With Johnson Out, Philadelphia Eagles Look to Spring Forward

When Philadelphia Eagles fans think of the Andy Reid era , many things come to mind. Some reminisce about the team's loss in four NFC Championship Games, some reflect on the TO controversy, and others analyze the triumphs and failures of QB Donovan McNabb.

Above all, though, there is one hallmark of this team that is prevalent and arguably overshadows the other happenings of the Reid epoch: a defensive unit led by renowned, defensive strategist Jim Johnson.

Johnson, since being hired in 1999, stabilized a defense which was mired in mediocrity for nearly a decade. His creative schemes, knack for player evaluation, and aggressive philosophy have served as catalysts for many top-10 units throughout the 2000s.

Unfortunately, this mastermind has been diagnosed with cancer and is on medical leave; the secondary coach, Sean McDermott, will serve as interim coordinator. What impact this has on the defense remains to be seen.

For many years, Johnson has been famed for his various blitz schemes, mostly five man rushes. The key to their success depends on a versatile and athletic defensive line, but JJ is no stranger to rushing linebackers and defensive backs.

Zone coverage is also vital to this scheme, as he likes to disguise the responsiblities of his 11 men. It is reported that McDermott will stay true to these schemes, but like any new coach, it is likely that he will give defensive game plan a new set of eyes and may inject his own creative wrinkles.

McDermott will maintain the basis of the defense, which is attacking and pressuring the offense from many angles and by blitizing an extra man (extra men). The defensive line schemes should stay consistent, and he will continue to preach the aggression implemented by Johnson.

However, being a secondary coach, it is thought that he will emphasize zone coverage more often and will expand the role of the secondary.

The Eagles play typically in a 4-3, a defense historically stronger against the run than the pass. The McDermott/Johnson form is based on movement, which is intended to present offenses with a multitude of alignments, "looks", all meant to confuse them.

Although this will remain intact, there will be slightly less bilitzing. During most plays, there is at one linebacker blitzing/rushing; more sets will be utilized that have the backers drop back in zone or play man, heavily relying on the line to be consistently create disruption.

Mostly, the trio on the field will play the flats and the middle, with a mixture of man coverage.

The 4-3 can also produce chaos, and McDermott will take advantage of this, often loading the middle of the line with blitzers. There may even be six and seven-man blitzes in certain situations, all but ensuring that the aggressiveness of this defense will remain a constant.

Expect increased blitzing/rushing from the Bird's secondary, especially in nickel and dime packages. On certain downs, McDermott may send a corner from the outside and/or a safety crashing down the middle of the line. There may be also be plays devised from nickel and/or dime formations to specifically stop the run.

At times, a linebacker may be seen playing at the line of scrimmage from a three-point stance; it is likely that a nickel/dime corner, a safety, and/or a lineman will play as a hybrid backer. These alignments will put more men in position to stop the RB, even in passing schemes.

Spring is known as at time of change and renewal, for the The Philadelphia Eagles' Spring has already produced dramatic changes and transformation, as they have restocked many positions with an influx of new talent.

They now begin the process of moving on with life without their defensive firebrand Jim Johnson. The uncertainty of its impact looms large for this Eagles team, and in fact, may be THE largets predicator for success during the 2009 campaign.