Eagles Coach Brian Johnson 'Excited to Finally Get Started' vs. Patriots
The Philadelphia Eagles have to put the past behind them if they're going to have any shot at repeating or improving upon last year's effort.
Considering the only way to improve would be another Eagles Super Bowl title, everyone is looking for that result.
If the Eagles, can pull it off they'll do so thanks to several newcomers in key positions, including new offensive coordinator Brian Johnson.
"I'm excited to finally get started and play an opponent with our guys," Johnson said about his first opportunity to coordinate and call the Eagles offense in a regular season game. "So far, we've had a good week of preparation, but these first games are always very important."
With the Kansas City Chiefs falling to the Detroit Lions 21-20 on Thursday night to open the NFL season, a win over the New England Patriots in Week 1 would put Philadelphia at the top of every power rankings list following the first run of games.
While there are no trophies for being No. 1 in power rankings, it's always better to play from ahead, and not from behind.
That's something Patriots coach Bill Belichick knows a thing or two about.
"We're playing arguably the greatest coach of all time," Johnson said. "They have a fantastic roster with great pieces, so it'll definitely be a challenge."
Not only has Belichick earned him a spot in the greatest-of-all-time conversation, but he's done so with a defensive mind that is sometimes overshadowed by the presence of quarterback Tom Brady on his championship rosters.
That defensive genius on the other side of the field complicates things for Johnson and his unit, but he's got some weapons to work with that his predecessor didn't in the previous year.
"We really like both of those players," Johnson said of new running backs D'Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny. "They've done a fantastic job of coming in, getting acclimated to the system and how we do things. They've provided energy and a great spark to that room along with Kenny [Gainwell] and Boston [Scott]."
Energy, sparks, and scheme are what it's going to take for the Eagles to get this season going on the right foot.
Nobody wants to talk about how to correct a losing effort after one game, especially a brand-new offensive coordinator on a defending NFC Championship team.
