It’s no secret that Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly is taking a major risk by hoping quarterback Sam Bradford will succeed as the team’s starting quarterback. Although Kelly is saying all the right things about an open competition and whatnot, it’s clear the team would like Bradford to stay on the field and “win” the starting job. Bradford has all the potential in the world, in fact he was once compared to Dallas Cowboys legendary quarterback Troy Aikman following his pro day. All that and more in this morning’s serving of Bacon, Eggs and Eagles!
Eagles’ Sam Bradford was once compared to Dallas Cowboys’ Troy Aikman – Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com
"The Eagles are hoping quarterback Sam Bradford can turn back the clock this season, ideally right to around 2010, when he was the No. 1 overall pick.And was also compared to one of the best quarterbacks of all time.Bleeding Green Nation recently stumbled upon an article in which Gil Brandt, a former NFL executive, compared Bradford to former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, a three-time Super Bowl Champion."
Projected Philadelphia Eagles’ Final 53-Man Roster, Pre-Training Camp Edition – Andrew Kulp of BleacherReport.com
"In a few short weeks, the Philadelphia Eagles will report to training camp, and the coaching staff will begin the arduous task of trimming their roster down from 90 men to 53 players for the 2015 season. And in a time-honored tradition of the NFL writing world, we’re taking our way-too-early stab at who makes the final cut.Obviously, we have a long way to go until the final cut-down day arrives in September. Players’ stocks will rise and fall between now and then, and injuries will inevitably change the outlook, as will one or two newcomers most likely. There’s no way to get this thing 100 percent correct now."
The Big Question: Sproles’ Role For ’15 – PhiladelphiaEagles.com
"CM: During this downtime before Training Camp kicks off, we can take a more in-depth look at some of the players’ roles this upcoming season. Today, why don’t we put the spotlight on Darren Sproles? After earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl last season, how will Sproles be utilized considering all of the changes made at the running back position?DS: I think the biggest shocker regarding Sproles last season for me was that he caught 40 passes. He had 86 receptions in 2011, 75 in 2012 and 71 in 2011 and while I didn’t think he would get quite that many chances here with the way the Eagles spread the ball around, I expected more than 40. Teams certainly paid a lot of attention to Sproles, and his presence opened up chances for other receivers. Sproles had 59 rushing attempts, 40 receptions, 16 punt returns and one kickoff return, and he made the most of his 116 total touches (a number down from the 157 total touches the season before in New Orleans)."
Predicting the Top Impact Rookie for Every NFL Team – Brent Sobleski of BleacherReport.com
"Expectations for each team’s rookie class are usually out of whack.Fans become excited for the incoming talent and expect to see each member of the class succeed. This is simply unrealistic.Certain players succeed, while others fail. Talent only takes athletes so far.While the first-round picks often carry the heaviest burden, the NFL is littered with former mid- to late-round picks who went on to produce at a high level and become stars."
Is Marcus Smith still a part of the Eagles’ future? – Mark Eckel of NJ.com
"There will be questions for Eagles head coach Chip Kelly and his staff to answer when training camp opens at the NovaCare Complex next month.One will come with 2014 first-round pick Marcus Smith, the 26th selection of the draft who played just 68 defensive snaps (6 percent) as a rookie.“I was a little surprised when they took him where they did,” an executive in personnel for another team said of Smith. “And I don’t think I was alone. We didn’t have that high of a grade on him and I don’t know of any other team that did."
So close…yet so far away.
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