Andy Reid Says Brandon Graham Has "A Bright Future"

by JasonB on Dec 12, 2011 4:53 PM EST in Philadelphia Eagles News

Andy Reid hit a wide range of topics in his day after press conference today including addressing a question about Brandon Graham. He's still on the injury report every week with the knee he suffered last season, but he is practicing fully. Problem is, he's not being dressed on gameday. Both he and Juqua Parker sat in favor of UDFA Phillip Hunt on Sunday. Reid says that neither are healthy at the moment but Graham still has a "bright" future.

"Well listen, Juqua, he's one of my favorite guys on this team. He's been with us a long time. He's overcoming one of those high-ankle sprains; it is no fun. You take steps forward, you take steps back. Juqua can still play the game, as can Brandon. Brandon's future is very bright. We're lucky to have both of those guys. It just worked with Hunt this week. He's been giving us fits on the defensive scout team, so I thought it was time to give him an opportunity to play and he did a nice job with that."

Unfortunately, given how late his injury came last year, it looks like this is going to be another lost season for Graham. The same fate has pretty much been shared by his fellow first round DE pick Derrick Morgan, who was put on IR in his rookie year and is only just now getting playing time in Tennessee. The third DE taken in that draft was of course, Jason Pierre-Paul of the Giants, who is having a great sophomore campaign.

Obviously Pierre-Paul's success with a division rival only heaps more pressure on for Graham in the eyes of Eagles fans. It doesn't seem like we'll be seeing much of Graham the rest of this year, but next year is going to be a real make or break for him.

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graham – jpp. maclin – nicks. still a tossup who were better picks in my mind. if graham can be healthy for a year…who knows…..

pass pass pass punt

by griffeagles on Dec 12, 2011 5:04 PM EST reply actions

How is it a toss up?? JPP is hands down the better pick so far.

by captain nodar on Dec 12, 2011 5:07 PM EST up reply actions

Easily.

"Fly Eagles fly..."
"Only the Lord saves more than Bernie..."

by 92-74-99-96 on Dec 12, 2011 5:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Just look at how dominating JPP was last night against the Cowboys.

by Tragicbro on Dec 12, 2011 5:12 PM EST up reply actions

im not denying that

im just saying its only been 2 years. but if graaham cant stay healthy then yeah horrible pick

pass pass pass punt

by griffeagles on Dec 12, 2011 5:18 PM EST up reply actions

Well, it's been two years...

And Graham can’t stay healthy.

I think the conventional wisdom is “judge a draft three years after the picks are made.”

It’s on Brandon to prove he’s not another “high motor” bum.

by UnclaimedFright on Dec 12, 2011 6:14 PM EST up reply actions

A year-long recovery is standard for ACL injuries

This is hardly a “can’t stay healthy” situation along the lines of an Abiamiri or McDougle.

He tore that in what, week 15 or 16? He’s coming back the way most guys do.

by DLawrence55 on Dec 12, 2011 7:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Nicks is better than Maclin too

JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason

by Joe_D on Dec 12, 2011 6:36 PM EST up reply actions

I must say that I agree. This can change over the next few years, but as of now, especially considering some of the crucial mistakes Maclin has made this year, I have to give Nicks the slight nod over Maclin.

by captain nodar on Dec 12, 2011 8:16 PM EST up reply actions

Agree

But barely. It’s very close.

Veritas Liberabit Te

by DSmith215 on Dec 12, 2011 11:26 PM EST up reply actions

I’m finding it more and more difficult to believe that Graham will ever be healthy, let alone a very good player.

"Fly Eagles fly..."
"Only the Lord saves more than Bernie..."

by 92-74-99-96 on Dec 12, 2011 5:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Why though? He had one injury. Granted, it was a major one, but it’s not new injuries.

Follow Bleeding Green Nation on Twitter & Facebook.

by JasonB on Dec 12, 2011 6:06 PM EST up reply actions

agreed

JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason

by Joe_D on Dec 12, 2011 6:28 PM EST up reply actions

No real scientific reasoning, just a bad feeling that this turns out to be another wasted pick. I wish I felt more good karma on this one. I hope, but won’t hold my breath.

"Fly Eagles fly..."
"Only the Lord saves more than Bernie..."

by 92-74-99-96 on Dec 12, 2011 9:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

It takes time to come back from the injury he had. The same thing with Allen.

by Ben16 on Dec 12, 2011 9:02 PM EST up reply actions

This again?

I just read my tarot cards. They say he will fail.

First Matthews, then Chaney, now Graham. Give it a break.

"Public school math has gotten bad the last couple of years huh?" - SGT Steve.
Yep, graduated from college and made the dumbest math mistake ever. I am a failure.

by BIBTD on Dec 12, 2011 5:32 PM EST reply actions

At Tire World

by hatsonfornowhere on Dec 12, 2011 5:42 PM EST reply actions

"Future is Very Bright"

McDonald’s is hiring again?

And yes this is Philly, you welcome to come check us

by jaws1385 on Dec 12, 2011 5:51 PM EST reply actions

who was the last good/great defensive pick we have had in the draft???

by CornOnTheKolb on Dec 12, 2011 5:58 PM EST reply actions

minus trent cole

by CornOnTheKolb on Dec 12, 2011 5:58 PM EST up reply actions

Depending on your definition of good, Bradley. Otherwise, you have to go back to 2002.

AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.

by KByars on Dec 12, 2011 6:11 PM EST up reply actions

ACLs kill our team

McNabb was done after his ACL… If you all remember, he had the best first 5 games ever by a QB in 06

Bradley was on the road to stardom… And now BG54 :(

Just wait until December..

by maximdim on Dec 12, 2011 6:48 PM EST up reply actions

Jamaal Jackson too... Our oline was really good before he went down (2nd half of Den and both Dallas games)

I’m sure there are a few more

Just wait until December..

by maximdim on Dec 12, 2011 6:49 PM EST up reply actions

statistically yeah

but our offense as a whole — stunk. it wasn’t very consistent and it relied on the boom or bust. we were pretty much done as a team before jeff garcia came oout and went 7-1

JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason

by Joe_D on Dec 12, 2011 6:49 PM EST up reply actions

but i do agree

mcnabb definitely did decline after the acl

JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason

by Joe_D on Dec 12, 2011 6:49 PM EST up reply actions

Speaking of this...

Burkholder and his staff get raves every year, but we get a lot of ACL tears…and none of them seem to ever come back full after rehab

by DLawrence55 on Dec 12, 2011 7:30 PM EST up reply actions

Buckhalter

"Luis Zedejas, I kick field goals. Am I nervous, yeah I suppose. Win the game by hittin the mark, this game is over before it starts."
-Buddy's Watchin You

by IWantToFlyLikeAnEagle on Dec 13, 2011 1:41 PM EST up reply actions

How much do you like Rolle?

Its all about the []_[]
#FirePaulHolmgren

by philiafan14364 on Dec 12, 2011 8:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Gocong if we’re a 3 / 4 D

by hatsonfornowhere on Dec 12, 2011 6:23 PM EST reply actions

He better be good, otherwise I’m gonna rape his Twitter page

Dear Lord baby Jesus.
Formely eaglefan20<<<<recently banned

by platonicphillyfan20 on Dec 12, 2011 8:19 PM EST reply actions

Unfortunately, given how late his injury came last year, it looks like this is going to be another lost season for Graham.

Yep. Given how late he got hurt I pretty much wrote this year off for him. Anything this year would be a bonus. I remember some fans last offseason were counting on him contributing this year and wondered why.

I’m going to let him get a whole offseason under his belt and see how he does next year. I can’t really see judging him as a bust until then.

Go Eagles!

by MRPH on Dec 12, 2011 8:20 PM EST reply actions

At least the Eagles didn’t trade up to get Eric Berry. That guy’s a bust. He’s done jack shit this year, and he’s not going to do anything next year either. At least the Eagles have Nate Allen, who will be productive next year.

Oh boy, is this great!

by MayIhave10,000marblesplease? on Dec 12, 2011 8:48 PM EST reply actions

Berry had 77 tackles his rookie year and only played in one game this year. SO theres a reason he didnt do jack shit. I take it you dont have espn

by Dawkins on Dec 12, 2011 9:11 PM EST up reply actions

Nate Allen has been much more productive this year.
Berry = Bust.

Oh boy, is this great!

by MayIhave10,000marblesplease? on Dec 12, 2011 9:24 PM EST up reply actions

in order to be productive you have to play right?? So wtf are you talking about

by Dawkins on Dec 12, 2011 9:29 PM EST up reply actions

Eric Berry can’t even play.
Bust.

Oh boy, is this great!

by MayIhave10,000marblesplease? on Dec 12, 2011 9:42 PM EST up reply actions

Eric Berry is head and shoulders better than Nate Allen. I bleed green, but know bs when I hear it.

by iHATEskipBAYLESS on Dec 12, 2011 10:01 PM EST up reply actions

His production this year suggests otherwise.

Oh boy, is this great!

by MayIhave10,000marblesplease? on Dec 12, 2011 10:05 PM EST up reply actions

Obvious troll is obvious

"truTV is like BET for white folks." - Chuck
"Brian Dawkins is always 100% Eagles related."--macjack09 & BGN Nation

by macjack09 on Dec 12, 2011 10:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

you guys missed his point

He knows berry was hurt. He is mocking you clowns who are calling graham a bust when he hasnt played one full season yet.

by VRFC8 on Dec 13, 2011 8:33 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.

Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.

by Troy O on Dec 13, 2011 12:03 PM EST up reply actions

THANKU

by Dawkins on Dec 12, 2011 10:40 PM EST up reply actions

Same argument as the one calling Brandon Graham a bust.
Injuries happen. Gotta wait a year + to resume what you might have had.

Oh boy, is this great!

by MayIhave10,000marblesplease? on Dec 13, 2011 3:29 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

To be fair Berrys 1st yr was probowl like.

So a bit flawed is your point.

I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.

Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.

by Troy O on Dec 13, 2011 12:08 PM EST up reply actions

Your second sentence is very “Yoda” like.

"Fly Eagles fly..."
"Only the Lord saves more than Bernie..."

by 92-74-99-96 on Dec 13, 2011 5:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Maybe...

….Graham and Abiamiri can open a rehab center with Shawn Andrews. Graham was supposed to come back this season – at least partially back in the rotation by now – and he was supposed to make the idea of signing Babin for just one year work out as a smart move.

Now it’s gonna cost us if we want to keep Babin and Graham doesn’t look like he’ll be replacing Babin soon or ever. It’s been a year. He should start playing, maybe not at 100%, but he should be showing the team what they have moving into next year.

Whoever you are, when I log off, you cease to exist.
"Good? bad? I’m the one with the gun." - Bruce Campbell in The Army of Darkness

by IggleGreen on Dec 12, 2011 8:51 PM EST reply actions

It has not been a year yet since his injury. It takes time. There is no way he is back to full form less than a year after sustaining his injury.

by Ben16 on Dec 12, 2011 9:05 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, I know...

But like McNabb, Ingram and Stew Bradley, he should be getting on the field by now. No one expected either of them to have all their stuff at that point but at least they were on the field. It took McNabb another 1/2 year to be back full speed. Ingram and Bradley were never the same. It would be better to know now if he just isn’t going to cut it – especially going into the off season.

Whoever you are, when I log off, you cease to exist.
"Good? bad? I’m the one with the gun." - Bruce Campbell in The Army of Darkness

by IggleGreen on Dec 12, 2011 9:30 PM EST up reply actions

To be fair

If you tear your ACL as a QB, you may as well have just decided to sit out the year. I mean an ACL is important for any athlete, but QBs don’t necessarily need to be all that mobile since they have lineman to protect them. I mean tearing your ACL always is bad, but look at a guy like Brady who tore his and it looks like his year away looks more like time to rest than anything.

"truTV is like BET for white folks." - Chuck
"Brian Dawkins is always 100% Eagles related."--macjack09 & BGN Nation

by macjack09 on Dec 12, 2011 10:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Is he going on vacation during the offseason?

Prediction: the 3-4 will be out of style in two years.
So no, I will not shut up about stupidity.

by bdawk4ever on Dec 11, 2011 1:39 PM EST

by packimop on Dec 12, 2011 10:18 PM EST reply actions

i've torn my ACL and had microfracture too

and it takes TWO years to come back from it. it could be a little faster given his age or any use of some new treatment protocol making use of stem cells but basically it is two years. the creator of the microfracture procedure originally specified 18 months without weight bearing because of the time and lack of friction needed for proper healing. of course 18 months of no-weight bearing would be a disaster. anyway it’s a procedure that has improved my knee in the long run but that took five full years. i wish graham all the luck but i will not hold my breath to see him getting back to form before 2013 if ever. microfracture at the start of one’s career is a big mistake.

by 1993Heel on Dec 15, 2011 3:03 AM EST reply actions