Finally the Bears' patience ran out on Tank Johnson, so they released him today. There was a good reason why the Chicago organization was so patient with Tank. I'm sure Lovie Smith and the Bears staff are all good guys but they didn't put up with Johnson's stuff because of the way he wore his hair. I think their patience had something to do with how Johnson holds his ground against those double teams.
The Bears decided to release Tank Johnson today, rather than wait and see if he's found guilty in his most recent run-in with the law. First of all let's get it clear, this dude is out to lunch. He just got out of jail less than three weeks ago. Now he's caught speeding and possibly driving while impaired at 3:30 in the morning. He clearly has a screw loose.
Ultimatelly the lack of self-control shown by Johnson and the Bears decision to cut him, could wind up helpijng out the Birds, during the playoffs in January. First of all, one of the newly found strengths of the Birds offense is their big, powerful offensive line. They have the ability to get movement inside on a defensive line by double teaming one of the opposing defensive tackles. They do a tag team block with a guard and the center, where both come off on the DT to get him moving backwards, then one of them comes off on the linebacker. The addition of center Jamaal Jackson to the offensive line has made the Eagles one of the best run blocking "O" lines in the league. If they face the Bears in January, you can believe they're going to pound the football inside by coming off with double teams on whomever replaces Tank.
During his couple of years with the Bears, Johnson did a great job of taking on double teams and either splitting them or refusing to be driven off the ball. He's strong as an ox and has outstanding body control for a man his size. His ability to battle the double teams allowed their two All-Pro linebackers, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs to remain unblocked and in pursuit of the football. I dont' know it for a fact but I wouldn't be surprised if teams starting finding gaps in the Chicago front seven. hey may not be the same defense this time around without Johnson.
If the Eagles are able to pound the ball against the Bears, it will force them to call defenses to stop the run and open them up to the Eagles passing game. Believe me, when it gets to playoff time in January, Johnson missing from the Bears defense could make the difference between going to Arizona or going home..
