Some highlights from defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's press conference today, where he touched on Takeo Spikes' impact at linebacker, the way the defense has gotten bigger since last season, Brodrick Bunkley's progress, and more:
On what caused LB Takeo Spikes to be universally accepted and the effect he has on the team:
“Oh, respect. I think he earns a lot of respect with the other players. You’ve seen him play on tape. When you watch other teams on defense you see how Takeo plays, so they have respect for him. Coming here they knew what kind of person he was and I think he has respect for our guys too, so that’s a mutual respect right there. The thing about Takeo is, he loves to play and he’s got good leadership skills.”
On whether he expects Takeo Spikes to get back to Pro Bowl level again:
“We hope he can. That’s why we signed him. He came off that injury, and I haven’t seen any effects of the injury, so that’s why we signed him. And, like I said, I think he’s right on schedule. We’ll see how it goes.”
On how the new players are responding to his pace:
“I think they’re still learning. One thing you have to learn in the NFL, guys have to practice fast and play fast. So, we’re pushing them all the time, and it’s the speed of the game. The hardest thing a young guy coming into the league has to learn is the speed of the game. It’s such a fast game in the NFL and we’ve got so many great athletes, and players practice fast because they’re going to be playing fast.”
On how DT Brodrick Bunkley has improved:
“I’ve seen how he plays the run, yesterday in scrimmage and a little bit today of what I saw. Like I said, he’s solid and he’s going to continue to get better. The thing about it now, he’s working on the things he missed at training camp last year. His techniques are so much better.”
On how S Sean Considine has improved other than physically:
“Confidence wise, the leader of the team part. He can handle certain situations- seeing things so much better. I really expect a good year out of him.”
On the whether Considine’s shoulder injury impacted his season last year:
“I think so, to a certain extent. Just like [LB] Chris Gocong, he’s trying to feel his way a little bit, too, with his neck and shoulder. So, it’s always a situation of confidence. I think Sean’s playing with so much more confidence right now”
On where LB Tank Daniels fits in with Chris Gocong and Stewart Bradley competing for the SAM linebacker spot:
“He’s still in the mix. He’s competing. All three of those guys. I’ve said before, Chris Gocong, right now, is our starting SAM backer and he’s going to get a lot of reps. But, he still has to earn that position, and those other guys are still pushing him. I’m happy with all three of those SAM backers.”
On his thoughts of S Erick Harris and whether it is too early to tell if he will be put in the safety mix:
“Too early. There’s a guy who missed camp- all the mini camp stuff. It’s a little too early for him. I like his size, I like his attitude, physical kid. It’s just going to take him a little while. But, he’s not bad.”
On whether the emphasis on getting bigger physically is paying off:
“Well, we still like the quickness and speed. It just happened all of the sudden when we picked up a good size linebacker in Takeo [Spikes]. And, all of the sudden, we knew Chris Gocong was going to be our SAM linebacker. That’s why we drafted him. So, we got good size right there. Then we picked up a couple tackles in free agency, and some rookie free agents, also, are bigger. So, we’re fortunate. Not by plan, necessarily, but I like it, as long as they can move.”
On his impressions of DE Jevon Kearse:
“He looks good. He wants to get in there, and we’re kind of monitoring his reps, not getting too much play. But, he looks good.”
On what new guys, besides Bunkley, have stood out:
“I think [DE] Victor [Abiamiri], which I call Victor, has had a good camp so far. But, he has to continue on. But, he shows he’s a very physical end and good against the run, and shows some pass rush. So, he’s a guy that’s going to show up a little bit.”
On what other young guys have caught his attention:
“In the corner situation, I think [CB] Nick Graham, the free agent from Tulsa, he showed us he could run with the receivers. He’s got some things he’s got to pick up, but I do like the way he’s [shown] cover ability. [DT] Jeremy Clark, the big tackle we got from Alabama, at times he’s flashed some quickness and skills in there. It’s only the second day of pads, so it’s still early. I hope we get another week done and are able to see some other guys.”
Philly.com discussions are intended to be civil, friendly conversations. Please treat other participants with respect and in a way that you would want to be treated. You are responsible for what you say. And please, stay on topic.
These boards are monitored by Philly.com staff. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us in our sole discretion and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. Personal attacks, especially on other board participants, are not permitted. We reserve the right to permanently block any user who violates these terms and conditions.