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Looking into Raiders DC Patrick Graham’s experience vs Russell Wilson

By Jason Willis

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks signals during the NFL International Series game between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks signals during the NFL International Series game between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 06: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is hit by Leonard Williams #99 of the New York Giants in the second quarter at Lumen Field on December 06, 2020, in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 06: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is hit by Leonard Williams #99 of the New York Giants in the second quarter at Lumen Field on December 06, 2020, in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Looking into Raiders DC Patrick Graham’s experience against Russell Wilson

Strength vs Strength

When you imagine Russell Wilson’s career in Seattle many things pop into your head. Among them is his picturesque deep ball. One of the most deadly weapons in the league, his ability to routinely connect downfield is truly a sight to behold.

Make no mistake, these visions danced in the heads of Broncos fans as well who can’t wait to see these passes end up in the hands of blue and orange.

This was not lost on Graham either who was the Giants defensive coordinator when they faced off in 2020. During an MVP caliber season to that point, Wilson was torching the NFL. Doing so alongside receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, their offense was a handful.

That’s why it was so surprising when the Giants went into Seattle and held their offense to just twelve points in a 17-12 victory.

In this game, Patrick Graham really didn’t do anything revolutionary. Opting to play a lot of two high defenses, the game plan was clearly to take away the deep shots in the Seattle offense. This worked as Wilson finished the game with 380 intended air yards but only 155 completed air yards. Of course, the Giants were not the only team to do this that season. Anytime a team features an offense capable of taking the top off, their defensive coordinator is likely to deploy this strategy.

So why was Graham so successful?

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