The Eagles extended their win streak on Sunday night against the Rams, but that win in Los Angeles, once again, came at a price. Brandon Graham was sidelined late in the game and revealed afterward that he tore his triceps and would miss the rest of the season.
Losing BG is really a punch to the gut for the locker room and for fans. His energy is second-to-none, his trash-talking is legendary, and he’s been one of the team’s top edge rushers this season. DC Vic Fangio told BG during training camp that this wasn’t going to be a farewell tour for the 15-year veteran, and that he was going to play a lot of meaningful snaps. As always, Graham impressed week-after-week and wrecked havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
As the news that BG was done for the year spread, there were plenty of reactions. Head coach Nick Sirianni didn’t want to talk about the situation in his post-game press conference, saying he first wanted to get updated on things and talk to the team. He did say, however, that Graham is one of his favorite guys to get to coach.
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts spent some time on the sideline talking to Graham before the veteran left the field, and when asked about it post-game, he explained that he was just showing his support.
JALEN HURTS: “[I told Brandon Graham] that I was there for him. It’s unfortunate, very unfortunate for the man, first, and the teammate, second. A guy that has endeared himself to this franchise, who always tries to uplift those — and really just teach the younger guys that are coming in. You gotta think, with a guy as deep as he is in his tenure, it’s bigger than the game and why he’s still playing. His pursuit is to be his best self, but really be the best teammate he can be, to serve everyone he can. And, so, I know the man, the conversations that we’ve been afforded to have, and it’s unfortunate.”
Some of Graham’s other teammates showed their support publicly after news broke, as well.
LANE JOHNSON: “For me, I’m devastated for him because he’s probably one of the best leaders I’ve been around. Not only how he plays, but how he mentors the young guys on and off the field. He’s kinda like a father-figure to a lot of these guys. And a guy that, I think his story screams perseverance and resiliency, just with everything he’s overcome.
Especially the year he’s having. Everyone thought farewell tour was us just tipping our hats on it, but hey, this f***ing guy can play football, and he played at a very high level. I’m hurting for him. I love him.”
JORDAN DAVIS: “He’s been here for year. He’s an integral part of this defense, he’s an integral part of this team, and so when you got a guy like that just drop down and go out — of course his presence is still gonna be there, just doesn’t feel the same when he’s not on the field with you. It’s sad. It’s unfortunate.”
SAQUON BARKLEY: “The energy and the passion that he brings not only to this team but this city, he epitomizes what it is to be a Philadelphia Eagle. And all of us have to get in line and try to follow and try to accomplish the things that he accomplished.”
Source : BleedingGreenNation