Subtle change can be the difference between success and failure. Patrick Graham understands this nuance of the NFL. Patrick Graham didn’t ask to abandon the coaches' booth. But when Mike McCarthy decided his defensive coordinator belonged on the sideline, Graham embraced the adjustment without hesitation. The change in scenery was exactly what his unit needed.
Long-term success mattered far more to the experienced defensive coordinator than staying comfortable.
According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Graham enjoyed being in the booth because it fit his introverted personality. Still, he agreed to relocate to the field after Pittsburgh’s loss to Cleveland.
Why? Because Patrick Graham is focused on the bigger picture instead of comfort.
“I think that’s an important part of leadership,” Graham told Pryor. “You have principles and things of that nature but you got to be able to be pliable and adjust. And when it comes down to it with football, you got to do what we think is best for the team.”
He’s absolutely right. And the sacrifice paid off.
In Week 5, Pittsburgh’s defense held Jim Bob Cooter’s offense in check. They limited Jonathan Taylor to 45 rushing yards on 15 carries without Derrick Harmon clogging up running lanes. The three-yard-per-carry average was below Taylor’s season average (3.9). Linebackers flowed to the football while defensive backs rallied to bring down ball carriers. It was an impressive performance from a determined group.
Communication became easier with the defensive coordinator within arm's reach. The change was welcomed with open arms. And players gave the defensive leader well-deserved flowers.
Patrick Graham’s sacrifice is resetting the tone for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense
Especially his linebacker corps.
“I want to give credit to PG [Patrick Graham]” Peyton Wilson announced on Good Morning Football. “Hats off to him for changing his routine up a little to do what’s best for the team. That’s just where we’re growing as a defense to do whatever it takes to get a win.”
Graham also spent significant time with Patrick Queen on Sunday afternoon. His energy was infectious and even caught the veteran linebacker by surprise. “He’s a great coach; he’s always fired up,” Queen told reporters. “He gave me a head but on the sideline while I had my helmet on, so I definitely wasn’t expecting that!”
It’s obvious Graham’s presence on the sideline energizes the unit. But is it helping Pittsburgh’s defense?
While Taylor was shut down aside from a single 20-yard run, Indianapolis still exploited the Steelers' secondary for 266 passing yards. Tyler Warren led Colts receivers in production. He recorded seven receptions on nine targets for 83 total yards.
Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. played exceptionally well, but inconsistencies among the defensive backs became hard to ignore.
The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. So it’s good to see the Steelers making adjustments instead of becoming a victim of circumstance. Graham’s decision to call plays from the sideline is a resilient move by an incredible leader. Sure, the change in scenery wasn’t his preference. But the franchise’s long-term success is the defensive coordinator’s priority.
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