B Graham's first pro game - not strong
As a huge BG fan, I was happy to hear about how well he had been doing in training camp/pre-season for Philly (e.g., some observers predicting he could be NFL Def Rookie of the Year).
After this busy sports weekend, I realized I had missed the Philly-Packers game and I mosied over to the box score to see how BG had done. Unfortunately, he didn't show up (i.e., zero tackles). He wasn't hurt, and played a lot of the game, he just didn't make any tackles.
It's only one game, I am sure in his next game he'll return to awesomeness, but in a town that has notoriously tough fans, I hope he gets it going soon.
Thought I'd post this, in case other's had missed, in the aftermath of our ND victory euphoria, how BG did during his first pro game. Here's an article which describes BG's game:
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/Man_Up_Tough_1st_game_for_Graham.html
September 13th, 2010 at 2:30 PM ^
I saw most of the game, and I think this is a little harsh. They had BG in some weird spots (playing DT one play, dropping into zone coverage later on), so I wouldn't worry too much.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:36 PM ^
I watched and seemed like he was only playing every 3 plays on defense. I don't think he played the entire game. I know Andy Reid put him in the dog house because of his Twitter page:
Its time to get ready for them Green Boys this week! I cant wait to whisper something in Aaron Rodgers ear.....SACK!!!!!!"
Give him time.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:31 PM ^
I watched most of the first half of this game, and while I often ended up following the play, I tried to keep my eyes on Graham when I could. Obviously he didn't show up on the stat book, and got beat for some of those runs as mentioned in the link, but from what I saw, he seemed to consistently drive his man back, but Rodgers always got the ball away or the o-lineman was able to contain him. I definitely saw some of that "high motor" that everybody talks about. I think as he gets used to facing bigger linemen on a consistent basis, he'll start to figure it out and start beating some guys.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:38 PM ^
i had a different impression from that game. when the play moved away from the line he was always the last person to make it towards the pile. he didn't look to be playing at 100% speed and i remember at least once when one of the commentators said he looked gassed. really the one time he was close to making a sweet play he got a free run at the QB who simply side stepped a bit and BG ran right by him. i would say first game jitters.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:41 PM ^
heard the announcers say that too. I know when you are real nervous you tend to get out of breath quicker. He probably was a little too anxious. I with you on the first game jitters.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:40 PM ^
Also watched the game -- he was pretty unimpressive. Seemed a little winded at times, and lost at others, which was surprising to me.
I love BG, like...a lot. I'm confident he'll become the beast he was destined to be. I remember it taking Lamarr Woodley some games to put it together.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:55 PM ^
No worries. He was hungover, like we all were, from Saturday's celebrations.
September 13th, 2010 at 3:19 PM ^
September 13th, 2010 at 3:25 PM ^
Who in the world would put the ball near Brandon Graham? That's just silly.
September 13th, 2010 at 3:52 PM ^
Lot's of high-caliber players had rough first games yesterday. Hopefully BG has a long, fulfilling career.
September 13th, 2010 at 3:54 PM ^
I saw BG mostly as an inside rusher on supposed passing downs... not sure why.
It's just 1 game... it took woodley a whole year to start killing NFL QBs on a regular basis too. and that worked out just fine