Since the surprise firing of Sean McDermott last week, a number of names have been connected to the defensive coordinator vacancy in Philadelphia.

We’re all excited for the games to finally begin. Plenty of reasons to keep an eye on each offering.

Michael Vick signing with the Eagles clearly is the biggest news to date (all apologies to Brett Favre Watch), and it looks like a win-win to me. Several teams were interested in Vick, but he made a wise choice, picking an organization that has strong leadership in coach Andy Reid and president Joe Banner, a sound structure and a winning philosophy.

Jim Johnson, who was the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator from 1999 to 2008, died today after a bout with cancer, the team announced today.

The Eagles took another step forward on Saturday when they formally introduced Sean McDermott as the team’s new defensive coordinator, replacing longtime coordinator Jim Johnson, who is battling cancer.

The Philadelphia Eagles announced the promotion of interim defensive coordinator Sean McDermott to the permanent role today. Longtime coordinator Jim Johnson, one of the best in the business, is fighting cancer, and we wish him all the best.

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin would still like a new contract, but GM Rod Graves told the Arizona Republic that the team was weeks away from having substantive talks with the Pro Bowl receiver and his agent. Graves typically will not talk contract extensions until the season has already started.