Eagles Wake-Up Call: Graham Hungry For More

Here are the number of snaps each Eagles defensive end received in Week 1 against the Browns:

Trent Cole: 42
Jason Babin: 41
Darryl Tapp: 20
Phillip Hunt: 15
Brandon Graham: 4

Four.  That’s not a lot to work with for the former first-round pick, who has fought back from microfracture knee surgery and a torn ACL to try and get back in the mix. But Graham says he’s thankful for every morsel he’s fed.

“I got me a tackle and I almost got a sack. That was cool,” said Graham. “You want to play more because you know how hard you worked, you went through camp and all that other stuff. I know that they’ve got a plan for me and I know I wouldn’t be here if they didn’t.”

Part of that plan might be to keep Graham hungry. Motivated to prove that he is not a bust and that he can overcome this injury to have a successful career, the Michigan product has been going hard every day to claim his place in this league. There is logic in trying to keep that edge sharp.

The other part, of course, it that this defensive end rotation is plenty deep and it’s hard to argue that the men above him haven’t earned  their snaps.  So Graham just continues to plug, and is trying to keep a positive attitude about it.

“Hopefully four turns to eight, eight turn to 16,” Graham said with a laugh.

“I’m going to be ready when that time comes. When they call me out there, just watch out for 54.”

WHAT YOU MISSED

The Eagles are iffy at wide receiver heading into this one. Both DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin were limited participants during Friday’s practice and are officially listed as questionable.

Sheil has your cheat sheets ready for Sunday, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. (He is just having way too much fun with the All-22 tape.)

A look at how Juan Castillo is coming along in Year Two. His players are seeing some key differences.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

John Clayton talks Michael Vick vs. Ravens “D” in his First and 10 column.

Without linebacker Terrell Suggs, the Ravens know they are challenged to produce a pass rush. The surprising part of Vick’s difficulties was throwing four interceptions when the Browns rushed four or fewer defenders. He was 22-of-40 for 172 yards, according to ESPN Stats & Information, against the four-man rush. Vick needs to be more conventional against conventional rushes.

As Kevin Kolb looks to recapture the starting job in Arizona, he credits his time with the Eagles for helping him in tough times.

“Having gone through the same thing with Philly two years ago, that whole experience really helped me,” he said. “I didn’t expect to lose my job after only four starts with the Eagles. It was frustrating but I learned to stay positive and trust in the Lord. I didn’t sulk during the week. I tried to stay right and had a good week of practice. I figured I would get another chance. I just didn’t expect it to happen this quickly.”

This story line is of particular interest right now, seeing as the Eagles face the Cardinals in Week 3.

Jason Babin got fined over $15,ooo for getting rough with Brandon Weeden.

COMING UP

The Eagles will hold a mock game at 11 a.m. in their last piece of preparation for Sunday’s game against the Ravens.