Philadelphia Eagles veteran pass rusher Brandon Graham had quite a bounce-back season in 2022. After suffering a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 2 of the 2021 season, many wondered whether he would be able to get back on the field. 33 years old when the injury occurred, no one would have blamed Brandon Graham had he opted to retire.
But, he did the opposite. Not only did he work hard enough in rehab to get back on the field, he returned with a vengeance. In 2022, despite playing a rotational role and being on the field for 43 percent of the defensive snaps, Brandon Graham had a monster season.
He recorded a career-high 11.0 sacks to go along with 11 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits. He was one of four Eagles to record double-digit sacks in the season, which was an NFL record.
Seeing the Michigan product respond to such a devastating injury in that fashion was very impressive. He had every reason to hang it up, as he was also taken out of the starting lineup for the first time since 2014.
But, Brandon Graham didn’t let that get him down. He made the most of the opportunities that he was presented and produced for the Eagles, helping them advance to the Super Bowl last season.
Heading into 2023, the team is in a position to have similar success. While some of the faces have changed, the goal remains the same; win the Super Bowl. The Eagles are one of the legitimate contenders in the NFC and Brandon Graham is a big reason why.
The 2010 first-round pick has a chance to move up the NFL record book this season as well. In his career, he has recorded 116 tackles for loss. If he can record 12 more this season, he will surpass Jason Pierre-Paul and Karlos Dansby, moving into a tie for 20th place.
In 20th place is Dwight Freeney and James Harrison, tied with 128. Brandon Graham can occupy that spot by himself if he can record 13 tackles for loss in 2023. He has reached 12 TFLs five times in his career, so it is certainly attainable despite the reduced playing time that he receives.
