Eagles Sam Bradford Is The Best Option Going Forward

Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) gets ready to throw the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford has improved this season and has returned to his “glory days” of his career. The glory days meaning his days with the Oklahoma Sooners.

He’s suffered numerous injuries in his career and has only played two complete seasons. He’s hardly had time to get into a rhythm before he’s out again.

When Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly traded quarterback Nick Foles for Bradford last offseason, he did not win many popularity contests afterwards. He was thought to be crazy and out of touch. However, he got the last laugh as Foles continued his downward spiral and Bradford improved over time.

Next: Chip Kelly's Future is Clear and Certain

With Kelly’s return to the Eagles next season certain he has some decisions to make soon. The first of those has to do with the quarterback. There will be a few decent quarterbacks in the draft this year but would Kelly really want to trust his future as an NFL head coach to an un-tested, un-proven rookie quarterback? That’s probably the most unlikely path he’ll take.

Sometimes, it’s best to stick with what you know.

Through 15 games this season, Bradford has had his best season in the NFL. He has a 64 percent completion ratio, a full four percent higher than his rookie season. His average passing yards per game is up, 261.9 yards per game which is almost 30 yards more than his next best average.

If it does present itself and I have the opportunity, this is where I want to be. I’ve enjoyed my time here. I’ve enjoyed being in Philadelphia – Sam Bradford

In his first few games with the Eagles he looked lost. He was best described as a fish out of water. But by at the end of this season he’s become a leader on the field. His accuracy has improved and he’s proven his mettle standing in the pocket. Especially with the porous offensive line lately. He’s been hit often these last few games but he’s come through.

Another note about Bradford. He had his first three game stretch in the NFL without an interception. (Technically four, he was credited with an interception where it was stripped out of the receivers hands after the completion.)

Earlier in the year it this website posted an article that Chip Kelly needed to get San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick no matter the cost. That still should be Kelly’s first move. Kaepernick is perfect for Kelly’s offense. His coaching staff was trying to fit Kaepernick into a role he wasn’t built for. Kelly would mold him and help him become great again.

Next: Eagles Need To Get Colin Kaepernick No Matter The Cost

However, if that cannot happen, Kelly needs to stick with Bradford. He has one season with Kelly’s offense and has gotten confident working within it. Bradford has proven his worth to the Eagles and should return to the Eagles. Outside of Kaepernick, Sam Bradford is the Eagles best option at quarterback going forward.

Plus, Kelly’s days are most certainly numbered and has at best one season to right the ship. He doesn’t have time to re-train yet a seventh quarterback starting his fourth year as the head coach with the Eagles.