Ryans: Back to what I do naturally
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Ryans: Back to what I do naturally
Jonathan Tamari
In landing DeMeco Ryans, Eagles coach Andy Reid said he believes the team now has one of the top 4-3 middle linebackers in the NFL, a player who can be a "quarterback" of the defense.
"We're very excited to have him join our young linebacker corps and bring some senior leadership in there," Reid said.
Ryans, wearing a bright green tie, sat between Reid and general manager Howie Roseman at the NovaCare Complex, and talked about leadership, his health and the perception from some reporters that he'll be seen as a "savior" to a fan base starving for a play-making linebacker.
"Let's not put the savior on it," Ryans said with a laugh. "I'm just looking to step in and do my job."
But Ryans and the Eagles brass made it clear that they expect him to have a major impact as he returns to a 4-3 defense and away from the 3-4 he played in last season, when his production dropped and he was taken off the field in nickel situations.
"That's the defense I've been playing since high school," Ryans said. "It's back to what I do naturally, I'm a natural middle linebacker. I feel like this is what suits my ability."
Ryans said he was slowed early in 2011 by the Achilles tendon tear he suffered in 2010, but felt back to normal by the end of the season.
"I was moving around feeling like myself again," he said.
Roseman said Ryans was at his best in the playoffs last year.
Ryans will be the team's starting middle linebacker and play all three downs for the defense, Reid said. He wouldn't say who the starting outside linebackers will be, but sees the veteran captain as a leader that the defense needs.
"Bringing in somebody with experience I thought was important right now to this football team, really to have a quarterback on that side of the ball I think is good for (defensive coordinator) Juan (Castillo)," Reid said. "I think it’s good for players around DeMeco. He's a player that has made people around him better."
Ryans said he won't force his leadership on the team, but that teammates in the past have always gravitated toward him.
"I'm a natural leader," he said. "I'm not going to change anything about myself or my approach to how I go about my business."
Ryans faces one challenge in learning his new team: under new CBA rules he can receive a playbook, but can't meet with coaches until April 16.
This is one shot you had to take.It puts them in a position to draft the proverbial"Best Player Available".So shut your eyes,cross your fingers and expect the unexpected.— Ernie Garman- 7-9 in 2012. No playoffs. Andy takes off for San Diego. Howie and Banner hire Rendell as head coach. Football becomes #4 sport in Philly.— jimmymack
- In all likelihood he reinjures the achilles. But in the meantime, he can put some Brian Dawkins into the defense, and add some strength against the run on running downs.— armchairGM
Comment removed.- Some really dumb posts. The Ryan signing is great news. Give credit when it's due.— p-diddy
- blaqjaq, J.J. Watts said he was their leader so it isn't just a wanabe leader sayin' it, his former team mates said it too.— tpizza
- paulsotx you hit the nail on the head even when we make a good move they still complain we know the reason is the lack of a superbowl but at least we hv been a good or dominant team in our divison and conference not like the mid to late 90's ....i like the move its only a 4th rounder if he doesnt work out. (wow a probowl lb drafted on day 2)now a player that can return kickoffs in the draft would really help field position next year— positive eagle
- Love the move, but I cringe every time I hear one of these guys talk about how they are a leader. How many times did we hear that from McNabb?— blaqjaq
- even if Ryans isn't what he once was, how can he be worse than the dreck we rolled out there last year?— DONDEN31
- even if Ryans isn't what he once was, how can he be worse than the dreck we rolled out there last year?— DONDEN31
- Turnovers specifically dropped passes, deflections, fumbles. Our receiving group could use a significant competition boast from the draft. Michael floyd! He gives you those short yard catches. big frame 6'3 220 could bulk up to 230 and maintain his 4.4 speed im sure. Imagine how that would help maclin and desean spread the field. I watched plenty of preseason and regular season games on Cooper and Avant to know that we could use more competition URGENTLY there. If round 1 is a stretch for WR then get the BEST TE on the board round2. Maybe take a chance on Coby Fleener TE he's 6'5 245 he was andrews luck TE in college. If the eagles pick up Floyd or Fleener i'll consider buying season pass. If they neglect the position completely from now until training camp i wont. We're explosive yes, but we need to be more consistent against tough teams. OR we can simply find a veteran like Plaxico who can help us win NOW in those areas in the red zone and short yardage conversions and focus on defense round 1 and 2. I'm okay with either scenario. Go Eagles!— Yes_General
- I agree verve. 18 months removed from achilles injury he should be okay. Now I'm not a pro athlete, but I tore mine as well and can relate to the injury and rehab. When he came out of the draft, he came out as a beast. Believe it injury aside, he is a top ILB period. We beef up the DT position and they can slow down the OL he will have 125 tackles— mackeyall
- I like Lonewolf's avatar; it looks like someone squashed his head in a vice. Which actually makes sense, seeing how much nonsense he spouts off here, lol. "Durp durp"— verve
- For a 4th round pick, good trade. Various sports sites are saying this is a good deal- which is either a good thing or a very bad thing (when they all agree). Ryans will be about 18 months from the achilles injury, so he should be fully healed from that. I'm optimistic.— verve
- I like the deal but let's face it. The Eagles were 10th best in the NFL in points allowed on defense ahead of New England and well ahead of the Giants. You can't lead the league in turnovers and expect to make the playoffs. It does improve the d, though.— JCKPSU01
- It's great move. I've been screaming about it forever. But let's not forget who's still calling the game on sideline: Big Fat Andy! Which means one and done in the playoffs and then on to a new coaching staff!
— BMan - Seems like we sign guys with past injuries a lot?— Keep The Change
- I was thinking Jevon Kearse. Hope I'm wrong.— PhillySubsMac
- The Bergey analogy is apt. He was the missing piece to that D and he was a tremendous addition. I see this as a similar, solidifying move if we can land one more LB...and cg25 is whining about it...win-win baby!— tpizza
- now get Dallas Clark, or Tammi— peteike
- Have you ever noticed that those individuals who always have negative comments are losers in real life??— ctfan
- A step in the right direction and hopefully a good deal...What's with that football in the picture? Will "Laurie" LOL (Lurie) be auctioning it off to the highest bidder??— outta work
- If I know my Eagles, they will trade out of the first round for more draft picks or a veteran Safety. ijs— NC Eagle Fan
- Good move, now that's one linebacker down, one to go. Still need a right tackle. Too bad they couldn't have traded Asuckte for Ryans, then it would have cost nothing.— Craig321
- This guy could supply the leadership that's been missing since Brian Dawkins left. Give him a chance.— 1republican
- The team would be better with less time around its coaching staff.— burholme
- I love this pick up! Eagles should still draft a LB early just incase it doesn't work out or he gets injured again. I do think he will be a great fit though!— ChrisM
- He is just trying to reassure fans by saying "I am a leader". It means, "Don't worry Eagles fans, I am not soft. I have come not only to contribute, but to get others to contribute as well". I think it is good of hm to do so. Furthermore, I believe him. He is a great fit. I think the defense will be the hardcore, but we still need a gut-wrenching safety who is also a knockout artist that can even take out TEs.
I think the Eagles will be just fine on defense but they need to go back to striking fear in their opponents.
Get a madman on safety and maybe another Brent-like TE for the offense. NOW!— WantToKnow - Once again, Nice Job Howie !!!— dmanphilly
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Let's put it this way.
If both Manning and Ryans were to regain their Pro Bowl form this year, the Eagles would be a lot closer to winning the Super Bowl than the Broncos.
Manning has been to 11 Pro Bowls but brought home the title just once. (in one of his worst playoff years)
In all of Andy Reid's tenure, the Eagles only ever made it to the Super Bowl when Trotter had a very good year in 2004 in the middle. In nearly every season ending playoff loss, the Eagles D has played lousy.
A healthy, top form Ryans, could make THAT much of a difference!
— banned - Ryans is a very good MLB. Find some other team to whine about FRONTRUNNERS...Jimmy Rollins has some of you guys pegged. The truth is clearly obvious for all to see. I am sure some of you guys would find a way to cry about getting a ProBowl caliber safety, too.— Paul SoTX
- it's great when geniuses like you throw around the term frontrunner and haven't a clue as to what it means. if anything eagles fans are the polar opposite of frontrunners. — djgq42
- if the other dude (kuechy) is there in the first round, do the eagles bite? why not?— djack10
- Ernie Sims was taken in the same draft— FABER
- Comment removed.
- Tough crowd. Yeah Andy and his crew have done some really dumb things. But thus far they're on target. Good moves in keeping their core players. Good trade for a linebacker giving up little to get him. There's more to be done, and we all know they're apt to pull some bonehead moves in the draft. But so far so good.— DennyM15
- Comment removed.
- "It's back to what I do naturally, I'm a natural middle linebacker. I feel like this is what suits my ability."
Somehow, I get the feeling that Andy's going to convert him into either a SS or a FB. Remember, Andy knows best.— Philly Jinx - This must be the Brian Dawkins of the LineBacker position— Ace-Philadelphia
- Lighten up, Jay! Time will tell, but if the tendon and hamstring are good, then you may have to face the music -- look like Andy and Howie have scored.— Richard S
- Comment removed.
- Reminds me of when the Eagles obtained Bill Bergey.— Dave in Cincy
- I am 6'8", run the 40 in 3.8, can leap tall buildings in a single bound, etc. Talk is cheap! This reminds me of Kevin Kolb & The Young Guns.
- Oh shut up lonewolf — puddin
- Then why are you always talking? LOL
Its a good move lonewolf and you know it.
No guarantees, but looking like pocket Kings so far.— dmanphilly
