Brandon Graham On Pace For Special Year
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Everywhere you looked, there was No. 55, it seemed, coming off the edge, or rambling down field to make a tackle. Brandon Graham had one of his better games as a pro on Sunday, terrorizing San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the Eagles' 26-21 setback.
It wasn't Graham's fault that the Eagles lost. The fifth-year veteran had a sack and three tackles. This year, Graham appears well ahead of his production last season when he was learning a new role in Billy Davis' 3-4 defensive scheme.
In four games this year, Graham has 10 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Last year, Graham finished with 19 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble.
In two years he's been asked to go from having in his hand in the dirt under Jim Washburn's "wide nine" scheme to standing up and sometimes peeling off into coverage under what Davis does.
Graham, in a contract year, says he finally feels comfortable. And it shows. Last year after four games, Graham had a total of two tackles and looked lost. This year, he's embraced the system and knows where he's going.
He's playing like he did when he was at Michigan, assured and filled with boundless energy. An improved Brandon Graham translates into a better Eagles' defense.
"We did some good things on Sunday, we played the run a lot better, because we knew they would do the counters and things," Graham said. "There were some plays that you wish you could have back, but that's in every game. The one thing we need to work on is not beating ourselves. We have to work on our technique a little more. Penalties will happen—we can't have them happen on third down and that's what killed us.
"From looking at the film from what I see, we did a lot of good things. We had an effort to the ball, which is No. 1. What we showed all year is that our effort is relentless. Everyone is flying to the ball, and that shows an identity. Everyone doesn't like a defense that has numbers flying to the ball. That means the guy with the ball will be hit numerous times. If we can continue that, I have no doubt in my mind we can definitely go a long way."
Graham played both sides of the Eagles' defense, jack and predator. Jack sometimes places him in the middle, sometimes outside. Predator he gets to unleash and go after the quarterback. The Niners had a tough time picking Graham up.
"It was an all-around game and I love when my name gets called," Graham said. "All I ask for is the chance."
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