Eagles' Brandon Graham criticized for crucial penalty on Taylor Heinicke hit

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Philadelphia Eagles veteran pass rusher Brandon Graham faced immense backlash for a crucial penalty late in their loss to the Washington Commanders that ultimately gave their opponent a fresh set of downs and killed off any momentum.

The play occurred with under 2 minutes to play. Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke was dropping back to pass looking to extend the drive but decided to give himself up and take a knee with no one to throw to. The drive appeared to be over for Washington when the unthinkable happened.

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham, #55, hits Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke, #4, late causing a penalty during the game between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 14, 2022 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke, #4, pleads with the referee after a late hit by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham, #55, during the game between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 14, 2022 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Graham came around and hit Heinicke while the quarterback was down. The play resulted in an unnecessary roughness call and gave Washington a fresh set of downs. The Eagles only got the ball back with minimal time left and could not do anything with it. 

Washington won 32-21, but it was Graham who received a ton of criticism on social media.

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Graham finished with two tackles. He said he was "sick" over the brain fart.

"I’m just more sick that I let the team down in the moment," the defensive end, via NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Graham’s teammate Darius Slay expressed support from the defender.

Brandon Graham, #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles, hits Taylor Heinicke, #4 of the Washington Commanders, at Lincoln Financial Field on Nov. 14, 2022 in Philadelphia. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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"BG does what BG does and hustles hard and plays hard," Slay added. "I am with him. S--- happens. He is not perfect. S--- happens. I had a penalty. I gave them a first down. He is alright. We are good."