ESPN.com is currently featuring an article by senior writer Elizabeth Merrill that reflects upon the life and coaching career of longtime Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.
The article quotes longtime Eagles stalwart Brian Dawkins, who describes his relationship with Johnson:
"I think he was very good at looking at the players he had, understanding their strengths and utilizing them to the utmost," Dawkins said. "Obviously I'm really biased, but I don't know of another defensive coordinator who could break down blocking schemes like he could and expose their weaknesses.
Merrill describes Johnson thusly:
"He shunned the limelight, was unfailingly blunt and managed to connect with players one-third his age. He refused to let anyone focus on the fact that cancer was ravaging his body. With a tumor pressing against his spine, Johnson still insisted on standing up when he gave his game plans this past winter."
The Eagles have canceled practice on Friday in order to attend a private memorial service at Lincoln Financial Field for Johnson.
-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 5:25 p.m., August 5
