Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is continuing to mount buzz in league circles for his fine work with a unit that is thin on individual talent. With the Mara family and many in football operations very high on Graham, some in league circles believe Graham would be a serious candidate in New York if ownership opted to move on from Joe Judge in 2022. Regardless, Graham's coaching and leadership is opening eyes.
Graham defied the odds a year ago, leading a Giants defense that had been miserable for years to new heights and allowing the ninth-fewest points in the NFL. The team started slowly this season across the board, and many wondered if Graham -- a master play-caller and tactician who also relates very well to players -- would be able to duplicate those accomplishments in 2022, especially with major questions being asked of New York's offense.
The Giants have allowed just 39 points total in their last three games, including limiting a potent Raiders attack to 16 points last week and the Chiefs to 20 points the week before. The unit has keyed New York's resurgence, with two wins in three weeks heading into the bye. During that three-game stretch the Giants have held opposing quarterbacks -- including Derek Carr and Patrick Mahomes -- to a QB rating of just 65.9, with two touchdowns, four interceptions and a woeful 58.6 completion percentage. The Giants have also registered nine sacks in that span.
Graham has earned head coaching consideration in the past and removed himself from the Jets search a year ago to remain with the Giants, where he is held in very high regard. With the expansion of the Rooney Rule, it is difficult to foresee a scenario in which he is not a part of coaching searches this winter, and he has strong backing from the league office as well.
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