Clash of the Titans - Eugene Monroe vs. Michael Johnson (1 Viewer)

[Sigmund Bloom]

Eugene Monroe vs. Michael Johnson

What's the verdict?

I think Johnson is getting a bit of a bad rap, and writing this article just reinforced my opinion.

I'd love to hear what everyone thinks of this feature - next up I'm thinking of breaking down Matthew Stafford against the #3 overall in the NCAA South Carolina passing defense.

 

[Q-Bert]

Very cool feature and I definetly look forward to the Stafford article.

 

[Matt Waldman]

Nice breakdown....I'd like to know what you think is different between Johnson and Jevon Kearse. When I see him, I think of Kearse and then I think of the fact Kearse only had one really strong season in his career. Was it injuries that derailed Kearse or did teams just take advantage of a weakness in his game? If it's that, could Johnson be susceptible to the same issues?

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Nice breakdown....I'd like to know what you think is different between Johnson and Jevon Kearse. When I see him, I think of Kearse and then I think of the fact Kearse only had one really strong season in his career. Was it injuries that derailed Kearse or did teams just take advantage of a weakness in his game? If it's that, could Johnson be susceptible to the same issues?

I can see the Kearse comparison, but Johnson has a larger frame with more strength potential - Julius Peppers/Mario Williams size/athleticism but with Kearse/Jason Taylor body type. I have to think that injuries were to blame for Kearse's dropoff from the dominance of his early career. He was still an important part of Philly's defense even though he didn't take over games, but you're right that Kearse never did play up to the level of that rookie season.The weakness in Johnson's game is consistent effort more than anything else. I've seen him anchor against the run, I've seen him shed blocks, and I've seen him truck a blocker into the backfield with superior leg drive. If there's a weakness in his technique, it's that he plays too high, but some of that is being a 6'7" end - he still plays with incredible strength... at times.Mario Williams had some of the issues about inconsistent effort at NC State. Julius Peppers has them now. I still say that Johnson changes 4-6 games a year at least even if he doesn't change, as I observed in this game, when he's on, he makes good players look helpless to stop him. If Johnson gets in a good culture with accountability that ignites the inner warrior... hoo wee watch out.

 

[Matt Waldman]

Great explanation and it's so true about a little bit going a long way when it comes to a game-changing play. That's why LT gets so much publicity. You can play great for 49 plays, but that 50th could cost your team the ballgame. So it only makes sense that if you can consistently get 2-4 strong plays in a game as a DE, then you are helping your team.

The other thing I don't think we really ever think about out loud is the mentality a defender must have. They are always on the attack, even when his opponent may be attacking first. You can't do the same thing every time. I would imagine there are times you're trying to lull your opponent into a false sense of security. I don't know, it's something I'd like to ask a quality DE. "Do you set up your opponent by acting tired or that you can't beat a move when you know you can?" I would think the answer would be "sometimes," IF that situation isn't a play run to your side.

Either way, the size differential with Johnson makes a lot of sense and I think the Mario Williams comparison is much better, thanks.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I dig the concept. A lot. Keep it up!