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With Ryans Out, Kendricks Ready To Step Up

The Eagles are in Houston to take on the Texans at NRG Stadium. Philadelphia is looking to bounce back after last week's loss in Arizona ...

HOUSTON -- Mychal Kendricks has watched from the sidelines this season as DeMeco Ryans and his teammates looked to fill the void left by an injured Kendricks. Now, it appears, the tables have turned as Kendricks and the group of remaining inside linebackers move on without an injured Ryans.

"It means we have to step up and rise to the occasion, that's what that means," Kendricks said after the game. "We need to step up and really lead this team now, do exactly what he would want us to."

Replacing Ryans, the emotional leader of the defense, will be no easy task.

"It's going to be real difficult just because of the man he is, the character he has, the leadership he has, the feeling everybody has for him – you saw everybody out there. Nobody works harder than DeMeco," said defensive coordinator Bill Davis. "He's a calm leader. He's everybody's friend. He's a mentor to a lot of the younger guys, but we have a group of vets that will step in. We'll move on like everybody has to in the NFL. We're not the only ones going through this."

The thinnest of silver linings is that, because of Kendricks' recent injury, the likes of Casey Matthews, Emmanuel Acho and Marcus Smith II have logged time in the middle of the defense.

"They're not rusty," Kendricks said. "They're ready and that's why those guys stay ready and they prepare during the week just as well as anybody else who's playing during the game. I'm fully confident in the guys that we have."

"We're not having brand new people step in and play without any experience," added Davis. "Everybody that's going to take over for DeMeco has had a lot of reps."

All eyes, though, will be on Kendricks moving forward as the former second-round pick prepares to take over as the main man in the middle.

"I think he's ready," Davis said. "When Mychal's the only linebacker on the field right now, he is the leader and sets the defense. When Acho or Casey is in there, their position makes the call, so Mychal will hold onto the exact role he's always had."

"Today, we had one of our soldiers go down and we're going to ride for him," said Kendricks. "With that being said, people are going to step up to the plate."

The Eagles are in Houston to take on the Texans at NRG Stadium. Philadelphia is looking to bounce back after last week's loss in Arizona ...

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