PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Quarterback controversies can divide NFL locker locker rooms, but Brandon Graham insists that won't happen in Philadelphia.
Graham and the Eagles are getting ready to face the Saints on Sunday, and they will do so with Jalen Hurts starting at quarterback.
The rookie takes over for Carson Wentz, who is heading to the bench for the foreseeable future.
Wentz has plenty of friends amongst his teammates, but Graham said they will continue to support both quarterbacks without any division in the locker room.
"I don’t see us being divisive at all," said Graham. "I just think that we’ve got to continue to just make sure that we have a good support system for both parties, Carson and Jalen."
Supporting both quarterbacks will apparently not be an issue, either.
The Eagles are doing all they can to prepare Hurts for his first start with the 10-2 Saints coming to town.
Graham said they are excited to see what Hurts can do, and will do all they can to help Wentz deal with his benching while supporting Hurts on the field.
"We’re going to make sure we stick by Carson," Graham said. "We still believe in both quarterbacks, but you’ve got Jalen, who’s going to get an opportunity for himself, and it’s a good opportunity for him."
Meanwhile, the Eagles as well as their fan base are eager to see how Hurts performs in his first start.
Hurts said he will take the same approach as he has every week even with the increased workload.
Graham has noticed a difference in intensity this week with Hurts at practice.
"It’s the game now," said Graham. "You can see a new focus for him. He looks like he’s having fun. A lot of guys are supporting him going out there, and we’ve got a lot of energy."
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That energy has been evident with the Eagles defense throughout much of the season.
While the unit has hardly been perfect, Graham and his teammates have played well enough in several games to give the team a chance to win. No matter who is playing at quarterback, Graham knows the defensive players have to focus on their jobs.
"Every year is a different team," Graham said. "Every year, you’ve got to find togetherness and what makes you guys work. We’ve been doing that. We’ve shown flashes on defense, but we’ve got to stay consistent."