Saints tight end Jimmy Graham has long been a matchup nightmare for opponents, but head coach Sean Payton says Graham's game is continuing to evolve and improve.
Graham's release at the beginning of a play has been a point of emphasis lately, especially with the opposition game-planning specifically for him.
"Each week, it's a different way that someone is going to try and reroute him at the line of scrimmage," Payton said. "He's handling that well. He's doing a good job in the run game. I think that balance is important with him being on the field."
Refining techniques for the battle at the line of scrimmage is especially key going into Sunday's showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. When these two team met last season, the 49ers defense successfully got its hands on both Graham and former Saints running back Darren Sproles, effectively re-routing them.
"That was one of the things they were able to do," Payton said. "It is just what smart defenses try to do, disrupt the passing game. The success Jimmy has had, it comes with that attention. Now it becomes important for us to look at ways to formationally eliminate it."
Graham and the Saints have also drilled strategies for getting a better release when their offensive formation can't help him make a clean break.
Graham has been tweaking the little things, and Payton says it makes a big difference on the field.
"In the framework of certain routes, you work on detail," Payton said. "He's done a good job with that. He's high pointing balls well."
Graham's height is a huge bonus in the receiving game especially, and his 6'7" frame does dictate how the Saints use him in specific plays.
"The catching radius he has is bigger, so there are some areas on third down, or particularly in the red zone, that you try to take advantage of that," Payton said. "That combination, with his ability to run, all of it factors into his position. Certainly there are certain schemes or plays that play more of a factor in it."
Graham has been nursing a shoulder injury for several weeks, but he did practice fully all this week and is probable for Sunday's game.
At 4-4, the Saints and 49ers each share the same record heading into Sunday's showdown inside the Mercedes Benz Superdome.
