After five long seasons biding his time as a reserve, Brandon Graham is finally getting his opportunity to start at outside linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015. As long as he plays in all 16 games this year, it’s probably safe to assume Graham will eclipse his career high of 5.5 sacks in a season.
Naturally, Graham is shooting for a lot more than merely a new personal best. In fact, he may have his eyes on the NFL record.
Graham held court in front of a gathering of reporters after Friday’s practice, the topic de jour being exactly how many sacks the newly minted starter will register this season. Initially, Graham was hesitant to discuss individual goals, instead insisting the Eagles as a whole are aiming to have the best pass rush in the league.
“We’re gonna get a lot. We’re gonna get a lot as a team,” Graham said, stressing the team part. “We’re trying to be No. 1 this year."
That certainly isn’t out of the question, especially considering Philadelphia finished tied for second in the NFL last season with 49 sacks — five back of first place. But that didn’t answer the question. How many times does Graham plan on having a meeting with the opposing quarterback?
“All I’m gonna say is double digits,” Graham relented. “It could be 10, it could be more than that.”
Not pleased by that answer, either, the gallery pressed on. Surely, he must have a number in mind.
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“My goal is two a game,” Graham finally revealed.
“In 16, what’s that? 32?"
Realizing the absurdity of the number he had just arrived at, Graham laughed right along with everybody else who heard it. Yet as improbable or unrealistic as that figure might be, there is actually some rationale behind it.
“This is how I think about it: Out of 70 plays, why not? Why not two? I don’t care how they come, as long as they come."
When reminded 32 sacks would be 9.5 more than the NFL record set by New York Giants great Michael Strahan in 2001, again Graham laughed, but still refused to back down.
“All I’m going to tell you is two sacks a game.”
There you have it.
Thirty-two sacks would be a lofty goal for Reggie White, let alone Graham, a career backup. However, despite the fact that the former first-round pick is only now getting his chance to live up to his draft status, there is plenty of reason for optimism.
Based on pass-rush productivity, a metric by Pro Football Focus that weighs sacks, hits and hurries per a player’s pass-rush attempts, Graham ranked No. 1 in the NFL last season among all qualifying 3-4 outside linebackers. In 2013, he ranked seventh, his first year playing at outside linebacker. And in 2012, Graham ranked first among 4-3 defensive ends as well.
Graham can get after the quarterback. The only reason he didn’t earn a bigger role sooner is because the Eagles have been blessed with numerous Pro Bowl pass-rushers in recent years. But with the release of veteran Trent Cole over the offseason, now we’re going to find out exactly how good Graham can be as an every-down player.