Run Rabbit Run

Donovan McNabb and Randall Cunningham might have something in common after all.

McNabb, unfairly compared to Cunningham since the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him No. 2 overall last year, might lead his team in rushing, too. With Duce Staley out for the remainder of the season, Philadelphia is searching for a running back.

The Eagles almost always were looking for a runner during most of Cunningham`s 11 seasons in Philadelphia.

"We haven`t run well the last two games," coach Andy Reid said. "Even with Duce, our run production was down. We need to address that."

The committee of Brian Mitchell, Darnell Autry and Stanley Pritchett combined for 36 yards on 13 carries in Sunday`s 17-14 loss to Washington.

McNabb had 43 yards himself. Cunningham led the Eagles in rushing four straight seasons from 1987-90.

McNabb scrambles away from pressure in Sunday`s loss to the Redskins.

"I don`t look at those things," McNabb said.

Staley, who injured his right ankle in a 38-10 victory over Atlanta on Oct. 1, is scheduled to undergo an examination Tuesday afternoon near his home in Columbia, S.C.

If tests are negative, Reid said Staley`s foot will be placed in a cast and the star runner could return later this season. If surgery is necessary, Staley will be lost for the year.

The trading deadline is 4 p.m. Tuesday should the Eagles seek a replacement from another team. Philadelphia owns an additional third-round pick (San Diego`s) and fourth-round pick (Green Bay`s) in next year`s draft.

"We won`t put our future in jeopardy by trading high picks for an average player," Reid said. "We`re not leaning in that direction, but we`ll keep our ears open."

Among the players that could become available are Cincinnati`s Corey Dillon and Pittsburgh`s Jerome Bettis _ both free agents after this season. San Francisco`s Travis Jervey is another possibility. But unlike baseball, in-season trades don`t occur too often in football.

Terry Kirby, who played with Cleveland, Miami and San Francisco, tops the free agent list.

The Eagles are more inclined to add a running back with experience in the West Coast offense.

"That`s one thing we definitely look at," Reid said. "There`s a lot of adjustments in a short period of time. There`s a lot to learn."

McNabb learned a lot in the loss to Washington. The ill-advised interception he threw to Darrell Green in the final minute set up the winning field goal.

"You have to be hard on yourself because it`s a long season," McNabb said. "You have to learn from your mistakes, go out in practice and eliminate those mistakes."

A productive running game would make it easier on McNabb, and would improve Philadelphia`s chances at a winning season.

The Eagles (3-3) have a favorable schedule over the next six weeks. But it won`t matter if the running game is not existent.

Reid is considering sticking with the same backfield, and giving them more opportunities.

"I was way too conservative," Reid said about calling 13 running plays against Washington. "I`ve got an idea now after reviewing the film about what needs to be done and who I feel can work in there and do a job for us."

One solution may be Autry, who hadn`t played in a game since Dec. 1998 before Sunday. Autry gained 8 yards on his first carry, but finished with 15 yards on 7 rushes.

"I wanted to do more, be more creative, more elusive," Autry said. "I`m disappointed with how I played. I can do better."

(Copyright 2000 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Author: AP