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Rolle's New Role: Starting WILL Linebacker

Linebacker Brian Rolle told reporters on Wednesday that he will be inserted into the starting lineup this Sunday as the new weakside linebacker replacing Casey Matthews.

"It's just a matter of being out there with the ones now and taking care of business," Rolle said. "I guess the coaches felt the need for a new body in there. I just look forward to the challenge and I'm going to have fun and make plays. I'm ready for it. I felt like I was ready out of college."

A sixth-round pick out of Ohio State, Rolle worked his way up the depth chart getting reps in the first-team nickel package and now in the base 4-3. Matthews started the first two games at middle linebacker and was moved to the weak side last Sunday against the Giants. Matthews had five tackles against the Giants, but bit on a play-action fake that allowed running back Brandon Jacobs to score a 40-yard touchdown pass.

At 5-10, 227 pounds, Rolle knows that his size will always be brought up as a potential issue. However, he's been targeted in the pass game just three times this season and has only allowed one catch for 2 yards, which came on a fourth-down situation last week. Rolle made the stop to get the Giants offense off the field.

"I think I'm better against the run than the pass. It's all about technique in this league. Just knowing the game of football and knowing where you need to be helps you out," said Rolle, who believes his athleticism and physical nature helped earn the starting nod. "I'm willing to get out there, step up there and make plays that need to be made."

The Eagles will be tested this Sunday by a physical back in Frank Gore and an athletic, pass-catching tight end in Vernon Davis.

"We have to get our heads back in it. We tell each other every day that nobody's going to give us anything," Rolle said. "We're something more than what we are, but obviously the last couple of weeks we haven't played up to that potential."

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