To say that Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham's career with the team has been a rollercoaster would be an understatement.
It started going down as a rookie, started to go back up in 2016 and then hit it's peak in 2017, when he made arguably the most important play in the franchise's history in Super Bowl LII.
Last season, however, was another downswing for Graham, who finished with just four sacks, his lowest total since 2013. His decision to play in the 2017 playoffs despite an ankle injury might have won the Eagles a Super Bowl, but it also essentially cost him all of his 2018 season. Graham spent all last season rehabbing and never truly recovered after missing all of OTAs and almost all of training camp.
Now, completely healthy and able to workout this offseason, Graham feels he is ready to bounce back in a major way this upcoming season.
"Man, that was my biggest thing. I really appreciate being able to have an offseason. Because I wasn't as explosive as I am right now," Graham said. "I had the rehab going into the first game, and I had to play catch up. Now, (I'm) able to get off and do what I do."
While athletes bragging about being in great shape during the offseason is nothing new, there is plenty of truth to it with Graham. This time last offseason he wasn't even able to truly workout and how body suffered because of it. Since the end of the Eagles' season back in January, however, the work Graham has been putting is noticeable.
Despite entering his 10th season in the NFL, Graham looked quicker than he ever has during Tuesday's practice. He was lighting quick off the ball during team drills and breezed through individual drills at the beginning of practice. He looked completely different than the player that was out of shape heading into Week 1 last year.
"I'm trying not to get too hype, because you can always overdo it sometimes when you are feeling good," Graham said of how good he feels. "I am trying to make sure I take it one day at a time, make sure that I help the younger guys and keep myself busy so I don't overdo it."
The Eagles desperately need a big season from Graham in 2019. This offseason the team traded away Michael Bennett, then lost Chris Long to retirement, meaning they will go into next season without arguably two of their best defensive players from last season. Although the return of Vinny Curry should help, the Eagles are counting on young players like Shareef Miller, Josh Sweat and Joe Ostman to step up and contribute.
Maintaining a solid pass rush from the edge, however, will start with Graham. Graham is the player the Eagles gave a three-year, $40 million deal to this offseason. Graham is the veteran on the unit, and Graham is the player with the most success in the NFL.
The good news for the Eagles is that so far, Graham looks prime — and healthy enough — to give them the kind of bounce-back year they need from him.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
