BG Returns

Posted October 21st, 2025

We’ve heard about this for a few days, but it is finally real. Brandon Graham will be returning to the Eagles. The optimist in me is excited because he’s such a fun player to follow and is a position of need. The pessimist is worried due to his age and the fact he hasn’t played or practiced in eight months.

Let’s start by giving credit to some local people.

And now from the man himself.

There isn’t a lot of downside to this decision. If BG can help this team, it will add to his legacy. If he doesn’t do much, it will be a forgettable chapter in a great career. The Eagles need pass rush help so adding a player who knows the system, is healthy/fresh and has the versatility to play both inside and outside makes a lot of sense. They hoped Za’Darius Smith would be that guy, but that didn’t work out.

I would caution you to keep your expectations realistic. In 11 games last year he had 3.5 sacks and 7 QB hits. We all remember how good BG looked in that Rams game, but he wasn’t having a Pro Bowl year. He was a good role player. If BG can come in and be a good role player this season, the move will be a success.

There is an added bonus in having him as a leader on one of the youngest defenses in the league. He’s not going to suddenly turn Kelee Ringo into Eric Allen, but it sure can’t hurt to have him around the young guys. Just don’t let BG comment on Hurts and the offense. He put his foot in his mouth last year and hopefully won’t repeat that.

We’ll find out the timetable for his return to the field. I’m guessing he’ll need a bit of time to get ready. The Eagles play Sunday and then have a bye. It would be great if he was ready for the first game out of the bye.

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We didn’t get injury updates on Monday. It would have been good to find out something on Cam Jurgens. The lack of news makes me wonder if he’ll be out a couple of weeks. I haven’t had a chance to study the All-22 from the Vikings game yet so I’m not sure how Brett Toth played. I saw some mistakes, but the offense also had good success in the second half.

Adoree Jackson left the game with an injury. It will be good to find out his status. He’s been erratic this year, but has at least had some good moments. It would be good for Vic Fangio to have the option to start who we wants between him and Ringo.

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Detroit beat Tampa last night 24-9. Baker Mayfield might be the frontrunner for MVP right now, with Jared Goff also in the running. Neither QB played well in that game. Tampa lost WR Mike Evans for the season and is now 5-2. The Lions are also 5-2. Their secondary was full of replacements and they actually played well. Kudos to them for that.

The Eagles have the second best record in the NFC. They do have wins over the Rams, Bucs and Vikings. The Packers have the best record at 4-1-1. The Eagles play them after the bye. It is probably a bit early to compare records for playoff seedings, but the Eagles are in pretty good shape with their solid NFC wins. If they can beat the Lions and Packers, they have a good shot at the #1 seed, assuming they don’t mix in some dumb losses.

Seattle beat the Texans in the other MNF game. Sam Darnold looked pretty good, but still had some bad moments. CJ Stroud is just a mess right now, with horrible OL play a big reason for that.

It is funny that two years ago Stroud played well and was a hyped QB. Last year Jayden Daniels was the guy. We’ve seen huge ups and downs from Mayfield and Darnold. Goff puts up great numbers, but hasn’t gotten the Lions to the SB. Joe Burrow can’t stay healthy. Lamar Jackson is hurt and is only 1-3 this season. It makes you appreciate Jalen Hurts.

He put up great numbers against Minnesota, but will have some games where he isn’t as flashy. He just keeps chugging along, playing good, consistent football. He’ll have some great games, but rarely has a true stinker. The Eagles are lucky to have Hurts.

https://igglesblitz.com/2025/10/bg-returns/

None of us are expecting BG to put up big numbers but if he can play 15 snaps a game with the energy he has? And the leadership he brings? We will all take that. He was always good against the run so he should help set the edge when he’s out there and he’s going to help a young defense with his experience. Let’s be honest he’s back for his leadership more than his playing ability at this point in his career. He’s back because he’s vocal and he’s going to help the young guys out. And it’s at a position where we are light and we need bodies.