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Rushing: 1 / 3 / 0
Graham got an early end around carry and gained the first down, but didn't show anything special on the carry.
Receiving: 1 / 11 / 0 on 2 targets
Was great to see him in the game. The rookie is not going to see the field much this year but hopefully as he gains experience he can line himself up for 2011 and 2012 with this team as Shockey's career will be winding down.
Receiving: 4 / 38 / 0 on 4 targets
Graham is a rookie TE with a bright future. He had some very nice catches and is going to be one of Brees' favorite targets as he learns the game. He is fast and has tremendous size. Graham was billed as a project with all the tools, and he showcased them in this game. On one crossing pattern, Brees threw it to him and Graham's incredible wingspan just gives his QB a huge target to throw to. I look for Graham to overtake Thomas eventually and be a bigtime TE.
Receiving: 3 / 49 / 1 on 4 targets
This is the player that needs to be on your fantasy radar. Graham has great hands, as evidenced by his stretching out to catch a ball that Brees threw way out in front of him and very low. Then in the 2nd quarter, Brees hit him on a19 yard TD strike in which he simply outran the linebacker. Graham has impressive size and speed, and though he was labeled a project coming out of Miami, he has quickly incorporated himself into the gameplan. If Bush and Thomas can return this year, defenses will be hard-pressed to cover all areas of the field, as Graham has much higher overall physical tools than either of the other two TE's on the Saints roster.
Receiving: 5 / 72 / 0 on 8 targets
Graham gained momentum as the game wore on, finishing with 8 targets and clearly, the confidence of his QB. Early on, he had a chance on a deep pass in the end zone but was too well covered to come down with it. In the second half Graham really came alive, showing the ability to gain separation and catch the ball in stride, even when it wasn't perfectly on target, not to mention a knack for getting open; whereas the other tight end, David Thomas, was targeted nearly as often, but almost always seemed to be covered.
Receiving: 3 / 23 / 0 on 7 targets
Graham saw extended play due to Jeremy Shockey being inactive for the game. Graham opened the game with a quick strike from Brees, gaining 14 yards and opening the game with a bang. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't targeted again until the third quarter. He was targeted three times on that drive, but only came up with one check-down reception for six yards. He had a great catch late in the third quarter where he was working one on one on the sideline and made a great catch but the ball popped out when he hit the ground and that pass was ruled incomplete. Early in the 4th quarter, Brees hit Graham deep over the middle with a perfect pass but the ball skipped off of Graham's hands and was intercepted. Graham's only other 'contribution' was coming on to the field late for a punt later in the quarter and Graham was flagged for an illegal shift.
Receiving: 3 / 72 / 0 on 3 targets
Graham showed up big in the two-minute drill, catching a long ball on a seam route to set up a field goal right before halfitme. Graham also ran a nice out route for one of his other two catches, but his targets and playing time have been reduced with Jeremy Shockey's return to the lineup.
Receiving: 1 / 21 / 0 on 1 targets
Graham only managed to catch one ball for 21 yards but continues to impress and see more playing time in the offense. With Shockey getting older with each passing year and Graham looking like the future at the position, he's definitely worth a roster stash if you're the type who likes to keep promising young talent for practically no money (or round penalty).
Receiving: 5 / 29 / 2 on 7 targets
Graham made a crazy one-handed twisting catch for a TD, and grabbed another TD on a pass out of run formation at the goal line. He also had a screen pass target and few other short receptions. His production may be inconsistent, but Graham is used heavily in the red zone and occasionally on long routes, which is gold for a fantasy TE.
Receiving: 4 / 26 / 1 on 5 targets
Graham is clearly emerging as the Saints go to TE in almost all situations. That trust paid off big time in week 16 as Graham ate up single coverage on a slant route TD for the go ahead points late in the game. That's 3 TD's in 3 games for the rookie. He managed to make 3 other grabs of the short variety, but the sky looks to be the limited moving forward with him.
Receiving: 2 / 15 / 1 on 2 targets
Graham left the game early with a leg injury but certainly continues to show very good chemistry with quarterback Drew Brees as we move into the playoffs. Graham caught both balls thrown his way one for a first down and one for a touchdown. Graham's size is a real asset and he showed why that - and his athleticism - make him so dangerous on his touchdown reception. On that play, Brees threw a little behind Graham, to the inside rather than high and outside. Graham jumped up and reached over Buc CB Ronde Barber, plucking the ball out of the air for a touchown. If the injury to his leg isn't serious, he could be a huge threat in the playoffs.