Most Eagles fans think of passion when they invision future Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins, but I think it’s versatility which separates him from other safeties.
Yes he plays with tremendous passion, but I think it’s his excellence as a tackler, bltizer and ball hawk which makes him so special.
First of all, although he’s not big for his position, Dawkins makes an impact as a tackler.
He is able to pound wide receivers and running backs to the point where he forces fumbles and intimidates anybody who comes into his area.
The intimidation factor causes wide receivers to drop passes which they would otherwise catch.¬† You can’t measure this element but has an affect on wins and losses.
Dawk also has the ability to make the sure open field tackle which prevents big plays and limits the mistakes of his teammates.
Number 20 is one of the best blitzers who ever played the safety position.¬† He has 21 sacks in his career and that’s quite a number for a defensive back.
Dawkins has forced many fumbles and pressured quarterbacks into throwing interceptions when employed as a blitzer.
Finally, Dawkins is a great ball hawk who has 34 career interceptions.  He has a nose for the football and has been able to run passes down from sideline to sideline.
Early in his career, the Eagles would walk him out on wide receivers and have him guard them one-on-one.
There are many safeties who had one of these qualities but very few who could do all of them like Dawkins.
That’s why he’s a sure Hall of Famer.
