Post by EagleGene on Jul 21, 2006 20:27:38 GMT -5
Johnson: Patience With Gocong
July 21, 2006
By SHANE EVANS
As training camp opened for the 2006 season, defensive coordinator Jim Johnson couldn't escape questions about last year.
"I think, first of all, it starts with the rush," said Johnson. "We didn't get the pressure we normally had. We've always been in the top five as far as pressure and we didn't get that for whatever reason.
"And the second thing was more big plays in the secondary, between penalties; big play penalties and big plays. I think we still want more production out of certain guys, but those are the two areas, a better pass rush and not giving up big plays."
The Eagles only had 29 sacks last year and surrendered 3,323 pass yards and 24 touchdowns through the air. He admitted the problems that the defense labored through in 2005 and insisted that the proper changes have been made to correct it for this season. Johnson was quite eager to answer questions about some of the younger players on his defense who he is confident will make a big difference this year.
Linebacker Chris Gocong, a third-round draft pick, was one of the most popular topics as the young player is making the big leap from defensive end to linebacker. Johnson said that the transition will be difficult, and the rookie needs to do a lot of mental preparation.
"Realistically, it'll take some time," said Johnson. "We've got to have a little patience with it. I thought in the mini-camps in June it looked like he was progressing. We've been out here one day and it looked like he had tired legs today.
So, how long will the transition take?
"It's too early to say. It'll be a good challenge for him. He's got to spend a little extra time on his own just kind of picking things up. The biggest thing with him, I think he's got the physical ability. We've seen that in just the way he moves. Now it's just the mental part of it. He's got to spend some time on it too, but it's good to have him out here, no question about it."
The Eagles drafted four defensive players in this year's draft, Gocong included. All of them reported to camp except for first-round pick Brodrick Bunkley, who is still without a contract.
Johnson stressed the importance of having all of his rookies in camp on time because of the reverse effect not practicing has on the players who miss time on the field.
"Anytime a guy misses it's going to hurt him," said Johnson. "There's no question about it. He was coming around in our mini-camps. It might set him back a little bit, but we go on. Hopefully he'll catch up and hopefully we'll get him in here.
"He's working with (defensive line coach) Pete (Jenkins). Pete's doing some new techniques, so it's important that he picks that up too. Of all the years, especially you've got a new defensive lineman, and you've got a new defensive line coach. You need philosophy and techniques a little bit, so he has to be around."
Johnson and the rest of the Eagles coaching staff has this weekend to focus on the young players, before the rest of the team reports on Sunday. Any time the rookies have on the field is crucial and Johnson understands that.
July 21, 2006
By SHANE EVANS
As training camp opened for the 2006 season, defensive coordinator Jim Johnson couldn't escape questions about last year.
"I think, first of all, it starts with the rush," said Johnson. "We didn't get the pressure we normally had. We've always been in the top five as far as pressure and we didn't get that for whatever reason.
"And the second thing was more big plays in the secondary, between penalties; big play penalties and big plays. I think we still want more production out of certain guys, but those are the two areas, a better pass rush and not giving up big plays."
The Eagles only had 29 sacks last year and surrendered 3,323 pass yards and 24 touchdowns through the air. He admitted the problems that the defense labored through in 2005 and insisted that the proper changes have been made to correct it for this season. Johnson was quite eager to answer questions about some of the younger players on his defense who he is confident will make a big difference this year.
Linebacker Chris Gocong, a third-round draft pick, was one of the most popular topics as the young player is making the big leap from defensive end to linebacker. Johnson said that the transition will be difficult, and the rookie needs to do a lot of mental preparation.
"Realistically, it'll take some time," said Johnson. "We've got to have a little patience with it. I thought in the mini-camps in June it looked like he was progressing. We've been out here one day and it looked like he had tired legs today.
So, how long will the transition take?
"It's too early to say. It'll be a good challenge for him. He's got to spend a little extra time on his own just kind of picking things up. The biggest thing with him, I think he's got the physical ability. We've seen that in just the way he moves. Now it's just the mental part of it. He's got to spend some time on it too, but it's good to have him out here, no question about it."
The Eagles drafted four defensive players in this year's draft, Gocong included. All of them reported to camp except for first-round pick Brodrick Bunkley, who is still without a contract.
Johnson stressed the importance of having all of his rookies in camp on time because of the reverse effect not practicing has on the players who miss time on the field.
"Anytime a guy misses it's going to hurt him," said Johnson. "There's no question about it. He was coming around in our mini-camps. It might set him back a little bit, but we go on. Hopefully he'll catch up and hopefully we'll get him in here.
"He's working with (defensive line coach) Pete (Jenkins). Pete's doing some new techniques, so it's important that he picks that up too. Of all the years, especially you've got a new defensive lineman, and you've got a new defensive line coach. You need philosophy and techniques a little bit, so he has to be around."
Johnson and the rest of the Eagles coaching staff has this weekend to focus on the young players, before the rest of the team reports on Sunday. Any time the rookies have on the field is crucial and Johnson understands that.
