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Eagles Notes: Titans RB Johnson will test the defense

In the last two weeks, the Eagles have shut down powerful running backs Frank Gore and Michael Turner. The Titans' Chris Johnson, however, represents a different challenge. In order to stop one of the fastest runners in the NFL, the defense will have to stick to their gaps, stop cutback runs and swarm once they have Johnson hemmed in, several players said.

Chris Johnson is second in the NFL in rushing yards (596) and first in rushing touchdowns (7). (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)
Chris Johnson is second in the NFL in rushing yards (596) and first in rushing touchdowns (7). (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)Read more

In the last two weeks, the Eagles have shut down powerful running backs Frank Gore and Michael Turner.

The Titans' Chris Johnson, however, represents a different challenge. In order to stop one of the fastest runners in the NFL, the defense will have to stick to their gaps, stop cutback runs and swarm once they have Johnson hemmed in, several players said.

"You need to be very disciplined with your rush lanes and so on," said head coach Andy Reid. "He's about as good as they get right now."

Said linebacker Ernie Sims: "You see it on film. He gets one little seam, and he's out the gate."

Linebacker Moise Fokou said the Eagles will focus on setting the "edge" of the play, and keeping Johnson trapped.

"You've got to contain the edges. Speedy guys like to go where there's space. You keep him in that box, where everybody else is . . . now he's in our territory," Fokou said.

Swarming the ball and holding gaps are keys to stopping just about any runner, but stopping cutbacks takes on added importance because of Johnson's speed.

"If he makes one guy miss and some guy is out of their gap, he's down the field for a big play," Fokou said. "Don't try to be a hero and try to make the play on the other side of the field because, if you do that with this guy, he does cut back."

The defensive line also faces a different challenge against an offensive line that uses zone blocking, said defensive tackle Trevor Laws.

"They're a real athletic bunch. They're not trying to really drive you back, they're trying to position up on you, and let Chris Johnson find a lane," he said. "What we've gotta do is make sure they don't position up on us, make sure we don't give up lanes, that we stay in our gaps."

Johnson's big-play instincts present opportunity for the defense, as well, Fokou said.

"He will give you big plays, but he will also give you tackles for losses because he likes to cut things back, and try to make something happen," Fokou said.

Hit man

Sims watched the NFL's video on helmet-to-helmet hitting sent to teams this week to discourage such plays. He didn't think much of it. He only thought one example was dirty and said he doesn't intend to change the way he plays. At Florida State, coaches gave out a "hit stick" to the defender who delivered the biggest shot each week, Sims said.

"I had it pretty often," Sims said. "But in college I used to do a lot of spearing, though. I used to lead with my head a lot."

Kolb collared

Defensive players aren't the only ones facing fines. Quarterback Kevin Kolb was fined $5,000 for a horse-collar tackle against the Falcons. Kolb illegally brought down Falcons safety William Moore after an interception. He was called for a penalty on the play.

Extra Points

Reid on Friday officially ruled out defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley (elbow) and left tackle Jason Peters (knee). . . . Wide receiver DeSean Jackson, already declared out for the game, has not yet passed his concussion tests, Reid said. . . . Defensive end Brandon Graham (ankle/illness) returned to practice after missing Thursday and is expected to play Sunday.