Eagles' Brandon Graham says playing under former D-line coach was a 'low point'

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham has had some ups and downs since entering the NFL out of Michigan in 2010.

Coming off his best season, which earned him a 4-year $26-million contract extension, Graham now says he was at his worst under former defensive line coach Jim Washburn.

"The low point was when Wash(burn) was here," Graham told Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com. "That was my low point."

"Because Wash would make you feel bad, boy," Graham continued. "Like you can’t play at all."

Washburn, a long time, no-nonsense, defensive line coach was with the Eagles from 2011-12, during which time Graham had just 5.5 sacks in 19 games. After Washburn was fired Graham saw his playing time increase substantially.

"They just cut (Jason) Babin and then, bam, I'm in there," Graham said. "I think once they broke him up and they finally gave me the opportunity, I was finally in a better mood of going out there and doing what I could."

It seems Washburn's abrasive nature and wide-nine technique didn't fit the talented pass rusher's skill set. Now with the Detroit Lions, Washburn is unlikely to change his style at 65 years old.