Eagles Daily News

Bleacher Report Tue, 05/26/2009 4:12 AM

Absence of Brian Dawkins and Jim Johnson Gives McDermott New Voice of Eagles D

PHILADELPHIA—Imagine if your basement flooded one day and your roof collapsed the next, or if Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Office were both cancelled at the same time...   Now, you have an idea of the successive gut shots the Philadelphia Eagles' defense has taken this offseason.   First, salary cap calamity hit when safety Brian Dawkins signed a $17 million dollar (including $7.2 million in guaranteed money) contract with Denver that Andy Reid insists the Eagles could not even approach for a 36-year-old player.   Now, real life tragedy is rearing its head with defensive coordinator/blitz wizard Jim Johnson, who is taking an indefinite leave of absence to fight cancer in his lower spine.   Suddenly, the two loudest and most respected voices on the Eagles' defense are no longer around the team.   That’s the Grand Canyon of leadership voids.   Now, nothing is certain—except that things are going to sound very different everywhere from the defensive meeting rooms to the sidelines to the locker room.   Into this sea of uncertainty steps secondary coach Sean McDermott—who is actually a year younger than Dawkins. McDermott is the acting defensive coordinator charged with providing a steady voice to a unit that has six starters under the age of 26.   The hope is that Johnson will be able to return this season and keep making the daring calls that have stood as the hallmark of his Philly defenses. Reports have Johnson looking gaunt though, and he currently needs a wheelchair to get around.   Sadly, it’s anything but a given that Johnson will be able to coach this season.   While no one wants to get their chance this way, this clearly could be McDermott’s opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to be a coordinator in the NFL.   The local La Salle High School alum was highly thought enough to be considered for defensive coordinator openings in Green Bay, New Orleans, and Denver this offseason. But, he didn’t land any of those jobs...meaning there are still some doubts about him.   Doubts that could be exacerbated by the absence of Dawkins the way a lack of common sense is exacerbated by an appearance on a reality show. Dawkins may have lost some speed, but he never let a coach lose a locker room.   Whatever Reid or Johnson suggested, they knew that Dawkins would get any questioning teammates to buy in.   “Obviously, what Dawk had you can’t replace,” Quintin Mikell, the man who will fill the seven-time Pro Bowler’s spot in the lineup, told The News Journal.   As long as Johnson is away from the team, the youth and relative inexperience of the Eagles' defensive coaches carries the potential of making Dawkins’ missing presence even more noticeable.   Linebackers coach Bill Shuey, assistant secondary coach Otis Smith, and defensive quality control coach (film man) Mike Caldwell are all only in their second seasons at those positions, and defensive line coach Rory Segrest is entering his first season on the defensive staff, coming over from special teams.         McDermott has worked with Johnson since 1998, and even if his mentor cannot make it into the office, Johnson is known for always being eager to talk defensive schemes on the phone.   For now, The Voice on defense is McDermott’s—and that’s anything but a sure thing for a team thinking Super Bowl.               Read more...

Philadelphia Eagles Daily News

Bleacher Report Thu, 05/21/2009 7:14 AM

(Hypothetically) Speaking with Sheldon Brown

If I could interview any current Philadelphia Eagle, for me the choice is easy: Sheldon Brown. Here's what such an interview would look like...minus Sheldon's responses, of course! (One can always hope!)   Entering his eighth training camp as a Philadelphia Eagle, Sheldon Brown doesn't know if it will be his last at Lehigh University. The ultimate team player turned 30 during the off-season and saw the Eagles bring in stiff competition for the job he's held for five consecutive seasons. Four years his elder, Brown must beat out recently acquired corner back Ellis Hobbs to be the starting corner when the Eagles open the season on Sept. 13 in Charlotte against the Carolina Panthers. But there's more to this off-season than any other for Brown who has played in all 122 regular and postseason games since he was drafted in the second round of the 2002 draft. There's the departure of team leader Brian Dawkins, Brown's comments on how he felt "disrespected" by the Eagles publicly and his desire for a reworked contract more in line with his peers. Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with the longest tenured member of the Eagles defense and talk about those pressing issues, his career with the Eagles and more: BJ: You are the 13th oldest projected starter heading into the '09 season. Former teammate Troy Vincent said during your rookie year that you were going to be in the league a long time because of your preparedness. What else do you think has kept you performing at such a high level for so long? SB: [Answer]   BJ: 122 straight regular and postseason games, the second longest active streak in the NFL. How long do you think you can play at the level you are at? SB: [Answer]   BJ: While we're on the subject of longevity, the Eagles have a reputation of making "business decisions" that have seen many veteran players finish their careers in other places. How does that affect the team? SB: [Answer]   BJ: The most recent of those exits had Brian Dawkins leave for Denver. Have you talked to him since his departure? SB: [Answer]   BJ: There's no debate over who was the leader on defense when Dawkins was here. Now that he's gone, as the elder statesman of the defense, do you assume that role? SB: [Answer]   BJ: Brian was here your entire career. Where do you see his absence having the biggest impact on the defense and the team? SB: [Answer]   BJ: You have publicly called out the team recently over your contract in an effort to set the record straight regarding comments made by Joe Banner. In retrospect, was that the right thing to do? SB: [Answer]   BJ: You've said your concerns over your current contract were not about the money. Banner has said that when he's discussed your concerns with your agent that that money was the only concern. If it's not about the money, then what is it about? SB: [Answer] BJ: Some fans critical of your comments have said you have four years remaining on your contract and should live up to it. What is your response to them? SB: [Answer]   BJ: Since your comments, the Eagles have acquired Ellis Hobbs to compete for playing time at corner and possibly your starting job. What your thoughts on the upcoming battle between the two of you? SB: [Answer]   BJ: Do you think the Hobbs acquisition was a subtle retaliation by the Eagles for your public comments? SB: [Answer]   BJ: From last year to this year, what have you done to step up your game? SB: [Answer]   BJ: Not all of your time with the Eagles has been as controversial as this off-season. What's your best memory from your seven seasons with Philadelphia? SB: [Answer]   BJ: The Eagles have been to four Championship Games and a Super Bowl since you joined the team. Each time falling short. How important is it for you to get a Super Bowl ring before you retire? SB: [Answer]   BJ: Before you go, Sheldon, since we're on the subject of retirement. How many years of Sheldon Brown can we expect to enjoy? SB: [Answer]   BJ: Do you see yourself finishing your career in an Eagles uniform? SB: [Answer]    BJ: Thanks for your time, Sheldon. Read more...