Eagles Wake-Up Call: DeMeco Takes Charge Of ‘Nasty D’

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We’ve written a lot about DeMeco Ryans in this space since the season started.

And for good reason. The defense has exceeded expectations through two games, and Ryans is playing at a level we haven’t seen from an Eagles linebacker in years. There’s still 14 games to go, but that’s no exaggeration.

There’s also his leadership. I could write a few hundred words and try to explain that part, but the video below tells the story. It’s from Sound FX on NFL Network and features Ryans, who was mic’d up on Sunday. Take a look.

Meanwhile, NFL Turning Point on NBC Sports Network also focused on the Eagles-Ravens game. They captured some more tremendous footage.

For example, here’s Ray Lewis telling his teammates that the Eagles are a “cute” football team before the game.

Ravens backup offensive lineman Bobbie Williams telling his teammates the Eagles were ready to quit.

And Ravens cornerback Cary Williams, calling out Jeremy Maclin for celebrating his 23-yard touchdown.

Finally, with the game on the line, look at who made the call for the QB draw.

Outstanding job by the fine people at NFL Films to capture all these moments from Sunday’s game.

WHAT YOU MISSED

What did Kevin Kolb have to say about facing the Eagles this weekend? T-Mac fills you in.

Cullen Jenkins received a fine for unnecessary roughness Sunday.

Here’s the All-22 breakdown of the Eagles’ defense against the Ravens. The post on the offense will come today.

Demetress Bell is in line for his first start as an Eagle.

Scouts offer their opinions on why Jaiquawn Jarrett didn’t last with the Eagles.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

I did a full roundup Wednesday. Click here for all the links.

Meanwhile, Don Banks of SI.com has the Eagles seventh in his power rankings:

The Eagles are off to the most deceptive 2-0 start in NFL history, with nine turnovers in eight quarters and a pair of one-point fourth-quarter comeback wins against AFC North teams. The glass is definitely half full in Philly, but the glass is a little cracked and leaking water, too. This is not a formula for victory that can sustain itself for long, and I think the Eagles realize that. Style points do count in these here power rankings, and that’s why Philadelphia is still a few slots behind Baltimore, even with a head-to-head win over the Ravens.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has the Eagles fourth:

Eventually, the defense is going to order a Code Red against Mike Vick.

And finally, Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after notching 10 tackles and two sacks against the Patriots. The Eagles are going to have to find some way to block Campbell on Sunday.

COMING UP

We’ll hear from Marty Mornhinweg and Juan Castillo today and get you ready for Eagles-Cardinals.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.