Redskins @ Eagles Enemy Player Profile: DeMeco Ryans

DeMeco Ryans

Position: Linebacker

Age: 30

Form

Last season, DeMeco Ryans played 96% of the defensive snaps for the Philadelphia Eagles. He has been a leader for the Eagles since coming over from the Texans in the 2012 season. His stats have been impressive for his entire career. He is a two time pro bowler as well as a two time AP All Pro selection. He was drafted by the Texans from Alabama in the 2006 NFL Draft. He's been an impact player ever since. Last year he went gangbusters against the Redskins. He posted 10 tackles and sacked Robert Griffin III once. At 6'1" and 247 lbs, DeMeco will be a handful for a Redskins offensive line that hasn't shown great strides from last season.

Skills

Ryans played with the Houston Texans through the 2011 season. When he left the Texans, he was the all time team leader in tackles with 637, total. After a dip in his numbers in 2010 and 2011, Ryans has bounced back, better than ever. He posted great numbers in 2013, including some career highs. He had double digit tackles in 11 games last year. Four of those games had 15+ tackles. During the game against Denver, Ryans ended with a career high 18 tackles. His total of 177 tackles for the season is also a career high, as are his totals of four sacks and two interceptions.  Billy Davis, the defensive coordinator for the Eagles has said, "DeMeco Ryans is the quarterback of our defense. He's outstanding. He lines everyone up and keeps them steady. I am just happy for DeMeco, he is having a great season, a Pro Bowl season. I cannot overstate his importance to our defense." In 2012, Ryans recorded 12 tackles for loss, an Eagles record.

Potential Against the Redskins

DeMeco Ryans has a history with the Redskins. Last year he had one sack and 10 tackles against the Skins. So far in 2014, he had 10 tackles against the Jacksonville Jaguars and 11 tackles and a fumble recovery against the Indianapolis Colts. Demeco is a smart player. He understands Chip Kelly's vision for the Eagles and has stepped up as a leader. The Eagles GM Howie Roseman said, "Coach Kelly talked about what he thought about DeMeco and what he saw on tape and his intangibles that he brings. Those are culture-setters when you have guys like that -- great character, hard-working...You're talking about a really productive player and a really hard worker -- smart player as well." If Demeco is as disruptive as he has proven he can be, it could be a long day for Kirk Cousins. Kirk is not as mobile as Griffin and isn't as much of a threat when he leaves the pocket. The bottom line is that the Redskins are going to have to give Cousins protection from Ryans. If they don't, Ryans will be in the backfield almost as much as Alfred Morris.

Fun Facts: Demeco Has said that the one talent he wishes he has is the ability to sing. His favorite meal is Fried pork chops, mac & cheese, greens and corn bread. After the NFL, DeMeco plans to coach high school football. During the 2011 lockout, DeMeco was the defensive Coordinator for his alma mater Jess Lanier High School during spring football. He also donates a full scholarship to a University of Alabama Football player every single year.

Here is his highlight reel from his time with the Eagles