Fuente: © Philadelphia Eagles
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NFL: EAGLES: PLAYER PROFILE: DARWIN WALKER

/noticias.info/ By BOB KENT

PhiladelphiaEagles.com profiles the 2005 Eagles, player by player, as we prepare for the 2006 season. Current Profile: DT Darwin Walker.

Darwin Walker has overcome injuries in the past, but a thigh contusion suffered in a late week practice early in the season seemed to sidetrack what started as a promising season.

Walker was brilliant in his first two games, recording eight tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

In the season opener at Atlanta Walker was a disruptive force on the defensive line all night, pressuring quarterback Michael Vick. On one play, Walker forced a fumble that was recovered by Jevon Kearse, but was knocked loose again. Walker, however, was there to recover it and run it back for 5 yards. Walker added 1.5 sacks as well.

A week later, Walker started his 50th consecutive game. In that contest he sacked Niners quarterback Tim Rattay.

Walker then missed the next three games due to his injury. He returned to action against San Diego and recovered a fumble at the end of the game to seal the Eagles victory over the Chargers.

Walker showed his versatility in mid-November, shifting out to defensive end in place of the injured N.D. Kalu.

Collectively, the front four struggled at times last season instead of dictating to the offense.

Still, the Eagles are high on Walker, one of those blue-collar types who has established himself as a force in the league. With 20.5 sacks since 2002, he is a formidable weapon on the defensive line.

His effectiveness and explosiveness all comes from being healthy. That's the key moving forward.


SPADARO ANALYSIS

"When Walker was healthy last year, he played outstanding football. Walker was an absolute force against the Falcons in the season-opening game, and he dominated San Francisco in game two. But once Walker hurt his thigh before the Raiders game, through most of the season, he was not nearly as effective.

"So, the key is for Walker to stay healthy. He's been bothered by too many nicks the last couple of seasons, so whether it's a matter of playing through those hurts or somehow avoiding them, hey, he's got to be on the field and he has to be productive for the interior of the Eagles line to play well.

"Walker has a good first step and he adds some push inside. When he has his anchor and is at his best, Walker also holds firm against the run. The key is staying healthy, so this is a critical off-season for Walker. The Eagles have a lot of numbers at defensive tackle. There is going to be competition for playing time and roster spots. Walker won't be handed any job. He'll have to earn his time and keep it by performing."

Note: Players who are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents are not included in the PhiladelphiaEagles.com Player Profiles. notas_de_prensa_archivo