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Brandon Graham made the decision to return to the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason after hitting free agency.
The reason he came back, aside from getting the contract his wanted, could have to do with the potential success he could be in for with this lineup in 2015.
In 2014, Graham really took a step up in terms of production and effectiveness on the field. He really developed his moves, which translated into many rushes on the quarterback.
This season, I foresee Graham taking an even bigger step: leading the team in sacks. There's three reasons I believe this will happen. Time to begin the slideshow:
Brandon Graham: Those hurries will turn into sacks
Graham was consistently getting past his blocker in 2014. He tied for the team lead with 39 quarterback hurries to go along with eight hits. All of that netted him just six sacks. Getting to the passer is crucial, but getting him down is a game-changer. Forcing a third-and-10 as opposed to a third-and-four is extremely different. Graham showed he can attack and beat his blocker. I believe those hurries from a year ago will finally turn into takedowns.
As stated on the last slide, the former Michigan standout came up just a few steps shy on many of his hurries. Those few steps should be made up for this season thanks to the revamped secondary. Byron Maxwell, Walter Thurmond, Eric Rowe and Malcom Jenkins should be an improvement over the previous group. If those guys can stick their receivers for a couple seconds longer, that gives the pass-rushers an extra few moments to bring the quarterback down.
The last reason I foresee Graham grabbing double-digit sacks this season and leading the team is because of who he is lined up with in the front seven. Connor Barwin led with 14.5 sacks in 2014. Opposing offenses will make sure to pay attention to him this season. The same goes for Fletcher Cox, who also had 39 hurries. Between Barwin and Cox, offensive lines will have their hands fill. Add in players like Mychal Kendricks and Kiko Alonso along with Vinny Curry, and there is bound to be a player or two who slips through.
That’s why I believe Graham will be able to get even more hurries and ultimately bring down the passer much more than he did in his fifth season.
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