The NFC East, for as long as I've been alive, has been one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. The spirit of rivalry between all 4 teams is fierce, and inter-divisional games are always tight regardless of how either team has fared throughout the rest of the season. Former Giants linebacker Carl Banks called these divisional matchup "body bag games". From the fires of these intense rivalries, a strong sense of camaraderie and respect is forged between the executives, coaches, players, and fans of this historic division. It was this camaraderie and respect that caused me tremendous sadness this morning as I learned that Jim Johnson succumbed to cancer at the age of 68. Since he joined the Eagles in 1999, Johnson has been a nightmare for the Giants. Every matchup featured new wrinkles and new blitzes that were extremely well-disguised. I have cursed this man hundreds of times. But, he has been instrumental in my life as a sports fan, and it would be hard to find someone in the entire NFL for whom I have more respect.
From philadelphiaeagles.com:
"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."
The Eagles first home game comes on September 20th, a week 2 matchup with the Saints. I'm sure there will be a ceremony to honor Johnson. If that is the case, for the first time in my life, I will be rooting for the Eagles to win.
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