Brandon Graham, 37, returns for 3 sacks in 16 snaps as the Eagles clinch the division in a 29-18 win over Washington, with defensive play and bench usage.
Brandon Graham’s Remarkable Return
He’s 37 and was retired at the start of the 2025 season, but Graham produced again in the Eagles’ division-clinching win in Washington on Saturday. In the 29-18 victory, he played just nine snaps but recorded his third sack in two games. Across the last two games, he has accumulated three sacks on a total of 16 snaps, and all three sacks came in the span of nine defensive snaps. He is the only player in the NFL with three sacks in fewer than 100 snaps.
Snap Usage and Defensive Impact
“Trying to fill that void, at least be half of what JC would be in the middle,” Graham said. “Just trying to do my job and let the plays come to me. The last four weeks have been good. Training camp, like I say. But now these last couple weeks, I feel like I’m getting in my flow. I’m just excited to just keep pushing.”
Of Graham’s 16 snaps over the last two weeks, 13 were on third downs. When he is on the field the Eagles have had huge success. Here’s a recap of his 16 snaps the last two weeks:
- Three resulted in sacks for Graham
- Two resulted in interceptions – one for Zack Baun, one for Cooper DeJean
- One resulted in a sack for Nolan Smith
- Six have been incompletions
- Three have been runs for a total of 9 yards
- One was a completion for 20 yards
The Eagles are playing Graham on third downs, and good things are happening when he’s on the field. Even when Carter comes back, it would make sense to keep giving Graham occasional looks inside on passing downs. He’s playing well.
Defensive Rotations and Snap Distribution
Nakobe Dean lasted just 13 snaps before leaving the game with a hamstring injury. Jihaad Campbell filled in and played 36 snaps – the most the rookie has played on defense since Week 7 against the Vikings. Campbell began the season as a starter but Dean returned from the PUP list against the Vikings and has been playing really well. Campbell is a heck of an option to have as a backup.
The Eagles played 54 total defensive snaps and got a chance to empty the bench late. Zack Baun, Reed Blankenship and Quinyon Mitchell played 49 of 54 snaps (91 %), while Cooper DeJean and Marcus Epps played 48 of 54 (89 %).
Without Jalen Carter, here’s how the DT rotation looked in this game:
- Moro Ojomo – 43 snaps (80 %)
- Jordan Davis – 33 snaps (61 %)
- Byron Young – 26 snaps (48 %)
- Ty Robinson – 6 snaps (11 %)
- Graham – 9 snaps, most of them inside
On the edge:
- Nolan Smith – 40 snaps (74 %)
- Jaelan Phillips – 38 snaps (70 %)
- Jalyx Hunt – 30 snaps (56 %)
The Eagles emptied the bench at the end and got snaps for Michael Carter II, Sydney Brown, Kelee Ringo, Jeremiah Trotter, Brandon Johnson, Jakorian Bennett and Smael Mondon.
Offensive Adjustments and Bench Utilization
The Eagles’ offense also got to rest their starters at the end of this game too. The only two players to play all 70 offensive snaps were Jordan Mailata and Fred Johnson. Jalen Hurts and the rest of the starting OL played 66 of 70 snaps (94 %).
At running back:
- Saquon Barkley – 54 snaps (77 %), 132 yards and a touchdown on 21 attempts
- Tank Bigsby – 8 snaps (11 %), 4 for 37, including a 22-yard touchdown run
- Will Shipley – 8 snaps (11 %)
At tight end:
- Dallas Goedert – 61 snaps (87 %), 10th touchdown pass of the season, tying a franchise record for tight ends set by Pete Retzlaff in 1965
- Grant Calcaterra – 21 snaps (30 %)
- Kylen Granson – 8 snaps (11 %)
- E.J. Jenkins – 6 snaps (9 %)
At receiver:
- A.J. Brown – 61 snaps (87 %), 9 for 95 yards
- Devonta Smith – 60 snaps (86 %), 6 for 42 yards and a touchdown
- Jahan Dotson – 46 snaps (66 %)
- Darius Cooper – 13 snaps (19 %)
- Britain Covey – 1 snap
For the second straight week, the backups got in and Tanner McKee got to end the game in victory formation.
Key Takeaways
- Brandon Graham, 37, returned from retirement to deliver 3 sacks in 16 snaps
- The Eagles used a deep bench, playing 54 defensive snaps and 70 offensive snaps with minimal starters
- The offense saw strong performances from Barkley, Bigsby, and Goedert, with the tight end tying a franchise record
The Eagles’ strategic use of depth, combined with Graham’s explosive play, secured the division title in a decisive 29-18 win over Washington.
