For the first time since Jeremiah Trotter was in his prime (2004) the Philadelphia Eagles have a true man in the middle of their defense.
Philadelphia, welcome with open arms (not the one the 2011 Eagles defense tackled with) from the Houston Texans, DeMeco Ryans.
The Bird gang acquired the two time pro bowler via trade with Houston for a fourth round pick in next months NFL Draft, and have also agreed to swap third round picks.Pretty solid deal.
The 2011 defense was quite deceiving as they finished top ten in the league in both points and yards allowed, but failed to produce any grit during the latter stages of the ballgame.
At 6 feet 1 inch, 247 pounds, Ryans immediately brings some beef to the middle of the field and a true middle linebacker presence in which the Eagles have lacked since Jeremiah Trotter refused to sign the franchise tag, and vacated Philadelphia for a short stint in Washington.
DeMeco Ryans will be turning 28 in July and is under contract through the 2015 season, so if able to stay healthy, will provide a notable presence on the Eagles defense for quite some time.
Originally a second round pick (33rd overall) out of Alabama, Ryans was named as the defensive rookie of the year and second team all-pro during the 2006 campaign leading the National Football League with 156 tackles, while recording 3.5 sacks.
Originally a second round pick (33rd overall) out of Alabama, Ryans was named as the defensive rookie of the year and second team all-pro during the 2006 campaign leading the National Football League with 156 tackles, while recording 3.5 sacks.
Ryans suffered a season ending achilles injury in 2010, missing the last ten games of the season (the only games missed during his career), and somewhat struggled last year in newly touted Defensive Coordinator, Wade Phillips 3-4 defense. But worry not! Houston is said to of needed to dump Ryans salary (around $6.5 million) in order provide some much needed cap space. Ryans is a proven defensive star in the league.
Not only does DeMeco Ryans bring a successful pedigree on the field, but is known to be a vocal leader on the field and in the locker room. All three of which the Eagles desperately lacked last season, and seasons prior on the defensive side of the rock.
Heres a glimpse of what we will be seeing as the Philadelphia Eagles new middle linebacker. Ryans shows patience in the passing defense, pursues the ball, and proceeds to put a lick on former Giant, Jeremy Shockey during the 2011 season. I like!
I'm getting a feeling Ryans will be a fan favorite in the city of Brotherly Love.
Not only does DeMeco Ryans bring a successful pedigree on the field, but is known to be a vocal leader on the field and in the locker room. All three of which the Eagles desperately lacked last season, and seasons prior on the defensive side of the rock.
Heres a glimpse of what we will be seeing as the Philadelphia Eagles new middle linebacker. Ryans shows patience in the passing defense, pursues the ball, and proceeds to put a lick on former Giant, Jeremy Shockey during the 2011 season. I like!
I'm getting a feeling Ryans will be a fan favorite in the city of Brotherly Love.
No comments:
Post a Comment