Brandon Graham Believes Sean Desai Decision Was Media-Driven
When a team is reeling, leadership needs to prevail. Brandon Graham didn’t portray the best public message about the Philadelphia Eagles and their decision to demote Sean Desai, however.
Jeff McLane spoke with Andrew Salciunas on 97.5 The Fanatic about how Graham perceived the move.
“He said how Sean’s motion was media-driven… With people calling for his head and the outside criticism, it influenced the decision that was made.” –Jeff McLane
Eagles Demote Sean Desai
The Philadelphia media and fan base respond with intense criticism when the Eagles don’t perform. Head coaches and offensive and defensive coordinators become the targets of harsh scrutiny often.
It happened to Sean Desai. It’s happened to Brian Johnson throughout the season. The criticism is spreading to Nick Sirianni also.
However, NFL decision-makers must evaluate performance. A defensive unit that had allowed 36.3 points per game in their previous three games was the real cause for concern. It wasn’t the media.
Adam Schefter spoke on The John Kincade Show about “very strong evidence to the contrary” of what Brandon Graham believes.
“I don’t know his basis for that and why he thinks that. The fact of the matter is: Sean Desai got Sean Desai fired, and the defensive performance got Sean Desai fired – even though he’s still got the title.” –Adam Schefter
The Eagles had been struggling brutally defending third downs and red zone opportunities when Matt Patricia took over play-calling duties. There were serious communication issues in a secondary filled with accomplished NFL veterans like Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Kevin Byard.
The organization identified the need for a change and made it.
“My sense is that guys aren’t playing loose. They’re tense. I think Slay touched on that too when he said guys just aren’t having fun…From what I sense, this has kind of been the running theme even before the three-game losing streak.” -Jeff McLane
The Real Problem
McLane identified two potential problems. If Sirianni and other members of the organization allowed outside criticism to drive the decision, they’re concentrating on all the wrong things. There’s no confirmation that Brandon Graham is correct about the demotion of Sean Desai, however.
At the very least, one problem is present.
“It tells me that one of the leaders in the locker room is allowing the outside noise and criticism to seep through. I get it. Playing in Philadelphia is difficult, but that being said, there was a reason why there was criticism.” -McLane
The longest-tenured athlete in Philadelphia sports shouldn’t worry about the media. He should be one of the leaders calming the locker room.
Graham elaborated in McLane’s story in The Philadelphia Inquirer by keeping the magnitude of his comments within a reasonable scope.
“But I ain’t worried at all. I don’t think anybody panicking, but I just know it’s always a change when people talking bad about the team.” -Brandon Graham
“Man we had that one”
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 19, 2023
“We’re going to be self critical of ourselves”
-Brandon Graham after Eagles gave up a 92 yard touchdown drive in the final 2 minutes.
He and other Eagles caught up with Jason Peters after the loss pic.twitter.com/G7bUhuzRZs
Watch The John Kincade Show on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page on weekday mornings from 6am-10am.
The Philadelphia Eagles Lost: Here Are Some Coping Strategies
Go On A Walk
Exercise is always a good way to get any icky and unwanted emotions out. If the weather is okay, take the time to go out for a walk. Fresh air will always do you a world of good.
Hang Out With Friends
Try not to talk about the loss, of course. Or do, it may be cathartic to get it out. Being in the company of others helps you work out your emotions about the disappointing loss.
Focus Another Team This Week
The 76ers season is going on. The Flyers have hit the ice. Express your fandom for another team! It’s not the same, I know. And you may fear yet another disappointment. But it’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. Sixers and Flyers play multiple games a week. Life goes on.
Unplug
I personally shut the TV off as soon as the final second ticks off the clock. You don’t want to see another team celebrate your team’s loss, so don’t. Avoid social media. There are far too many trolls who love to argue. Avoid national sports analysis TV shows. They’re never on our side, anyway. Don’t go looking for Eagles content on social media. Don’t wallow in the bad vibes.
Eat Your Favorite Foods
Make today your cheat day. Who cares? Food is yummy. Food makes things better. Fill that Eagles-loss-sized hole in your heart with a cheeseburger or some pasta. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to something that makes you happy. Go ahead. Get the milkshake after dinner.
Remember Good Times
It’s hard, right? But this is how we’ve felt before and will feel again. Losses happen! There will always be good times to balance out the bad. They have always happened and there are always more to come. They are a good team. We can’t help but love them. They have amazing personalities and are dang good at what they do. Don’t forget Super Bowl LII.
