Five keys to the Eagles season ending with a title (Part 1)

by Eric Schwartz

Tuesday September 8, 2009 

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It was almost as if Mother Nature wanted to remind us that football season is upon us.  The decrease in temperature is a clear sign that fall has is coming and with it comes football.
Of course, we already knew football season was ready to begin and for hardcore Philadelphia sports fans the off season wait has been unbearable. It was an off season full of questions, as well as expectations. How will the Eagles use Michael Vick? Can everyone stay healthy? Is this finally the year a Super Bowl title comes to Philly?

Those are just a few of the questions that surround this Eagles team as it prepares to kick-off its season Sunday at Carolina. With that in mind, Phillysportsblogs is here to get you ready for start of the Birds’ season with a five-part series: “Five keys to the Eagles season ending with a title”

Key #1 Sean McDermott successfully following in the footsteps of Jim Johnson

The Eagles organization and its fan base felt a serious pain this offseason when long-time defensive coordinator Jim Johnson lost his battle with cancer. Johnson was an icon in the football community. His ability to design and disguise blitz packages made his defenses among the most feared in the league. The Eagles didn’t just lose a coach, they lost an institution.
Now all first-time defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has to do is duplicate it — a daunting task indeed.
McDermott does have the advantage of having worked under Johnson, serving as the secondary and linebackers coach.
For his part, the new defensive boss said he plans on following Johnson’s blueprint and blitzing early and often.
When McDermott was hired, a reporter asked what advice he gained from Johnson.
“Blitz and blitz again,” McDermott said.
If he follows through, Eagles fans should have plenty to smile about this season. However, there is more to it than just blitzing. It’s about timing and execution. Johnson was constantly changing up the looks and designs of his blitz packages and now that responsibility fall onto McDermott’s shoulders.
The Eagles defense was solid at times in the preseason and shaky at others. Surely the new coach didn’t tip his hand too much in the meaningless contests, but he did have his defense dial up the pressure from time to time.
Of course, the success of the defense will be determined as much by the players as the coach (more on that later in the series), but it all starts with McDermott.
He will have to be smart and aggressive — a combination that is no easy task. It’s not just about taking chances, it’s about taking the right chances. For the Eagles to reach their ultimate goal, McDermott will have to show that he is capable of being a top defensive coordinator.
Considering McDermott plans to continue the ways of Johnson, that’s a pretty good way to start.

Part 2: Donovan McNabb Overcoming Pressure
Filed Under Eagles

Comments

2 Responses to “Five keys to the Eagles season ending with a title (Part 1)”

  1. Silver and Green on September 8th, 2009 7:43 pm

    I think McDermott will be fine. I expect to see a lot of the same plays on the defensive side of the ball. The linebackers have me worried though.

  2. Donovan McNabb Overcoming Pressure Eagles Key No 2  on September 9th, 2009 9:48 pm

    [...] 1 Sean McDermott and Eagles Defense Check back on Thursday for Part 3 of five-part series. Tell [...]

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