“How do you feel about Graham going back to second place?”
“Don, are you asking me that as the owner of the Coopers or as someone who knows Griffin Graham well?”
He wrinkled his brow. “Both, if I’m being honest.”
“If you were honest with my father, I expect no less now.”
“You’re okay with the demotion?”
I shrugged. “I don’t see it as a demotion. If Mr. Graham does, then he wasn’t paying attention. And to the contrary, I believe he has been paying attention. He was signed as a possible third string. His performance, and nothing else, resulted in his contract renegotiation. Troy Dennison’s injury thrust Graham into the first-place position. It’s my opinion that while he did exceptionally well in that role, Troy Dennison is our star player. First-round pick. I can’t imagine a man with as much time in the league as Graham would have any difficulty understanding the way a roster works. First and foremost, Dennison is the Coopers’ quarterback.”
Tilson took a drink of his coffee.
“I’ve reviewed tape from yesterday,” he said. “The two Raiders’ penalty calls against Graham and Patel weren’t the only dirty plays. The majority went uncalled.”
“Do you have the video evidence?”
He nodded. “We have a list of names headed to the training center to be checked out. The Raiders’ defense was brutal.”
I remembered the dark purple bruise on Fin’s chest. “Who are you sending to be checked out?”
“I can send you a list.”
“Graham?” I was almost afraid to ask. “He was checked out in the tent.”
Tilson lowered his foot to the floor and sat forward. “It isn’t always protocol to double-check injuries. Is there a reason you’re concerned?”
“I’m concerned with all our players. Graham and Patel took violent hits. I believe they should be reexamined. So should anyone involved with the plays you have marked on video. Show your concerns to Beasley, Darin Marsh, Drew, and Darius. If they agree, we’ll draft a formal review request with the league.”
“You don’t want to see the film?”
I inhaled. “Something my father emphasized was the importance of a skilled staff, people he not only trusted but knew could carry the mantle when needed. Your position on the executive staff is needed, Don. Dad trusted you. I will too unless you give me a reason not to. Consult with others in football operations. Send me the names, plays, and film clips of what you and the others unanimously believe deserve review.”
Don started to speak, but I jumped in. “Speaking of defense. Malik Johnson and Tyler Wood were on fire, each with a sack. I’m sure you know Williams averages four sacks a season. Yesterday, he was sacked twice in one day.”
“Unfortunately, Xavien Martin, our?—”
“Defensive end,” I interjected.
“Yeah.” He looked surprised. “Well, he’s being evaluated for a knee injury.”
“Do you think he’ll be out long?”
“It depends. That’s up to the docs.”
I remembered the practice Fin came home sore from. “I watched an offense practice against our practice defense squad last week. There’s a player, Marcel Pickett.” I nodded. “He’s fast and I’ve heard smart. Darius should look at him. We’ll move him up if necessary.”
“Our starting roster is full.”
I nodded. “We’ll see after the IR comes out. Pickett was impressive.”
Don’s eyebrows arched. “I’ll make a note about him. Last week you were concerned with conservative play calling,” Don said. “What are your thoughts on this week?”
“Not as concerned. Our offense kept the run and pass plays going. The quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter was shocking. Visually, I followed Bennett into the pile. I didn’t even notice that Graham ran the ball into the end zone until the touchdown was called.”
“You mentioned Tyler Wood,” Don said. “What were your thoughts on that play?”
I felt as if I were taking a test. If that was the case, I was damn well going to pass. “You’re talking about during the fourth quarter, putting Wood in as nickelback. Brilliant. That extra push gave the defense the power for a 5-man rush. Better yet, the play worked. It showed our strength on defense. I think it was a good play call.”
