DeMeco Ryans Trade Makes Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Favorites

The Philadelphia Eagles went out and addressed their biggest need via trade by acquiring middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans from the Houston Texans for a fourth round draft pick.

This move instantly makes the Eagles favorites for the Super Bowl from the NFC.

Ryans was voted 2006 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award after recording 155 tackles, but it was his two Pro Bowl appearances in 2007 and 2009 that catapulted him to stardom.

An Achilles injury in 2010 cost him the whole second half of that season, but it was his lackluster play in 2011 coupled with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips 3-4 scheme that ultimately got the 28-year-old linebacker shipped to Philly.

Eagles’ coach Andy Reid said in a statement obtained by the Philadelphia Inquirer:

"

DeMeco is a proven Pro Bowl linebacker in this league and we're excited to be able to plug him into the middle of our defense. He's been the signal caller and a leader on a very good Texans defense for the last several years. He's a tough, instinctive football player and he'll be a great fit for our team.

"

The combination of working off an injury while essentially learning a new position was too much for Ryans to do last season, and his production suffered.

With a return to a 4-3 system and a full return to health, the Eagles are positive they have found the sure-tackling man in the middle they so desperately need.

This move also opens the door for the Philadelphia to go in a different direction during the NFL draft.

Many draft experts had the Eagles kicking the tires on Boston College standout Luke Kuechly, the team can now look to the offensive line or the safety positions early in the draft.

The Eagles gave up very little for a solid starter that has the potential to be great, and that is the exact kind of boost the defense needs to put Philadelphia over the Super Bowl hump.

With a stellar offense now being matched by an equally stellar defense, the NFC just got their favorite.

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