wearing the orange, blue and white of the Broncos instead of Eagles green, Dawkins probably will receive the loudest ovation ever given a visiting player in Philadelphia. Denver coach Josh McDaniels confirmed his defense will be introduced before the game.
It certainly will be an emotional moment for Dawkins, one of the more energetic and passionate players in the league.
the years, so I don’t expect anything crazy.”
Dawkins’ return dominated conversations this week, but the game is more significant for its ramifications in the standings than the heartwarming reunion. The Broncos have a one-game lead over six teams for the final wild-card spot in the AFC. Denver opened 6-0 before losing four straight. The Broncos have lost their last two, including a 20-19 defeat at home to Oakland last Sunday.
The Eagles, who already clinched a playoff berth, are riding a five-game winning streak and hold a one-game lead over Dallas for first place. Even if they lose to the Broncos, the Eagles would still win the division with a road victory over the Cowboys next week. But Philadelphia’s goal is to earn a first-round bye. The Eagles would secure the No. 2 seed behind New Orleans with two wins and one loss by Minnesota (11-3).
o be any different.”
While Dawkins is coming back to Philly in enemy colors, Brian Westbrook is expected to see his first action for the home team in six weeks. The former All-Pro running back has been cleared to play after suffering two concussions. He’s missed the last five games and has played in only six games this season.
A healthy Westbrook gives Philadelphia’s potent offense another weapon to join dynamic wide receiver DeSean Jackson. The versatile Westbrook was the team’s top playmaker for several years, so the coaching staff has yet another option.
“The fact that they might get Westbrook back this week, that makes it even tougher for us to prepare,” Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey said. “We’ve got our hands full.”
Dawkins isn’t the only former Eagle returning to Lincoln Financial Field this week. Running back Correll Buckhalter will make his first appearance against his former team. Buckhalter spent his first eight seasons in Philadelphia, overcoming three major knee injuries that sidelined him for three full years.
“I’ve been looking forward to it since the offseason,” Buckhalter said. “It’s definitely going to be weird. After I get in the stadium, all that stuff will go away. Once I get out there and get on the field, get to talking with some of the guys that I played with, it’s going to make it extra fun.”
dy Reid has made sure his team stays focused on all the Broncos and not just two players.
“Our team understands that we’re not playing Buck and Dawk, but we’re playing the Denver Broncos,” Reid said. “They know that they need to study the team as opposed to studying those two players and that’s what they are going to do.”
The Broncos could present matchup problems for the Eagles because they have the second-best pass defense in the league. But Denver is vulnerable against the run, ranking 22nd.
McNabb is having an outstanding season and he’ll likely attack the Broncos in the air. However, Westbrook’s return coupled with the success of the LeSean McCoy/Leonard Weaver tandem allows the Eagles to keep it on the ground, if necessary.
“It’s going to be a challenge for us on the offensive side knowing that we have to make sure, in all phases of offense, we’re very effective,” McNabb said. “Obviously we’ve been successful with the run and the pass, so as far as balance is concerned, I don’t think the mindset of just making sure the numbers are even – when you have success with doing something you stay with it. We’ve just been fortunate enough to be successful in the run and pass, which sets up the play-action pass, which is good for us.”
On the opposite side, Broncos QB Kyle Orton must be concerned with an aggressive defense that has forced 36 turnovers.
unblocked guys coming at the quarterback and the quarterback has to get the ball out,” Orton said. “There’s no question about that. They blitz so many guys that you can’t pick it up. When the quarterback is under duress, he’s trying to find open guys and they’re trapping guys, they’re jumping routes. They are extremely aggressive and smart on the back end and trying to be just as aggressive and make the play.”
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