The Eagles head coach didn’t mince words about how much the team needs Brandon Graham and his energy — even if he’s not on the field the rest of the season.
The Eagles are back in Philly after their game in California, and head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters on Tuesday for the first time since the post-game. He talked a lot about Brandon Graham, confirming he’ll be out the rest of the season, but also emphatic about how much the veteran DE will continue to lead and impact this team.
“He means a lot to me, and I just can’t say enough good things about BG.”
Sirianni admitted that his policy regarding injured players traveling with the team, and how much they’re involved during the week, varies depending on the player and their injury. But, he explained that he knows how lonely it can be when you’re sidelined and having to watch your teammates on the field each week. The head coach went through that as a collegiate player, so he likes to be sympathetic towards the situation.
“I think the most important thing that I want those guys to feel from me and from the team is that, just because they’re not on the field, they have contributed to where we are to this point and will continue to contribute. And they’re part of this football team.
Because it is lonely. It can be a lonely place. I hate saying that, but it really can. You want to embrace these guys, put your arms around them, and let them know they’re in it with us to the very end and a reason why we’re in the position we’re in currently.”
As for Sirainni’s expectation about Brandon Graham’s ability to travel with the team, he was upfront about not being at the point to figure all of that out just yet. Still, he was adamant that the team needs BG around.
“I sure as heck hope so. We need him. I need him. The team needs him. Because, again, Brandon Graham affects the team way more than just on the field because – you guys know him – of the person he is, because of the captain he is, because of the teammate he is. His enthusiasm and love for football and love for his teammates are infectious.
And like I said, everybody and every workplace, I hope and wish that they have a Brandon Graham available to them because it brings up everybody every single day. And that is a special, special quality that Brandon Graham has.
So even if they say he might not be able to go on the sideline, I will be lobbying with everything I have to make sure that he can. And I’ll do my best to protect him on the sideline if the ball gets anywhere close to him.”
The head coach talked about how they’ll adjust on the field without BG to turn to, and said that they feel like they have good options in-house.
“As bummed as I am for Brandon and losing him, I’m excited for these other guys’ opportunities – Josh [Sweat] and Nolan [Smith] and Jalyx [Hunt]. Nolan keeps getting better, [Josh Sweat] Sweaty is having a great year, and Jalyx is seeing an up-tick in his snaps.
Jalyx and Nolan play with relentless effort and great physicality. As bummed as I am for BG, I’m excited for the opportunities we have for guys in-house. And we have other options as well, in-house.”
Sirianni also explained that they have some options and flexibility with how they use guys, like Milton Williams, who play more on the edge if needed. The head coach said Williams has done a really good job, and he’s tough, he works hard, and he’s a good teammate.
