The Seattle Seahawks treated Jimmy Graham like a superstar tight end for the first time this season. Following weeks of disappointment, Graham delivered a great game with eight catches for 140 yards in a loss to the Carolina Panthers.
The performance was even more impressive as the Panthers have the top ranked defense at defending the tight end position. Head coach Pete Carroll discussed wanting to get Graham more involved in the passing game last week, but it became clear he was being honest after seeing the offense feature him in a larger role on Sunday.
Graham saw a total of twelve targets, which is a significant rise from his average of five and a half targets per game entering the day. It was promising to see Russell Wilson utilize his best receiving weapon, and the long-term success of the Seahawks offense may rely on the two being able to form chemistry.
Seattle suffered the loss due to a late Carolina touchdown, but for Graham owners the day was a win. Touchdowns will always even out with a player at the caliber of Graham, but the targets and yards are what keep him in the TE1 discussion. Fantasy owners who spent big bucks on draft day should feel much better about their situation moving forward.