End of the Line

Well, today one of the great NFL stories of the past several years has come to an untimely end.

What's that? Brett Favre? No, I'm talking about the passing of longtime Eagles' Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson, who died today after succumbing to cancer.

Jimmy Johnson had been the Eagles' DC since 2000, shortly after Andy Reid was hired from Green Bay as the Eagles' head coach. And what a job he did.

In short, the Eagles defense this decade has been more than inspired by Jim Johnson. It has been Jim Johnson. Think how many times you've watched 7 different players coming from all different directions to rush the quarterback and wreak havoc on what otherwise would have been a great offensive play by the opposing team. Think of the interceptions, the fumbles caused, the touchdown runbacks. Think of the 4th-and-1 stops, the goal line stands. And think again of the sacks (second most in the NFL this decade). And the blitzing. And most of all, the winning. Since Johnson's arrival in 2000, the Eagles have been to the playoffs seven times in nine years, including one superbowl appearance and five NFC championships.

The Eagles dominated on defense basically since the minute Jimmy J. first stepped foot in Philadelphia. Jim Johnson, you will be sorely missed and impossible to replace.