Eagles Notes: Bill Davis On Kendricks’ Contract

Bill Davis spoke to the media today before practice about Mychal Kendricks’ new contract, when DeMeco Ryans will return and more. Here are some highlights of what he said.

• Davis said Kendricks will likely play better now that he has a new contract.

“I’ve seen so many young men go through that first free agency and it is a stressful time for them because they’re waiting for that contract that could set them up for life versus an injury,” he said. “It’s just a lot that weighs on them and you see them really relax and change a little bit once that contract is signed.

“We’re really excited about Mychal and I think Mychal—like most of the young guys who get their second contract—it gives you a peace of mind and … [you don’t] worry about lifelong security. Now he has that and now he can really focus on his craft and getting great at it. He’s the kind of guy that really will probably flourish because he has a contract now.”

• Davis also explained why Kendricks is a better fit at inside linebacker than many people think. He added that the defense this year is “absolutely deeper” than last season and it’s one of the top rosters he’s had.

“In this day and age, the prototype, he’s getting close to it,” Davis said. “With all the passing and spread out offenses out there, you need speed and athleticism in there. The old days, especially in the 3-4, we used to find the big Levon Kirkland that could go butt heads with a guard and you don’t need that quite as much anymore.”

• Davis responded to Dean Blandino’s comments yesterday about the Terrell Suggs hit on Sam Bradford.

“I don’t care who says what about anything. What I know and in my experience in the NFL, is a quarterback is going to be protected,” he said. “When you hit a quarterback in the backfield, you’ve got to stay above the waist and below the neck whether he has it or not. If you go below the knees, absolutely you’re going to be called [for a penalty] 100 percent of the time.

“Whether you say he might be a runner or not, it doesn’t matter. When it’s in that gray area, the NFL is going to protect quarterbacks. They always have and they always will. That is what drives the NFL in popularity.”

• Fletcher Cox, Zach Ertz, DeMeco Ryans and Marcus Smith didn’t practice today and instead worked with the trainer. Josh Huff also sat out, and Davis said he didn’t know if Ryans would be completely healthy by the regular season opener.

“I don’t know,” he said. “Those are tough injuries to get 100 percent, but boy he’s ahead of schedule. He’s ahead of where most guys would be with that. I think it’s going to be close. It wouldn’t shock me, but it could go either way.”