When Jalen Carter was sidelined by a shoulder injury, the Philadelphia Eagles had to find a new interior presence for Monday night’s game against the Chargers. The 37‑year‑old Brandon Graham stepped in, logging a season‑high 30 snaps at defensive tackle. Graham’s move marked a rare shift for a player whose career had been defined as an edge rusher. The decision highlighted the team’s need to maintain pressure on the inside while Carter recovered.
Graham’s transition to the interior line surprised many observers, but his teammates and coaches have long appreciated his physical attributes. Defensive tackle Moro Ojomo offered insight, noting that Graham’s bench‑press prowess translates to on‑field power. “That’s a strong son of a gun,” Ojomo said. “I don’t know what he benched at his combine but he can move some weight around in that weight room. Yeah, I think that when you look at him on the outside, you see him dominate (offensive) tackles with strength. I think it all translates.”
In 2010, Graham completed 31 repetitions on the bench press, placing him in the 96th percentile among draft prospects. The strength displayed at the combine remains a core component of his ability to hold the line. Despite his 6‑2, 265‑pound frame, Graham’s technique allows him to counter larger opponents. His focus on hand usage and ground control underscores the value of skill over size.
The Eagles did not simply assign Graham to the interior role without preparation. Hard Knocks footage revealed that he spent the week in the defensive tackle meeting room, warming up exclusively with interior linemen. He also cultivated a rapport with defensive line coach Clint Hurtt, a relationship that has helped him adjust to new responsibilities. The team’s coaching staff emphasized the importance of a cohesive interior unit.
Normally, defensive tackles and outside linebackers convene together before moving to separate rooms for specialized drills. Graham, however, remained in the interior room alongside Carter, Ojomo, Jordan Davis, Byron Young, and others. This deliberate integration signaled the coaching staff’s confidence in his adaptability. It also provided Graham with direct exposure to the techniques used by the Eagles’ interior line.
Jaelan Phillips also saw limited snaps inside during Monday’s game, but those were primarily on passing downs. Graham’s involvement, by contrast, spanned early downs, indicating a deeper trust from the coaching staff. Vic Fangio highlighted this distinction, noting that edge rushers typically get inside snaps only during pass rush situations. “Yeah, BG is the ultimate pro,” Fangio said. “He’s got strength. He knows how to play blocks. I think he’ll be better this week moving forward.”
Graham’s acceptance of the interior role was evident in his own words. “I feel comfortable,” he said. “It’s just certain stuff if I am going to be in the middle, you gotta make sure you hold your ground and make sure you have the right technique, especially when you get double‑teamed, stuff like that. It’s just all about using your hands. My tricep, everything feels great. I just feel like you gotta continue to keep working the technique. It’s just a daily walk with it.”
Moro Ojomo also commented on the evolving nature of the defensive tackle position. “There’s a new renaissance of DTs that maybe aren’t the largest,” Ojomo said. “They’ve been able to hold their own and I think it creates different problems. I think that’s kind of the thought process with BG as well.” This perspective aligns with Graham’s physical profile and performance.
Graham’s return from retirement had already proven impactful. He re‑joined the team around the bye week and has played in the last five games since his comeback. Prior to Monday’s game, he had accumulated 32 snaps, and he managed 30 of those in the overtime contest. The consistency of his playing time suggests the coaching staff’s confidence in his durability.
Despite expectations of soreness after such a demanding schedule, Graham reported feeling surprisingly good the day after the game. “Trying to do everything I can for the team,” he said. “I’m excited because I know that we got four games left. Raiders is this week. Excited to keep chipping away and keep building that teamwork that we’re going to get done.” His optimism underscores the team’s focus on cohesion.
The Eagles’ reliance on Graham will likely continue until Carter’s shoulder injuries heal later in the season. The team’s depth chart adjustments reflect the necessity of maintaining pressure on the line of scrimmage. Graham’s versatility provides a valuable asset in both pass rush and run defense scenarios. His performance could influence future roster decisions.
In the broader context, Graham’s interior stint illustrates how experience and strength can offset size disadvantages. The Eagles’ coaching staff leveraged his bench‑press legacy and technique to fill a critical gap. As the season progresses, Graham’s role may evolve further, potentially shaping the defensive line’s identity. For now, the 37‑year‑old remains a key contributor to the Eagles’ defensive strategy.
