Jimmy Graham’s fit on the Seattle Seahawks has been questionable so far this season, and ESPN’s Trent Dilfer believes part of that is because he is “unwilling and incapable” of blocking.
During “Monday Night Countdown” prior to the Seahawks-Detroit Lions game, Dilfer spent some time analyzing Graham’s role on the Seahawks. Specifically, Dilfer says Graham needs to be viewed as a wide receiver rather than a tight end.
“He’s a fantastic offensive weapon when split out. But when he’s an in-line tight end, it’s not perception; it is fact. He is unwilling and incapable to hold up in the run game as an in-line tight end,” the former quarterback said.
“He’s more of a spectator than a blocker,” Dilfer continued. “They’re averaging zero yards per carry when he lines up as an in-line tight end.”
Despite the harsh criticism of Graham’s ability as a blocker when lining up tight with the formation, Dilfer tried to clarify that he is a fan of the tight end.
“I’m not ripping Jimmy Graham. I love Jimmy Graham. But it’s important to understand what Jimmy Graham is.”
He went on to say that Graham should have been classified and paid as a wide receiver, which is something Graham unsuccessfully tried to do.
Ray Lewis, who was also part of the pregame show, agreed with Dilfer. He even called Graham a “queen tight end,” referring to how most plays his ways are passes, not runs. Lewis says that sort of obviousness handicaps an offense.
Dilfer and Lewis going this hard on Graham as a tight end makes you wonder what was behind the criticism. Whatever the case, it’s been a rough year for Graham in Seattle, and he may end up more like this guy when it’s all over.
