Heading into Week 8 of the NFL season, Jimmy Graham is the hottest offensive player on the field. The New Orleans Saints tight end has emerged as one of the most efficient weapons and Drew Brees is taking advantage of it. Graham's stats are very impressive, but as the receiver battles injuries and might sit out this Sunday, who will replace him in production?
Graham is putting up 16 yards per catch. Only Vernon Davis has better numbers when compared to other tight ends in the league. Graham not only covers the middle of the field, but he gets his share of deep balls, putting up three 29-yard receptions this season. The tight end has the size and speed to make for a matchup nightmare and Brees has developed him into his favorite target.
Graham has been hampered by a foot injury that might cause the Saints to sit him in the coming week against the Buffalo Bills. The tight end will either be out or limited as he has barely been seen in practice all week. His production will be hard to replace, but several players on the roster could see a boost in stats. As far as tight ends go, Benjamin Watson will likely get the star in place of Graham.
"We can't replace Jimmy," Watson said, via NOLA.com. "Jimmy does some things that only he can do, but we will be able to come in and do whatever is asked of us to make sure the offense runs smooth."
The wide receivers will likely see the biggest jump in production. Marques Colston is the traditional go-to guy, but he is always a lock to start each week. Kenny Stills is second among receivers and could see his numbers jump as a result of Graham's absence. Brees will certainly take a look his way more.
"At the end of the game I look at efficiency," Brees said. "So it doesn't matter who it went to, but were we completing it, moving the football and scoring touchdowns."
Picking up Watson might not be a bad option. Brees notes that he has good chemistry with Watson and several of the Saints' plays heavily involve tight ends. The two have been working together all week and while Watson understands he is no Graham, he is confident in stepping into the role.
"He's a guy that has played at a high level for a long time and has been a big contributor everywhere he's been. I think more so than that, just such a great locker room guy. I can't say enough good things about him and his family and just the addition that he's been to our locker room and our team," Brees said.
