Eagles Defense Trying To Move Forward Without Ryans
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Some players are difficult to replace. DeMeco Ryans is a difficult loss for the Eagles both on and off the field.
With Ryans sidelined for the season with an Achilles injury, the rest of the defense will look to fill the void not only from Ryans' play, but by his leadership as well. As tough as it will be for the Eagles' defense without its leader, Safety Nate Allen says they have to push forward without Ryans.
"You can't replace a DeMeco," said Allen. "But everybody else is stepping up. All of the linebackers are doing a great job with the calls. Nobody is going to try and overcompensate or do too much. Everybody's just going to do their part."
Chip Kelly has always had a "next man up" philosophy, and the Eagles' depth is a big reason why they are 6-2 on the season and sitting in first place in the NFC East. Linebacker Brandon Graham is ready to do his part in Ryans' absence.
"It's tough to see DeMeco go down," Graham said. "He's definitely the leader of the D. You feel really comfortable when he's in, but it's just an opportunity for someone else to step up and show what they can do. A lot of people look forward to that opportunity."
Both Casey Matthews and Emanuel Acho are expected to see time at middle linebacker in place of Ryans. the position requires the player to call the defensive signals during the game. Matthews is confident he'll be able to make the calls when pressed into duty on Monday against Carolina.
"I'm comfortable doing it," said Matthews. "It's a little different, but you get more comfortable with all the reps you take at practice. I think by the end of the week, we'll really have it down."
Mychal Kendricks may also look to fill the void with extra responsibility in the middle of the defense, but Chip Kelly is hoping Kendricks and the rest of the defensive players keep the same approach to the game they had when Ryans was healthy.
"You don't have to replace the guy," Kelly said. "I think if that's what your mindset is going in, you need to just be yourself and go out and play the type of football that we know you can play."
Allen said he was able to do everything in practice throughout the week, making it likely he will return from a hamstring injury which kept him sidelined last weekend.
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