What If Sam Bradford Exceeds Expectations?

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford is the de facto starting quarterback entering training camp. With an affordable contract next season, Bradford exceeding expectations this season could pave the way for a follow-up campaign in 2017.

I know. Carson Wentz is the future franchise quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles. That’s what we all want to believe, sooner than later. Sam Bradford has had one season in Philadelphia, yet he’s vilified as if he was the head coach who underwent a power trip the size of Manhattan. All the problems of the Eagles’ offense last season seem to be placed on Bradford’s shoulders like an oversize football jersey.

Next: The Slot Is A Perfect Home For Jordan Matthews

The underlying issue with Bradford has been his durability. Can he stay healthy? Last season, he played 14 games for the Eagles. He went 7-7 as a starting quarterback. Three of those losses were by a combined six points (Atlanta, Washington, and Miami). Bradford completed 70 of his 105 passes (66.67%), for five touchdowns and two interceptions in those losses. Two of the three losses Bradford had a quarterback rating over 118.0. Bradford had two game-winning drives last season, once in November and December, against the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills, respectively.

An area that was out of Bradford’s control was his teammates’ inability to help him sustain drives.

Sam Bradford finished 4th in Accuracy Percentage at 78.1%, and no QB had a higher percentage of passes dropped than his 7.9%
— PFF (@PFF) February 17, 2016

More from Eagles News

Bradford had the highest completion percentage (65.0%) of his career last season. Now entering his third different offense in the last three seasons, Bradford at least has a familiarity with the personnel around him. The Eagles also signed Chris Givens this offseason, which gives Bradford another familiar teammate. Some might scoff at Givens’ assessment on Bradford’s deep ball, but varying resources have given positive grades, including Pro Football Focus (PFF), which graded him in the top-five.

Last season, the Eagles’ offensive line exceeded expectations. That speaks volumes considering the mediocrity that ran rampant throughout the season. Ironically, running rampant was something the Eagles did well, as PFF ranked the Birds’ offensive line the third best run-blocking line in football last season. Despite being 18th in pass protection, there’s reason for optimism. Brandon Brooks signed in the offseason, an immense upgrade at guard. Stefen Wisniewski was added from the Houston Texans and provides depth at center and guard.

The pass protection, or lack thereof, certainly didn’t rattle Bradford in the face of opposing defenders.

Most accurate QBs under pressure in 2015:

1. Sam Bradford, 74.6%
2. Carson Palmer, 72.2%
3. Russell Wilson, 71.6%
4. Philip Rivers, 71.0%
— PFF (@PFF) May 19, 2016

While PFF’s grades are subjected to criticism, the referenced statistics are black and white. The preconceived viewpoints on Bradford are already established and entrenched. Nothing short of a division championship is going to quell the criticism. Given the parity in the NFL however, it’s not far-fetched to believe that Bradford could excel in a traditional offense. After all, just look at the final game of the season last year. In a traditional under-center offense, Bradford looked unstoppable. We’re all excited for the future with Wentz. We can also be excited about Bradford’s potential in head coach Doug Pederson’s offense too.

So where does this lead us in 2016? Well, Bradford has the opportunity to win the starting job in training camp. The talent of a number one overall pick should not be a question. The dedication to his craft? That is what’s going to be on full display when rookies, quarterbacks, and select veterans report to camp in 15 days. With a team friendly option next season, Bradford is essentially on a one-year prove it deal. The collective talent is already there. If he does in fact prove it to the Eagles, Wentz will have to continue waiting in the wings.

Home/Eagles News