I heard it first from the Comcast cable installation guy (admittedly not the most credible source) and I didn't want to believe it, but in my heart I knew it was true. When he finally got the cable hooked up and then rehooked up (he switched the box before realizing the remote wasn't working), he turned to ESPN2 and while our fat friend Michael Golic jabbered about what Roger Goodell was going to do with Plaxico Burress while he awaits trial, I saw a blurb rolling across the bottom of the screen: "ESPN Radio 950 Philadelphia is reporting that Eagles LB Stewart Bradley suffers season-ending ACL tear" (or something like that). My heart sank. As you saw from my last post, I really believed that Bradley was ready to make the leap to pro-bowl caliber. Instead we're left with a big hole in the middle, perhaps the position on the defense where we haev the least NFL-tested depth. The obvious candidate to replace Bradley is Gaither, whose body-type screams weakside (235 lbs compared to Bradley's 255), even if Gaither seems to have a better grasp of the Mike position than the Will. Gaither will not be as stout against the runs up the middle, so we better hope that Bunkley and Patterson are as impressive this year as last year, and he tends to overplay at times against outside runs and the short passing game. That said, I do think Gaither has the tendency to be a playmaker, if also to make some mistakes. He has a nose for the football, and is a damn good hitter for his size (but is still small for the MIKE), but he won't be what Bradley could have.
The other possible backup here is Joe Mays, a second-year player who was a dynamo in the preseason last year but rarely made it onto the field thereafter. The kid looked like a bowling bowl bouncing around last year carrying ten pounds more than Gaither while being two inches shorter. I doubt though that he can grasp the intricacies of Johnson's defense enough to take over the Mike position, which is traditionally the signal-caller spot--something else significant we lose with Bradley going down.
Let's hope Gaither or Mays can be disciplined and play bigger than their size, or this Bradley loss will be a serious problem for a defense that I hoped would again be in the top 5 in the league. I hope he'll be back at full speed for 2010.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
A NEW SEASON IS HERE (ALMOST): PRESEASON LOOK AT THE DEFENSE
Well, I'm back from a long hiatus. To avid readers who have been nagging the Eagellectual, my apologies for the extended delay. The truth is that I've been too busy to post before this week, because I've been in the midst of a move back to Philly, so that I can be better positioned to blog on the Birds. This blog being the reason, of course, that I have returned to Philly, every day I've spent on moving, has in effect been work for the blog (this is directed at you, Mike the Lawyer and Dan the Businessman).
As we know, the Eagles are about to begin the full team-full contact version of training camp--the unoffical start of the 2009 NFL season.
Before I look at some key issues facing this team goign itno camp, I want to again acknowledge the change in Defensive Coordinator. Jim Johnson will be sorely missed.
As for his replacement, young Sean McDermott (still older than the Eagellectual) of LaSalle High, he is a true Jim Johnson disciple and should be well prepared to implement Jim's scheme. What he does not have, though, is the dcades of experience. Sean will be very much on his own as well. Believe it or not, at age 35, he really is the senior defensive guy on this team. There is no more Steve Spagnuolo, Jim Harbaugh, or Pete Jenkins (not to mention Brian Dawkins) for McDermott to lean on, so he'll be taking on an awful lot of responsibility with less veteran help than even Johnson had for most of his career. It is quite a responsibility, and I hope he is up for it, but he has been being groomed for this position ever since Spagnuolo left for New York.
Now, let's look at some of the key issues and battles facing McDermott's new defense. (My next post will discuss the offense).
More Pass Rush from the front four.
If you read the Eagellectual, you'll know that I've been beating this drum like Todd Rungren all offseason. I love blitzing, but it made us so vulnerable in that Cards game. We need more consistent pass rush from the front four, particularly from the RDE spot. This is where, I hope, Victor Abiamiri comes in.
This will be the difference between being a very good defense and a great one. The main candidates for the RDE spot are Victor Abiamiri (out now for three weeks with a stained pec, from offseason lifting), Chris Clemons, and 2008 3rd round pick Bryan Smith. I think the Eagles' plan is to rotate these three. Clemons and Smith are just too small to play every down in this league, but they have speed that Abiamiri has rarely shown. If, by some chance, though, Abiamiri can stay healthy and put it all together, and somehow justify the use of a 2007 second round pick on him, he could be a difference maker for this defense. If not, he’s probably out of here after this year and the Birds are probably looking at Defensive Ends next offseason. The other possibility here is that Darren Howard takes on a larger role, but I think the Eagles would like to primarily keep him in that nickel defensive tackle role. He’s not getting any younger, and he was great in that role in the second half of the season and playoffs, and so I expect the Eagles would like to keep him in the role so that he doesn’t wear down. There are also some unsubstantiated rumors afloat that the Eagles might make a play for Derrick Burgess who is holding out not for money, but simply to get the hell away from the Raiders (who could blame him).
At tackle we’re looking good as long as everyone stays healthy. Patterson and Bunkley both came off their best NFL seasons. Their ability to control the middle, especially Bunkley’s strength at controlling the point of attack, even int eh face of frequent double teams (Bunkley’s so strong he really plays like he weighs about 15 pounds more), was really the key to the Eagles’ vast improvement in run defense. Trevor Laws is also an intriguing player that I expect to rotate in more often, provide some injury insurance, and perhaps take on a third down role alongside Darren Howard. In third and long, though, expect the Birds to continue sliding Abiamiri into the tackle spot next to Howard and then bringing in Smith or Clemons on the right edge.
At linebacker, the Eagellectual loves Stewart Bradley. Bradley maed a couple bad plays in the Championship Game against Arizona, including being out of position on that Tim Hightower fourth down conversion, but I think he will continue to improve. By all accounts he’s a real smart kid (and the Eagellectual always likes smart kids), and he plays aggressively and has shown that he is strong—he doesn’t get pushed around by RBs or TEs. Look for him to continue to improve. Gocong did what he needed last year. He may never be a star but he’s clearly serviceable, and last year was probably the best season we’ve had from any one at the strongside position since Carlos Emmons was here. Dhani Jones, you are not missed (you know he has a cable show, and a line of bowties, now—unbelievable how a mediocre defensive player can become famous just by wearing a bowtie). At the weakside, there is ostensibly a position battle between last year’s end of the season starter Akeem Jordan and the man whose job he took: Omar Gaither. Jordan seemed bigger and more disciplined and not much slower than Gaither, so I believe the job is Jordan’s to lose. Gaither tries too hard to make plays some time, and I think the Eagles know this. I think the Eagles intend to use Gaither the way they used Ike Reese in his Eagles prime—as a utility linebacker that can back up every position (weakside, middle, and strongside by way of stepping in at middle and letting Bradley slide out to the position he first played for the Eagles), and also as a special teams beast. The remaining two linebacker spots (usually the Eagles keep 6) will be the site of one of the Eagles’ fiercer position battles, with last year’s rookies Andy Studebaker and Joe Mays competing with special teams aces Tank Daniels and Tracy White for those two spots. To make the team, Studebaker and Mays will both have to be very impressive on special teams.
The defensive backfield is another site of fierce competition, and it would not be a surprise to see the Eagles keep ten defensive backs and maybe even only run with five linebackers. At corner we have three excellent veterans in Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs, and Sheldon Brown. I’m not sure what to make of Brown’s contract situation, but I think most likely, he’ll just have to shut up and play, and I think Brown will probably play much more steadily than Lito did last year. Partly, I believe this b/c Brown seems to have a bit more even-keeled personality, but more importantly, Brown is a better corner and he is not a gambler. Lito, when he played last year, was dying for interceptions, so I think he gambled even less responsibly than in previous years. Brown will win his new contract, here or elsewhere, not by flashy interception returns, but by continuing to lock down by himself the number two receiver on every team he faces, just like he did last year. I’m not overly worried about this, but Hobbs is a heck of an insurance policy if there are any problems. Then, if you read the Eagellectual, you know I love Joselio Hanson as a slot defender. Figuring out how to best use these guys, in tandem with a very interesting safety corps will be one of McDermott’s big challenges.
At the safety spot, Quintin Mikell is coming off an amazing year. He did everything you want a safety to do, playing deep, playing near the line, in coverage, in the run game, in goalline situations, blitzing, you name it. Mikell was a revelation last year, and I expect him to become a defensive star this year. Then the big question on everyone’s mind is how they replace Dawk. In terms of Dawk’s fading skill set, I think it was time to move on. While a heck of a hitter still, Dawkins had lost too many steps in coverage, and so Johnson had to do all sorts of things to scheme Dawkins into positions where his skills could be on display and his weaknesses could be covered up. The team, will, however, miss the veteran presence on a very young defense with a very young coaching staff, especially with Johnson gone. The most veteran Eagle on that defrense is Sheldon Brown, and it’s hard to see him being THE team leader when he’s upset with his contract. To replace Dawkins on the field though, the Eagles have all sorts of confidence in Quintin Demps (without checking the NFL record book, the Eagellectual can say with some confidence that this probably is the first all-Quintin safety tandem in league history). Demps is fast and long and was a great ball-hawk in college. While a lot of people are hung up on the flea flicker touchdown to Fitzgerald where Demps slipped (which, incidentally, was as much the fault of Dawkins who had Fitz at the line of scrimmage and bit too hard on the run action), I think the main place Demps needs to improve is in the run game. On key run plays in that Arizona game last year, twice he was out of position. But they have a nice little insurance policy in Sean Jones from Cleveland. Coming off a year where he was slowed by injury, Jones can step in and play at either safety position, but he is more of a strong safety, enough that they might be more likely to move Mikell over to FS if necessary. The other two players in the mix here are former Raider Rashad Baker and fifth round draft pick Victor “Macho” Harris, a hard-hitting Virginia Tech corner, who figures to work more at free safety in the NFL, and has been doing so in camp thus far. Baker is strictly a reserve player, but he would provide an excellent replacement for Greg Lewis’s role as gunner (first man downfield) on the punt and kick coverage teams.
This could be an excellent defense. We’ll have a look at the offense too, between now and the first preseason game.
As we know, the Eagles are about to begin the full team-full contact version of training camp--the unoffical start of the 2009 NFL season.
Before I look at some key issues facing this team goign itno camp, I want to again acknowledge the change in Defensive Coordinator. Jim Johnson will be sorely missed.
As for his replacement, young Sean McDermott (still older than the Eagellectual) of LaSalle High, he is a true Jim Johnson disciple and should be well prepared to implement Jim's scheme. What he does not have, though, is the dcades of experience. Sean will be very much on his own as well. Believe it or not, at age 35, he really is the senior defensive guy on this team. There is no more Steve Spagnuolo, Jim Harbaugh, or Pete Jenkins (not to mention Brian Dawkins) for McDermott to lean on, so he'll be taking on an awful lot of responsibility with less veteran help than even Johnson had for most of his career. It is quite a responsibility, and I hope he is up for it, but he has been being groomed for this position ever since Spagnuolo left for New York.
Now, let's look at some of the key issues and battles facing McDermott's new defense. (My next post will discuss the offense).
More Pass Rush from the front four.
If you read the Eagellectual, you'll know that I've been beating this drum like Todd Rungren all offseason. I love blitzing, but it made us so vulnerable in that Cards game. We need more consistent pass rush from the front four, particularly from the RDE spot. This is where, I hope, Victor Abiamiri comes in.
This will be the difference between being a very good defense and a great one. The main candidates for the RDE spot are Victor Abiamiri (out now for three weeks with a stained pec, from offseason lifting), Chris Clemons, and 2008 3rd round pick Bryan Smith. I think the Eagles' plan is to rotate these three. Clemons and Smith are just too small to play every down in this league, but they have speed that Abiamiri has rarely shown. If, by some chance, though, Abiamiri can stay healthy and put it all together, and somehow justify the use of a 2007 second round pick on him, he could be a difference maker for this defense. If not, he’s probably out of here after this year and the Birds are probably looking at Defensive Ends next offseason. The other possibility here is that Darren Howard takes on a larger role, but I think the Eagles would like to primarily keep him in that nickel defensive tackle role. He’s not getting any younger, and he was great in that role in the second half of the season and playoffs, and so I expect the Eagles would like to keep him in the role so that he doesn’t wear down. There are also some unsubstantiated rumors afloat that the Eagles might make a play for Derrick Burgess who is holding out not for money, but simply to get the hell away from the Raiders (who could blame him).
At tackle we’re looking good as long as everyone stays healthy. Patterson and Bunkley both came off their best NFL seasons. Their ability to control the middle, especially Bunkley’s strength at controlling the point of attack, even int eh face of frequent double teams (Bunkley’s so strong he really plays like he weighs about 15 pounds more), was really the key to the Eagles’ vast improvement in run defense. Trevor Laws is also an intriguing player that I expect to rotate in more often, provide some injury insurance, and perhaps take on a third down role alongside Darren Howard. In third and long, though, expect the Birds to continue sliding Abiamiri into the tackle spot next to Howard and then bringing in Smith or Clemons on the right edge.
At linebacker, the Eagellectual loves Stewart Bradley. Bradley maed a couple bad plays in the Championship Game against Arizona, including being out of position on that Tim Hightower fourth down conversion, but I think he will continue to improve. By all accounts he’s a real smart kid (and the Eagellectual always likes smart kids), and he plays aggressively and has shown that he is strong—he doesn’t get pushed around by RBs or TEs. Look for him to continue to improve. Gocong did what he needed last year. He may never be a star but he’s clearly serviceable, and last year was probably the best season we’ve had from any one at the strongside position since Carlos Emmons was here. Dhani Jones, you are not missed (you know he has a cable show, and a line of bowties, now—unbelievable how a mediocre defensive player can become famous just by wearing a bowtie). At the weakside, there is ostensibly a position battle between last year’s end of the season starter Akeem Jordan and the man whose job he took: Omar Gaither. Jordan seemed bigger and more disciplined and not much slower than Gaither, so I believe the job is Jordan’s to lose. Gaither tries too hard to make plays some time, and I think the Eagles know this. I think the Eagles intend to use Gaither the way they used Ike Reese in his Eagles prime—as a utility linebacker that can back up every position (weakside, middle, and strongside by way of stepping in at middle and letting Bradley slide out to the position he first played for the Eagles), and also as a special teams beast. The remaining two linebacker spots (usually the Eagles keep 6) will be the site of one of the Eagles’ fiercer position battles, with last year’s rookies Andy Studebaker and Joe Mays competing with special teams aces Tank Daniels and Tracy White for those two spots. To make the team, Studebaker and Mays will both have to be very impressive on special teams.
The defensive backfield is another site of fierce competition, and it would not be a surprise to see the Eagles keep ten defensive backs and maybe even only run with five linebackers. At corner we have three excellent veterans in Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs, and Sheldon Brown. I’m not sure what to make of Brown’s contract situation, but I think most likely, he’ll just have to shut up and play, and I think Brown will probably play much more steadily than Lito did last year. Partly, I believe this b/c Brown seems to have a bit more even-keeled personality, but more importantly, Brown is a better corner and he is not a gambler. Lito, when he played last year, was dying for interceptions, so I think he gambled even less responsibly than in previous years. Brown will win his new contract, here or elsewhere, not by flashy interception returns, but by continuing to lock down by himself the number two receiver on every team he faces, just like he did last year. I’m not overly worried about this, but Hobbs is a heck of an insurance policy if there are any problems. Then, if you read the Eagellectual, you know I love Joselio Hanson as a slot defender. Figuring out how to best use these guys, in tandem with a very interesting safety corps will be one of McDermott’s big challenges.
At the safety spot, Quintin Mikell is coming off an amazing year. He did everything you want a safety to do, playing deep, playing near the line, in coverage, in the run game, in goalline situations, blitzing, you name it. Mikell was a revelation last year, and I expect him to become a defensive star this year. Then the big question on everyone’s mind is how they replace Dawk. In terms of Dawk’s fading skill set, I think it was time to move on. While a heck of a hitter still, Dawkins had lost too many steps in coverage, and so Johnson had to do all sorts of things to scheme Dawkins into positions where his skills could be on display and his weaknesses could be covered up. The team, will, however, miss the veteran presence on a very young defense with a very young coaching staff, especially with Johnson gone. The most veteran Eagle on that defrense is Sheldon Brown, and it’s hard to see him being THE team leader when he’s upset with his contract. To replace Dawkins on the field though, the Eagles have all sorts of confidence in Quintin Demps (without checking the NFL record book, the Eagellectual can say with some confidence that this probably is the first all-Quintin safety tandem in league history). Demps is fast and long and was a great ball-hawk in college. While a lot of people are hung up on the flea flicker touchdown to Fitzgerald where Demps slipped (which, incidentally, was as much the fault of Dawkins who had Fitz at the line of scrimmage and bit too hard on the run action), I think the main place Demps needs to improve is in the run game. On key run plays in that Arizona game last year, twice he was out of position. But they have a nice little insurance policy in Sean Jones from Cleveland. Coming off a year where he was slowed by injury, Jones can step in and play at either safety position, but he is more of a strong safety, enough that they might be more likely to move Mikell over to FS if necessary. The other two players in the mix here are former Raider Rashad Baker and fifth round draft pick Victor “Macho” Harris, a hard-hitting Virginia Tech corner, who figures to work more at free safety in the NFL, and has been doing so in camp thus far. Baker is strictly a reserve player, but he would provide an excellent replacement for Greg Lewis’s role as gunner (first man downfield) on the punt and kick coverage teams.
This could be an excellent defense. We’ll have a look at the offense too, between now and the first preseason game.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Rest in Peace Jim Johnson
I was actually just about to publish my first post for the 2009 season when it was announced that Jim Johnson has passed away at age 68, after a struggle with melanoma that had spread to his spine . Johnson was a class act, a brilliant football mind, and an epic worker. Johnson was brusque but candid and wore a near-constant scowl that did nothing to belie his kind heart but everything to demonstrate the seriousness with which he approached defensive football, demanded excellence, and loved the game. Johnson, even as the oldest guy on the staff was consistently the last one to leave the NovaCare building, even during the early offseason when a coach should normally, one would imagine, be less busy than the personnel department. The Eagles, the NFL, and the Philadelphia community lose a lot with the passing of Johnson. He was renowned for blitzing aggressively and creatively. He was especially a proponent of overload blitzing and he executed incredibly successful blitzing defenses with a multitude of different personnel. From his disguising blitzes by using Jevon Kearse as a joker during the Super Bowl run, to his rare but effective use of a double corner blitz in the days of Bobby Taylor, Troy Vincent, and Al Harris, to his skill at accentuating an aging Brian Dawkins's strengths and masking his weaknesses over the last two seasons, Jim Johnson was always looking for new tricks and wrinkles to confuse opposing coaches, quarterbacks, and offensive linemen. A nice analysis of Johnson by a non-partisan observer can be found in an unfortunately too prescient Washington Post article about the strengths and flaws of Johnson's strategy as applied by his January 2009 team as they approached their NFC championship game in Phoenix. See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/16/AR2009011603627.html.
Nonetheless, Johnson as much as Andy Reid deserves credit for the success this team has had this decade, especially early in McNabb's career when the offense often consisted of little more than slants to Chad Lewis and timely Donovan scrambles. Johnson will surely be missed and never forgotten.
Look for my intended post in the next couple days.
Pasted below is the team's official statement on Johnson's passing (courtesy of Philadelphiaeagles.com):
July 28, 2009
The Philadelphia Eagles are saddened to announce Jim Johnson has passed away Tuesday afternoon at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer.A veteran of 22 years as an NFL assistant, Johnson is regarded as one of the top defensive masterminds in National Football League history. Over the last decade, he gained a great deal of praise as the orchestrator of the renowned Eagles defense. His aggressive style kept Philadelphia at or near the top of the NFL in nearly every major defensive category since joining Andy Reid's staff on January 22, 1999.
Jim Johnson was beloved by his colleagues, players.
From 2000-08, Johnson's units ranked second in the NFL in sacks (390), 3rd down efficiency (34.0%) and red zone touchdown percentage (43.9%), and fourth in fewest points allowed (17.7 per game). During his 10-year tenure in Philadelphia, the Eagles earned seven playoff berths, five trips to the NFC Championship game and one Super Bowl appearance (following the 2004 season).
As the Eagles' defensive chief, Johnson's defense has produced 26 Pro Bowl selections: Brian Dawkins (7), Troy Vincent (5), Jeremiah Trotter (4), Hugh Douglas (3), Lito Sheppard (2), Asante Samuel (1), Trent Cole (1), Michael Lewis (1), Corey Simon (1), and Bobby Taylor (1).
Four of his defensive assistants have gone on to successful careers with other NFL franchises: Steve Spagnuolo (head coach of the St. Louis Rams), John Harbaugh (head coach of the Baltimore Ravens), Ron Rivera (defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers) and Leslie Frazier (defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings).
Prior to his tenure in Philadelphia, Johnson served as the linebackers coach with Seattle in 1998. That year, Johnson helped the Seahawks register 10 touchdowns on defense, including eight interceptions returned for scores, second-most in NFL history. He arrived in Seattle after a four-year stint in Indianapolis, the last two as defensive coordinator. While with the Colts, Johnson helped them secure a berth in the AFC Championship game at Pittsburgh in 1995.Johnson spent eight seasons with the Arizona Cardinals (1986-93). After overseeing the Cards defensive line for four seasons, Johnson excelled as their secondary coach, helping Aeneas Williams become the first rookie cornerback to lead the league in interceptions (6) since 1981.
Johnson began his coaching career as head coach at Missouri Southern (1967-68), before serving four-year tenures at Drake and Indiana. From 1977-83, Johnson served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Notre Dame, a stint that included a national championship in 1977.An all-conference quarterback himself at Missouri (where he played in the same backfield with long-time NFL executive Bill Tobin), Johnson went on to spend two seasons with Buffalo as a tight end (1963-64).A native of Maywood, IL, Johnson (born 5/26/41) earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in physical education from Missouri.
Johnson is survived by his wife, Vicky, two children, Scott and Michelle, and four grandchildren, Katie, Justin, Brandon, and Jax.
Nonetheless, Johnson as much as Andy Reid deserves credit for the success this team has had this decade, especially early in McNabb's career when the offense often consisted of little more than slants to Chad Lewis and timely Donovan scrambles. Johnson will surely be missed and never forgotten.
Look for my intended post in the next couple days.
Pasted below is the team's official statement on Johnson's passing (courtesy of Philadelphiaeagles.com):
July 28, 2009
The Philadelphia Eagles are saddened to announce Jim Johnson has passed away Tuesday afternoon at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer.A veteran of 22 years as an NFL assistant, Johnson is regarded as one of the top defensive masterminds in National Football League history. Over the last decade, he gained a great deal of praise as the orchestrator of the renowned Eagles defense. His aggressive style kept Philadelphia at or near the top of the NFL in nearly every major defensive category since joining Andy Reid's staff on January 22, 1999.
Jim Johnson was beloved by his colleagues, players.
From 2000-08, Johnson's units ranked second in the NFL in sacks (390), 3rd down efficiency (34.0%) and red zone touchdown percentage (43.9%), and fourth in fewest points allowed (17.7 per game). During his 10-year tenure in Philadelphia, the Eagles earned seven playoff berths, five trips to the NFC Championship game and one Super Bowl appearance (following the 2004 season).
As the Eagles' defensive chief, Johnson's defense has produced 26 Pro Bowl selections: Brian Dawkins (7), Troy Vincent (5), Jeremiah Trotter (4), Hugh Douglas (3), Lito Sheppard (2), Asante Samuel (1), Trent Cole (1), Michael Lewis (1), Corey Simon (1), and Bobby Taylor (1).
Four of his defensive assistants have gone on to successful careers with other NFL franchises: Steve Spagnuolo (head coach of the St. Louis Rams), John Harbaugh (head coach of the Baltimore Ravens), Ron Rivera (defensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers) and Leslie Frazier (defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings).
Prior to his tenure in Philadelphia, Johnson served as the linebackers coach with Seattle in 1998. That year, Johnson helped the Seahawks register 10 touchdowns on defense, including eight interceptions returned for scores, second-most in NFL history. He arrived in Seattle after a four-year stint in Indianapolis, the last two as defensive coordinator. While with the Colts, Johnson helped them secure a berth in the AFC Championship game at Pittsburgh in 1995.Johnson spent eight seasons with the Arizona Cardinals (1986-93). After overseeing the Cards defensive line for four seasons, Johnson excelled as their secondary coach, helping Aeneas Williams become the first rookie cornerback to lead the league in interceptions (6) since 1981.
Johnson began his coaching career as head coach at Missouri Southern (1967-68), before serving four-year tenures at Drake and Indiana. From 1977-83, Johnson served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Notre Dame, a stint that included a national championship in 1977.An all-conference quarterback himself at Missouri (where he played in the same backfield with long-time NFL executive Bill Tobin), Johnson went on to spend two seasons with Buffalo as a tight end (1963-64).A native of Maywood, IL, Johnson (born 5/26/41) earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in physical education from Missouri.
Johnson is survived by his wife, Vicky, two children, Scott and Michelle, and four grandchildren, Katie, Justin, Brandon, and Jax.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Night Before Draft Day
So you'll see below that I think the Eagles will likely draft a running back with their first pick. I don't like Wells, as I've suggested. While I believe Wells could play a situational role this year and later be paired with an effective third down back (more effective than Moats or Booker), I think the Eagles are well aware that they need someone who can carry the load for the likely 2-4 games that Westbrook misses or isn't 100% for. That guy, I hope is Moreno. It is looking less and less likely that Moreno is there at 21. I'm hoping he will be, but he is definitely a possibility for the Saints or the Chargers, or another team that tries to move ahead of the Eagles. The Saints, I think, are less of a concern than the Chargers. They could use a bigger back like Wells, b/c they've already got so much money invested in Reggie Bush that they need to get him onto the field at least on third downs. Wells would resemble McAllister in their offense, a combination with which the Saints had such success, to Eagles' fans dismay, a few years back. More likely though, I think the Saints go defense. Their offense was nasty last year, and their defense sucked. Expect them to look to draft the best secondary player on the board, or to be a possible trading partner for the Eagles and then move down and draft a corner at 21. The bigger concern seems to be Moreno going to San Diego, who perhaps may be looking for a replacement for LT after this year. If Moreno looks good, it would enable them to cut LT after this year and pair Moreno and Sproles, since Sproles doesn't have the body type to hold up as a feature back over the long term.
If Moreno is not there, look for the Eagles to move back to take Donald Brown or LeSean McCoy (I think McCoy early in the second is prob more appealing to the Birds than Brown late in the first), or to draft another defensive end, especially if Robert Ayers or Everette Brown is still on the board. Michael Johnson could also be a possibility, but he may be available much lower than that.
As for TE's, Pettigrew is an option, but I expect the Eagles to address the TE position in the second round most likely. I don't think that Reid and co. really believe in spending a first on that position. Jared Cook is the next most intriguing TE prospect, and probably the only other one aside from Pettigrew that looks like he has a good chance of being a difference-makers. The guy is fast and has hands, but he played in Duckface Spurrier's spread offense with the Gamecocks, so we really don't know if he can block. Very successful tight ends that also were more pass-catchers than blockers that may interest the Eagles in the third, such as Chase Coffman of Missouri, who was unbelievably prolific as a receiver in college, but had some injuries and lacks the kind of speed of a player like Cook. The other guy with blazing speed for a TE (in the 4.5 range) is Southern Miss's Shawn Nelson, who seemed to be a decent blocker in college, but at 240 is a bit light to expect him to excel as a blocker in the NFL.
A lot of this hinges on how much better the Eagles think Celek is going to get. If they feel that he's a real number 1 pass-catching TE, then they may wait until day 2 to take a TE who will really only be on the field on running downs and in two TE sets, but if they think Celek was at or near his ceiling late last year, expect them to be intrigued by anyone with the speed to create mismatches between the hashmarks. In that case, look for them to take a DE or DB.
Oh, and while we're on the subject of TE's, as far as Gonzalez, I wouldn't believe everything you read about the Birds' interest. My guess is that the rumor about the Eagles' interest came out of Kansas City in an effort to prevent the Falcons from waiting until they could see if Pettigrew was still available when they pick late in the first round.
If the Birds do go with a DE or Pettigrew in the first and McCoy is gone by the time their second round pick comes around, they are likely to look at Andre Brown of NC State or Rashad Jennings of Liberty in the third. Shon Greene of Iowa is one powerful runner, and could be appealing if he lasts until the third, but without much receiving experience, he's prob not ever going to an every down back in this offense, so I don't think they'd spend a second on him.
Basically, I think, if the Eagles pick three times in the first three rounds, we should expect an RB, a TE, and either a DB or DE, but as you have noticed. I think there's a pretty good chance we'll be picking four times in the first three rounds, and an outside chance we'll only pick twice (b/c we use a third to move up to 13 or 14 to draft Moreno).
And of course, there is always the possibility that the birds surprise us all and simply take the best available player. If they move back into the first half of the second, for example, and Alex Mack of California (GO BEARS!) the best center prospect in the draft, is sitting there, it would be about as hard for the Eagles to resist drafting him as it is for them to win over the fans by assuring us that John Street (honestly, why would you ever bring that guy up, Joe) told them they didn't have to pay the city back.
So with tomorrow's draft, aka Christmas morning (or Christmas 4:00) of the NFL offseason just hours away, I've left youse guys a poem to close out my post.
Twas’ the night before draft day, and all through NovaCare
Joe Banner was adjusting his full head of “hair”
The drunks got their High Lifes and Colt 45
In hopes Anquan Boldin soon would arrive
And Howie the cap guy (but not to his face)
Tried to discern how Pettigrew plays in space
Then up from the kitchen came Big Andy Reid
Looking for linemen with both size and speed
“On Johnson, On Jackson, On Ayers, On Everette Brown ”
Or maybe a running back so the fans can calm down
“Now Moreno, now Donald, now Lesean McCoy,”
Which of you’s gonna be Marty’s new toy
To the top of the draft boards, or should we just trade
By the time we pick, the fans will have passed out in the shade
So please dirty thirty don't boo this year’s McNabb
Since we know that makes millionaires so very sad
So Andy’s post-draft speech is done (all eleven words)
Happy Draft Day to All, and to All, Let’s Go Birds
If Moreno is not there, look for the Eagles to move back to take Donald Brown or LeSean McCoy (I think McCoy early in the second is prob more appealing to the Birds than Brown late in the first), or to draft another defensive end, especially if Robert Ayers or Everette Brown is still on the board. Michael Johnson could also be a possibility, but he may be available much lower than that.
As for TE's, Pettigrew is an option, but I expect the Eagles to address the TE position in the second round most likely. I don't think that Reid and co. really believe in spending a first on that position. Jared Cook is the next most intriguing TE prospect, and probably the only other one aside from Pettigrew that looks like he has a good chance of being a difference-makers. The guy is fast and has hands, but he played in Duckface Spurrier's spread offense with the Gamecocks, so we really don't know if he can block. Very successful tight ends that also were more pass-catchers than blockers that may interest the Eagles in the third, such as Chase Coffman of Missouri, who was unbelievably prolific as a receiver in college, but had some injuries and lacks the kind of speed of a player like Cook. The other guy with blazing speed for a TE (in the 4.5 range) is Southern Miss's Shawn Nelson, who seemed to be a decent blocker in college, but at 240 is a bit light to expect him to excel as a blocker in the NFL.
A lot of this hinges on how much better the Eagles think Celek is going to get. If they feel that he's a real number 1 pass-catching TE, then they may wait until day 2 to take a TE who will really only be on the field on running downs and in two TE sets, but if they think Celek was at or near his ceiling late last year, expect them to be intrigued by anyone with the speed to create mismatches between the hashmarks. In that case, look for them to take a DE or DB.
Oh, and while we're on the subject of TE's, as far as Gonzalez, I wouldn't believe everything you read about the Birds' interest. My guess is that the rumor about the Eagles' interest came out of Kansas City in an effort to prevent the Falcons from waiting until they could see if Pettigrew was still available when they pick late in the first round.
If the Birds do go with a DE or Pettigrew in the first and McCoy is gone by the time their second round pick comes around, they are likely to look at Andre Brown of NC State or Rashad Jennings of Liberty in the third. Shon Greene of Iowa is one powerful runner, and could be appealing if he lasts until the third, but without much receiving experience, he's prob not ever going to an every down back in this offense, so I don't think they'd spend a second on him.
Basically, I think, if the Eagles pick three times in the first three rounds, we should expect an RB, a TE, and either a DB or DE, but as you have noticed. I think there's a pretty good chance we'll be picking four times in the first three rounds, and an outside chance we'll only pick twice (b/c we use a third to move up to 13 or 14 to draft Moreno).
And of course, there is always the possibility that the birds surprise us all and simply take the best available player. If they move back into the first half of the second, for example, and Alex Mack of California (GO BEARS!) the best center prospect in the draft, is sitting there, it would be about as hard for the Eagles to resist drafting him as it is for them to win over the fans by assuring us that John Street (honestly, why would you ever bring that guy up, Joe) told them they didn't have to pay the city back.
So with tomorrow's draft, aka Christmas morning (or Christmas 4:00) of the NFL offseason just hours away, I've left youse guys a poem to close out my post.
Twas’ the night before draft day, and all through NovaCare
Joe Banner was adjusting his full head of “hair”
The drunks got their High Lifes and Colt 45
In hopes Anquan Boldin soon would arrive
And Howie the cap guy (but not to his face)
Tried to discern how Pettigrew plays in space
Then up from the kitchen came Big Andy Reid
Looking for linemen with both size and speed
“On Johnson, On Jackson, On Ayers, On Everette Brown ”
Or maybe a running back so the fans can calm down
“Now Moreno, now Donald, now Lesean McCoy,”
Which of you’s gonna be Marty’s new toy
To the top of the draft boards, or should we just trade
By the time we pick, the fans will have passed out in the shade
So please dirty thirty don't boo this year’s McNabb
Since we know that makes millionaires so very sad
So Andy’s post-draft speech is done (all eleven words)
Happy Draft Day to All, and to All, Let’s Go Birds
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Peters's sacks last year
Check out this on the Bills message boards if you want to see which of the alleged 11.5 sacks he gave up were Peters's fault and which weren't. It links to NFL replays where you can see every sack and judge for yourself too:
http://boards.buffalobills.com/showthread.php?t=127203
http://boards.buffalobills.com/showthread.php?t=127203
The Eagellectual's Thoughts on Boldin, Brown, and Saturday's First Round
The big talk since the Peters trade is the question of whether the Eagle would still consider trading for Boldin. My inclination is to say no. Supposedly the Cards are seeking a first and a third, and Boldin is seeking a contract in the neighborhood of 4 years for 40 million dollars. It's hard to imagine the Eagles giving up more in picks and as much in annual salary for a wide receiver than they did for an offensive tackle, a position the Eagles clearly value more. It wouldn't be a total shock if they moved for him, but my guess is the recent language out of Joe Banner about doing whatever they can to help the team when asked about Boldin is simply an effort to drive up Boldin's price in case the Giants make a move at him. If I had to predict though, Boldin will be more likely to end up either in the AFC (maybe Baltimore?) or still on Arizona.
Sheldon Brown has just gone public complaining about his contract. He is making less I think than Joselio Hanson this year, but the fact is he agreed to the big long term contract, and he has four years left on it. There is no way the Eagles do a new deal with him this year, if for no other reason that it weakens the Eagles negotiating position with McNabb. As usual, the Eagles here hold all the leverage, so expect Brown to boycott a minicamp or two but come in and play as usual. If he plays well for another two years, then maybe the Eagles will sit down with him.
I hope this works. Sheldon Brown is really, really good. There's a reason that the Eagles were trying to trade Lito and not Brown last year. Brown is a lockdown cover corner who can play press man or zone. He's a great tackler and has incredible instincts downfield and as a blitzer. They need him for at least one more year. It is strange though that the birds have brought in first round quality CB talents Vontae Davis (who scares the heck out of me that he could be another workout warrior like his brother SF tight end Vernon, whose biggest catches have come on an UnderArmour commercial) and Sean Smith (who may be an NFL safety). My guess is that is just due diligence on the part of the Birds but we'll see.
Everyone seems to think the Eagles first pick in this draft will be a RB. I tend to agree. This is by far our biggest need for this year and is also one of our more important long-term needs. Knowshon Moreno is all the rave right now, and for good reason. He's got good enough size and can do everything. He runs screens excellent and is effective both up the middle and running to the outside. He has good field vision and is capable of making two cuts behind the line of scrimmage. He is fast but not ultra fast, but he does a decent job of using his body to make defenders miss. He is excellent at making sure he always falls forward to pick up a few extra yards. From what I've read, he was also superb in blitz pickup in college, which is crucial for running backs to be able to contribute early to this complicated Eagles offense. He really does seem to be the total package, but he may not be around still at 21. I've definitely seen him linked to the Saints at 14 and the Chargers at 16 (although I'm skeptical about whether they want to invest first round money in a rookie RB with sproles making a bunch of new money). As for the Saints, I think, and hope, that Ohio State's wells, a big powerful two-down back, might be a better complement to Reggie Bush. Wells lacks the receiving experience to play a lot of downs in this Eagles offense next year. Let's hope Knowshon falls to 21, although I think if he's really their guy, the Eagles might be willing to move up to draft him. It would prob. take a 3rd to get up to 12 or 13. Plus the Eagellectual loves a guy with the word "Know" in his first name.
If Knowshon is gone when the Eagles pick, I'd look for them to trade down which many dumb eagles fans hate (but I have no problem with picking up an extra first day player). Donald Brown (UConn) and/or LeSean McCoy (Pitt) should be available in the last six picks of the first and first six picks of the second, although there is significant talk that the Colts will draft one of them with the 27th pick in the first round. The Patriots, also, might be in the market for a running back. Possible trading partners with extra picks in the second are the Giants, Patriots, Dolphins, and Browns. Brown is a fairly complete back who can do most things well, but may not be exceptional McCoy is a speedy back who can catch the ball out of the backfield. From what I read he needs to learn to play the blitz, but has the instincts to be a decent blocker--so did Westbrook when we brought him here, and now he's the best pound for pound blocking tailback in the league--the Sugar Ray Lewis of blitz pick-up, if you will. In many ways McCoy's game is like Westbrook's. He's bigger then B-West and played against better college competition, although he lacks the second gear that has made Westbrook such a scary big play threat in the NFL.
There are two wildcards here that might change the Eagles first round strategy. The first is named Brandon Pettigrew. He is a beastly large Oklahoma State tight end with very good hands and good route-running skills. He is an excellent blocker, which the Eagles desperately needed last year (but might need less this year with a healthy Shawn Andrews, joined by Jason Peters and Stacey Andrews as stud run-blockers on our line). I'm inclined to think the Eagles don't believe in drafting tight tends in the first round, especially one who lacks the speed to challenge good NFL safeties downfield, but if I'm wrong, he's there at 21 and prob. not there all that much later.
The other wildcard is Mr. Victor Abiamiri. We still don't know how good this guy is. Hopefully someone in the Eagles organization does. We need more pass rush for the other DE spot (opposite Cole), and if the Eagles don't have faith in Abiamiri, they might look to draft a DE--perhaps Michael Johnson if he falls (GA Tech) or Robert Ayers (Tenn). Andy Reid treats defensive end prospects the way he treats cheeseburgers--there's no such thing as too many, and Tom Heckert and Jim Johnson love "to throw fastballs" (maybe we should send them over to Brett Myers's house).
I suppose there's also an outside change that the Eagles could draft a first round receiver if a top flight guy like Heyward-Bey is there and is the best-guy on the board, but I wouldn't hold my breath on that all you receiver-loving birds fans, and to be honest, I don't think receiver is anywhere near our biggest need short-term or long-term. A project there might be more likely in the second or third. I'll post again before the weekend to suggest what they might do in rounds two and three.
Sheldon Brown has just gone public complaining about his contract. He is making less I think than Joselio Hanson this year, but the fact is he agreed to the big long term contract, and he has four years left on it. There is no way the Eagles do a new deal with him this year, if for no other reason that it weakens the Eagles negotiating position with McNabb. As usual, the Eagles here hold all the leverage, so expect Brown to boycott a minicamp or two but come in and play as usual. If he plays well for another two years, then maybe the Eagles will sit down with him.
I hope this works. Sheldon Brown is really, really good. There's a reason that the Eagles were trying to trade Lito and not Brown last year. Brown is a lockdown cover corner who can play press man or zone. He's a great tackler and has incredible instincts downfield and as a blitzer. They need him for at least one more year. It is strange though that the birds have brought in first round quality CB talents Vontae Davis (who scares the heck out of me that he could be another workout warrior like his brother SF tight end Vernon, whose biggest catches have come on an UnderArmour commercial) and Sean Smith (who may be an NFL safety). My guess is that is just due diligence on the part of the Birds but we'll see.
Everyone seems to think the Eagles first pick in this draft will be a RB. I tend to agree. This is by far our biggest need for this year and is also one of our more important long-term needs. Knowshon Moreno is all the rave right now, and for good reason. He's got good enough size and can do everything. He runs screens excellent and is effective both up the middle and running to the outside. He has good field vision and is capable of making two cuts behind the line of scrimmage. He is fast but not ultra fast, but he does a decent job of using his body to make defenders miss. He is excellent at making sure he always falls forward to pick up a few extra yards. From what I've read, he was also superb in blitz pickup in college, which is crucial for running backs to be able to contribute early to this complicated Eagles offense. He really does seem to be the total package, but he may not be around still at 21. I've definitely seen him linked to the Saints at 14 and the Chargers at 16 (although I'm skeptical about whether they want to invest first round money in a rookie RB with sproles making a bunch of new money). As for the Saints, I think, and hope, that Ohio State's wells, a big powerful two-down back, might be a better complement to Reggie Bush. Wells lacks the receiving experience to play a lot of downs in this Eagles offense next year. Let's hope Knowshon falls to 21, although I think if he's really their guy, the Eagles might be willing to move up to draft him. It would prob. take a 3rd to get up to 12 or 13. Plus the Eagellectual loves a guy with the word "Know" in his first name.
If Knowshon is gone when the Eagles pick, I'd look for them to trade down which many dumb eagles fans hate (but I have no problem with picking up an extra first day player). Donald Brown (UConn) and/or LeSean McCoy (Pitt) should be available in the last six picks of the first and first six picks of the second, although there is significant talk that the Colts will draft one of them with the 27th pick in the first round. The Patriots, also, might be in the market for a running back. Possible trading partners with extra picks in the second are the Giants, Patriots, Dolphins, and Browns. Brown is a fairly complete back who can do most things well, but may not be exceptional McCoy is a speedy back who can catch the ball out of the backfield. From what I read he needs to learn to play the blitz, but has the instincts to be a decent blocker--so did Westbrook when we brought him here, and now he's the best pound for pound blocking tailback in the league--the Sugar Ray Lewis of blitz pick-up, if you will. In many ways McCoy's game is like Westbrook's. He's bigger then B-West and played against better college competition, although he lacks the second gear that has made Westbrook such a scary big play threat in the NFL.
There are two wildcards here that might change the Eagles first round strategy. The first is named Brandon Pettigrew. He is a beastly large Oklahoma State tight end with very good hands and good route-running skills. He is an excellent blocker, which the Eagles desperately needed last year (but might need less this year with a healthy Shawn Andrews, joined by Jason Peters and Stacey Andrews as stud run-blockers on our line). I'm inclined to think the Eagles don't believe in drafting tight tends in the first round, especially one who lacks the speed to challenge good NFL safeties downfield, but if I'm wrong, he's there at 21 and prob. not there all that much later.
The other wildcard is Mr. Victor Abiamiri. We still don't know how good this guy is. Hopefully someone in the Eagles organization does. We need more pass rush for the other DE spot (opposite Cole), and if the Eagles don't have faith in Abiamiri, they might look to draft a DE--perhaps Michael Johnson if he falls (GA Tech) or Robert Ayers (Tenn). Andy Reid treats defensive end prospects the way he treats cheeseburgers--there's no such thing as too many, and Tom Heckert and Jim Johnson love "to throw fastballs" (maybe we should send them over to Brett Myers's house).
I suppose there's also an outside change that the Eagles could draft a first round receiver if a top flight guy like Heyward-Bey is there and is the best-guy on the board, but I wouldn't hold my breath on that all you receiver-loving birds fans, and to be honest, I don't think receiver is anywhere near our biggest need short-term or long-term. A project there might be more likely in the second or third. I'll post again before the weekend to suggest what they might do in rounds two and three.
Friday, April 17, 2009
WELCOME JASON PETERS
Let me start off with my mea culpa. In my last post, I suggested that the Eagles were unlikely to sign Peters. Thankfully I was wrong. It seems that all that talk by Reid about how ready Herremans and Andrews are to step in at left tackle (and possibly also the interest that emerged this month in stud tackle prospects Eugene Monroe, Andre Smith, and Jason Smith) were mere smokescreens.
In case, you haven't heard, the Eagles today completed the initial details of a trade that will send the 28th pick in this year's draft, along with the Eagles' 4th rounder (the 121st pick), and a conditional 2010 later round pick, to Buffalo in exchange for pro bowl left tackle Jason Peters. I think this is a very reasonable price. At 28, you definitely were not going to be likely to add a tackle of Peters's caliber, and with three fifth round picks, we should be able to get back into the fourth if there's a player the eagles really would like. The truth is that I'm surprised Peters didn't cost more, and I wonder if Boldin's trade availability helped drive the Bills' price down. For the deal to be completed, the Eagles will have to sign Peters to a contract extension, but if I know the Eagles, I believe they've already worked out most of the details.
Peters is built like a house at 6'4" and 340. He has been unbeatable at times in the passing game, but at others he will give up sacks. Stats I've seen suggest that he gave up about 9 to 12 sacks last year, although he gave up far fewer the previous year. He is a younger, faster, and meaner run-blocker than Tra Thomas has been for a long time, if ever (excepting the younger part, obviously).
This is a huge move for the Eagles that now solidifies their line. What seemed like their biggest issue going into this offseason has been reshuffled and I think improved with a line that will be (from left to right): Peters, Herremans, Jackson (or possibly Cole), Andrews, Andrews. This is a line that we all should be excited about.
Look for a post this weekend or early next week to discuss how this will affect their draft, but don't expect them to trade the other first for a receiver, but now we also don't need to worry about drafting a tackle. The Eagles have always been willing to pay bigtime contracts to stud players at select positions: OT, QB, DE, and CB, and this is another example. I know a lot of us would like to see a stud WR, but I'm pretty sure they would rather spend the money on a stud OT, and I think that's probably the right move (and he cost less in draft picks, and prob. similar salary than the Cards are reportedly seeking for Boldin, and less than the Stinkin Cowboys gave up for Roy Williams, who incidentally, I heard was converted to born-again Christianity by the Lions' kicker before he left Detroit, but I digress). Go Birds!
In case, you haven't heard, the Eagles today completed the initial details of a trade that will send the 28th pick in this year's draft, along with the Eagles' 4th rounder (the 121st pick), and a conditional 2010 later round pick, to Buffalo in exchange for pro bowl left tackle Jason Peters. I think this is a very reasonable price. At 28, you definitely were not going to be likely to add a tackle of Peters's caliber, and with three fifth round picks, we should be able to get back into the fourth if there's a player the eagles really would like. The truth is that I'm surprised Peters didn't cost more, and I wonder if Boldin's trade availability helped drive the Bills' price down. For the deal to be completed, the Eagles will have to sign Peters to a contract extension, but if I know the Eagles, I believe they've already worked out most of the details.
Peters is built like a house at 6'4" and 340. He has been unbeatable at times in the passing game, but at others he will give up sacks. Stats I've seen suggest that he gave up about 9 to 12 sacks last year, although he gave up far fewer the previous year. He is a younger, faster, and meaner run-blocker than Tra Thomas has been for a long time, if ever (excepting the younger part, obviously).
This is a huge move for the Eagles that now solidifies their line. What seemed like their biggest issue going into this offseason has been reshuffled and I think improved with a line that will be (from left to right): Peters, Herremans, Jackson (or possibly Cole), Andrews, Andrews. This is a line that we all should be excited about.
Look for a post this weekend or early next week to discuss how this will affect their draft, but don't expect them to trade the other first for a receiver, but now we also don't need to worry about drafting a tackle. The Eagles have always been willing to pay bigtime contracts to stud players at select positions: OT, QB, DE, and CB, and this is another example. I know a lot of us would like to see a stud WR, but I'm pretty sure they would rather spend the money on a stud OT, and I think that's probably the right move (and he cost less in draft picks, and prob. similar salary than the Cards are reportedly seeking for Boldin, and less than the Stinkin Cowboys gave up for Roy Williams, who incidentally, I heard was converted to born-again Christianity by the Lions' kicker before he left Detroit, but I digress). Go Birds!
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