Posted: Thursday, January 29, 2009, 4:44 PM | 20 comments |
 

Share your thoughts on Johnson
options
 
This afternoon, The Inquirer and Daily News reported that Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is battling cancer.

I thought we could use the space here as a forum to share your thoughts and show your support for Johnson during this difficult time.

I’ll get things started.

During the last decade, it’s been impossible to watch an Eagles game without hearing the announcers talk about Johnson and his “exotic blitz schemes.”

Get pressure on the quarterback. Rattle him. Force him to make mistakes. Capitalize on turnovers. Those have been the qualities of a Johnson-coached defense.

Those have been the qualities that the Eagles’ fan base has embraced. And by doing so, fans have embraced Johnson. He tells it straight. He converses with the media. He explains the decisions he makes.

This city loves its defense. There’s no two ways around it. That’s how it’s been for as long as I can remember and that’s how it will continue to be.

On that note, it’s not really important at this time to speculate on Johnson’s future in coaching.

Instead, I’ll just say thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family during this tough time.

Please jump in and share your thoughts.
Posted by Sheil Kapadia @ 4:44 PM  Permalink | 20 comments
20
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:56 PM, 01/29/2009
    Wholeheartedly agree. I don't know Jim but he seems like a real solid guy. His teams seem to love him. I think they appreciate his honesty and also his high standards and expectations. I hope he gets the best treatment possible and that he is able to return next season.
    — njbirdsfan
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:32 PM, 01/29/2009
    You are in our prayers JJ!!! You can beat this thing!
    — bossrjc
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:29 PM, 01/29/2009
    Good luck, Jim. All of Philadelphia is behind you.
    — Robhenniker
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:33 PM, 01/29/2009
    As a fellow cancer survivor, I wish you well Jim! With your guts and determination that you display professionally, sure that you will beat back this as well!
    — JBP
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:49 PM, 01/29/2009
    All the Best. Good luck with your treatment.
    — MrMayhem
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:59 PM, 01/29/2009
    My prayers are with you JJ and keep your faith strong! Stay positive!
    — losteagle
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:47 PM, 01/29/2009
    Eight years ago I had a melanoma removed from my shoulder. Luckily, it had not spread and I've been cancer free since then, but still get twice yearly checkups. If if has gone to his spine, Johnson is in serious trouble We can only hope and pray that his physical condition and the radiation treatments get a grip on this thing fast.
    — mike l
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:29 PM, 01/29/2009
    The Lord Bless you JJ Touch your Body bring it the healing strength it needs. I know even the good Lord looks in to check out your next blitz scheme on Sundays. Stay Strong JJ
    — slapback
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:41 PM, 01/29/2009
    Coach Johnson, best of luck and lots of prayers be with you; may God spread his healing touch on you.
    — a2000xl
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:44 PM, 01/29/2009
    Jim Johnson is everything that is good about the Philadlephia Eagles. He is a treasure that I hope we keep in Philadephia for a long time. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Jim, and as someone else has already said, Blitz that cancer!
    — Yeadon1970
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:18 PM, 01/29/2009
    As a huge Cowboy fan, I have had the great displeasure of being on the losing end of Coach Johnson's incredible defensive schemes far too may times (see 44-6 a few weeks back). However, now I have the great pleasure of wishing this fine man a speedy recovery and a long healthy life...we are pulling for you Coach!
    — vegasblk
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:59 PM, 01/29/2009
    Dear Jim, this one fan thinks you're the real source of intensity and emotion in this team. You'll beat this and we'll be watching Romo and Eli crumble under your schemes once again....
    — jamesiri
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:59 AM, 01/30/2009
    My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Johnson and his family. If chances of recovery are in proportion to how Eagles fans feel about you, then you'll beat this terrible condition and be back on the sidelines - soon. All the best!
    — MG44
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:58 AM, 01/30/2009
    May the LORD BLESS YOU and your family and although I don't know you personally I'm so sad to hear the news. All EAGLES Fans are like family and seeing one of us go through this is sad, but nothing is impossible with the power of the LORD. I will be Praying for you Jim so you can get better and continue and show us that nothing is impossible :).
    — tonygreeneagle5


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About Sheil Kapadia
Sheil Kapadia is in his fourth season writing about the Eagles and the NFL for philly.com. His earliest memories as a sports fan include several trips to Veterans Stadium with his Dad. He's not a beat writer or an Insider, but is here to discuss the NFL 365 days a year. E-mail him at skapadia@philly.com or by clicking here

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