Things are coming together for quite a rematch in Super Bowl LIX. The Philadelphia Eagles will once again face a familiar foe in the Kansas City Chiefs, who they narrowly lost to just two years ago by a score of 38-35.
This time, both teams are certainly different in their own ways. Each roster has added more talent at key positions and, of course, there may be no bigger addition on either side than running back Saquon Barkley.
But, one player we haven't mentioned in the past couple of months has been defensive lineman Brandon Graham. The lifelong Eagle and team captain has been out due to a triceps injury suffered during the regular season.
Just this week, though, Graham was officially designated to return from injured reserve. This vaunted defense was getting yet another piece back, and potentially just in time for the Super Bowl.
Despite being designated to return, that doesn't necessarily mean Graham will play.
The team leader opened up about his current status after his return from IR.
Brandon Graham sounds like he could play in Super Bowl LIX
"I do feel good. I ain't going to lie — I didn't know what to expect, honestly. ...If it's not feeling right, I'm not going to do it. But so far, so good," he said via PHLY's Zach Berman.
In all likelihood, Graham is going to be out there. After all, there is definitely a possibility he could wind up retiring after this season. Winning a Super Bowl would be the ultimate way to go out, too.
Now in his 15th season with Philadelphia, Graham totaled 3.5 sacks and 11 quarterback pressures while playing 46 percent of snaps during the regular season (11 games). Just his presence alone would have this defense even more amped up.
For years, this defense has followed Graham's lead. He may not always have been an elite player, but his leadership, effort and attitude have fueled the Eagles' defense for a very long time.
During the stretch run of the regular season, Philly did not slow down even after losing Graham. It was a product of having added so much talent during the offseason and everything coming together under Vic Fangio. But, do not count out the idea of Graham's return giving this defense an extra boost.
Because, it will. It absolutely will.
Remember who cemented the Eagles' Super Bowl win over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots seven years ago?