Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Patrick Graham at training camp on Aug. 5, 2019 in Davie, Fla. Credit: AP/Wilfredo Lee
Bill Belichick taught Patrick Graham well.
Listen for just a few minutes to the Giants’ new assistant head coach/defensive coordinator describe his philosophy of football, and you hear the Belichick influence throughout. Graham talks about mental toughness, paying particular attention to stopping the run, playing with the right pad level, about basic football foundation.
These are the messages that Belichick has drummed into his players — and assistant coaches — for decades. Messages that resonate throughout the league because of the Patriots coach’s standing as arguably the greatest coach of all time.