Seattle tight end Graham still a force

The Falcons know Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham all too well.

Graham, a former Miami Hurricanes basketball player, started his career with the New Orleans Saints and regularly caused problems for the Falcons secondary for five seasons, including in 2013 when he was named All-Pro.

However, it was Seattle defensive end Michael Bennett, then under the direction of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who called out Graham for being soft during the playoffs in 2013. Bennett didn’t think Graham was a blocker or did any of the tight end’s dirty work.

He made the comments after the Seahawks held him to one catch for 8 yards in the playoffs on their way to the Super Bowl title.

Ironically, Seattle traded for Graham after the 2015 season.

While his numbers have shrunk in Seattle’s offense, he’s still a force. He caught 65 passes for 923 yards, both team records. He also added six touchdowns during the regular season.

Graham has six catches for 89 yards in the 26-24 victory over the Falcons on Oct. 16, but he’s tailed off down the stretch of the season.

“He does a good job of using his size,” Falcons safety Keanu Neal said. “He’s aggressive on the top of his routes, and that’s really his greatest asset.”

Graham, though, has just 11 catches for 191 yards and one TD in the past five games after averaging five catches and 64 yards per game over the first 12 games.

“He’s going to use his body weight to push off, so you’ve just got to be able to keep your feet in place and stick with him,” Neal said.