Following last week’s announcement that the recovering Tedy Bruschi would miss the 2005 season, New England’s training camp was rocked this morning with the news that inside LB Ted Johnson (above), having suffered multiple concussions, is calling it quits.
A 3 time Super Bowl champ, 10 year vet, former Colorado Buffalo and mainstay of New England’s run defense, Johnson’s departure might present a new challenge for Mike Vrabel and rookie Ryan Claridge, among others. Could this mean the return of Roman Pfiefer? Roman Polanski is out of the question and I don’t think he could play for Bill Belichick, anyway.
i wonder if this means that pats will abandon the 3-4 scheme they’ve run the past 3 years in favor of a 4-3 with wilfolk and warren in the box and seymour (assuming he doesn’t sit out) and mcginnest on the ends. the 3-4 depends on smart middle linebackers and the p-men are now without the two most talented and most familiar with the system from last years roster.
it will be interesting to say the least.