Jim Johnson: Signed through 69
Jim Johnson is the best defensive coordinator the Eagles have ever had. Forget Buddy Ryan. Ryan’s teams were loaded with talent, but he was not a brilliant defensive mind. It wasn’t the sytem that did it for him - it was the ridiculous level of talent.
Johnson works without superstars, or he turns players into superstars, and he dominates with a defensive system. Look at the linebackers from the past few seasons. Nothing spectacular. The defensive line? Well, with the addition of Kearse things may have a changed a bit, but again, there have been little to no hall of famers on the line. How about the secondary? Sure, you’ve got Dawkins, but look at everyone else. They’ve become pro-bowlers in Johnson’s system, they didn’t come out of college destined to be great.
In any case, the Eagles have flourished on a Jim Johnson defense and they’ve decided to extend his contract by 4 years which means that at the end, the Eagles will have a 69 year old defensive coordinator. Will Johnson be able to maintain his mental acumen as he ages? Only time will tell. But 69 seems a tad bit old to be leading a defense that depends on mental acuity, blitz schemes, etc.
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Posted on May 20, 2005 by Administrator | Filed Under Eagles, Philadelphia
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