Eagles' Brandon Graham: 'We didn't have all the right coaches in the right position' in 2023

Last year, the defensive coaching situation in Philadelphia ended up being a catastrophe. The Eagles are optimistic that the new staff can transform the situation.

Sean Desai started the campaign as defensive coordinator, replacing Jonathan Gannon. Midway through the season, head coach Nick Sirianni demoted Desai and elevated senior defensive assistant Matt Patricia to defensive play-caller. Nothing worked, and the Eagles’ season devolved.

With Desai and Patricia out, Vic Fangio, defensive line coach Clint Hurtt and others are in.

Entering his final year in the NFL, Brandon Graham expounded on the difference between the staffs.

“He spoke highly of Clint, their current coach and former Seahawks and Bears coach. He expressed that their failure last year was due to a lack of proper coaching staff placement. He noted a newfound belief among the team in their current direction, and expressed excitement for the incoming rookies, who he believes will gain valuable experience and a true taste of the NFL.”

It comes as little surprise that, entering his 15th season in Philadelphia, Graham is comfortable enough to point out the defense’s inconsistencies, particularly after Patricia took over in a desperate move by Sirianni that didn’t work out.

When asked to elaborate on when he felt last year’s staff didn’t communicate as well, Graham said it trickled through the season and really stood out in the blowout playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“He observed minor issues last year, certain matters we weren’t in agreement on,” he stated. “Occasionally, these issues would surface, but they became blatantly apparent in the final game. The key takeaway from this is the importance of proper communication. Currently, there’s a significant focus on communication within the locker room, on the field, and in the classrooms. I was confident that our General Manager, Howie Roseman, would address these issues because once they’re recognized, they need to be dealt with within the year. That’s just how it works. However, I don’t see any of those issues now. I’m particularly enthused because we have Fangio, an experienced and highly competent individual. I’m not criticizing the past, but it’s clear that everyone is now on the same page regarding these matters.”

The praise for Fangio in Philly continues to trickle out this spring, standing in stark contrast to how Miami players feel about their former defensive coordinator.

The Eagles are a solid group on paper, particularly after upgrading the secondary with rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean and bringing back safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. The key will be the youngsters in the front seven growing into game-changers. If tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter thrive in Fangio’s scheme, the rest of the defense should fall into place.