This past week marks a sad day in Philadelphia.  Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson lost his battle with cancer.  Johnson was brought in by Andy Reid to coach when he took over the team prior to the '99 season.  This is the same year the Donovan McNabb was drafted.  The Johnson lead defenses have become the most feared and notable in the NFL.  His design of blitzes, hidden coverages, and hybrid players changed the face of defensive coverages.  An innovator and competitor, Johnson could be seen on the Eagles sidelines scheming and teaching his players.  Johnson has coached many great defensive player such as Troy Vincent, Brian Dawkins, and Jeremiah Trotter.  All of these players could be seen flying around the feild on Sundays making plays for one of the most aggressive defensive teams in the NFL.

Johnson's teams ranked in the top 10 in almost all defensive categories and the top 4 in most major statistics.  The challenge will be for his legacy to live on through the next few seasons.  This task made more difficult with the departure of Brian Dawkins.  The defensive coaching tree under Johnson will remain in tact, paving the way for a new era of creative schemes and challenging formations.  He will be missed most by those who walked on the field with him each Sunday as well as the people who watched him in stadiums and living rooms across the country.  The sidelines will look different in Philadelphia this season, however, the sound of the game will remain the same.  The Eagles faithful will be sure that famous chant reachs Jim's ear, "Fly Eagles Fly".