NFL team reports:
Bradford starting, but for how long?
Three QB options stir intrigue for Eagles; Lions have opportunity following Calvin Johnson’s retirement; have Raiders laid foundation for contention?
Just when you thought the Eagles’ plans to move on from the ill-fated Chip Kelly era would be the biggest offseason story line in Philadelphia, the most headscratching quarterback drama of the 2016 season began to crystallize.
The decision to bring back Sam Bradford with a two-year, $36 million deal preceded signing backup Chase Daniel to a threeyear, $21 million deal. And after making trades to move up to the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, the Eagles invested in Carson Wentz, a quarterback from North Dakota State, a Football Championship Subdivision school.
Many Philadelphia fans are still shaking their heads. Even if the Eagles (7-9 in 2015) continue to toil in mediocrity, there will be plenty of intrigue at the sport’s most important position.
Serviceable is a fitting way to describe Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick in 2010 by the then-St. Louis Rams. If he retains the starting job and stewards the Eagles to the playoffs, the rabid fan base will all but forget that the 28-year-old balked at the move to get Wentz, requested a trade and missed two weeks of voluntary workouts.
Regardless, Bradford is under no illusions. Wentz is being groomed to ultimately be the team’s starter, sooner or later, for new coach Doug Pederson.
“I’m not completely naive,” Bradford said. “I think you realize that, if the organization made a move to get up to No. 2, at some point it’s probably not going to be my team. But until it’s not, I’m going to continue to lead these guys the way I did last year.”
Bradford’s problems have been twofold: durability and performance. The injury-prone quarter- back has played 16 games only twice in his five-year career. He has demonstrated less of the strong arm and accuracy he displayed at Oklahoma and more issues with reads and patience in the pocket.
Unless he improves — and does it with a suspect wide receiving corps — the clamoring to replace him with Daniel, who had limited on-field experience in recent years, or Wentz, who has fared well in organized team activities, will grow louder.
“The minute you start looking over your shoulder and the minute you start worrying about things that are out of your control,” Bradford said, “the minute your play starts to decline.”
QUARTERBACK
Pederson, who runs a version of the West Coast offense, gave Bradford an early vote of confidence as the team’s starter. But it remains to be seen whether the quarterback dynamic will eventually turn into a three-way open competition. Bradford has the most on-field experience among the three. Daniel, 29, knows the offense, having worked under Pederson for the past three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. And 6-5, 232-pound Wentz has impressed coaches with his progress. Despite the unusual circumstances that have brought all three together, Daniel said the dynamic in the quarterback room had not been awkward. “I feel this one is going to be a really good one,” Daniel said. “You leave your ego and your feelings sort of at the door. All three of us have done that. And we’ve also understood, hey, it’s time to get to work.”
RUNNING BACK
Ryan Mathews has all the requisite skills to be a capable lead back. But can he remain healthy? He has played in 16 games once in his career. And he has missed at least three games in each of the past two seasons. Speedy Darren Sproles is a dangerous weapon, but he is 5-6 and will enter the season at 33. Kenjon Barner just 34 combined carries in two seasons. Watch for rookie Wendell Smallwood, a fifth-round pick from West Virginia.
WIDE RECEIVER
Jordan Matthews was used al-
most exclusively in the slot last season, collecting most of his 85 receptions on short patterns. He is expected to play more on the outside and will get a chance to improve on his eight TDs. The rest of the returning receivers were known as much for drops last season as anything. Nelson Agholor, who had 23 catches for 283 yards, needs to develop into more of a deep threat. Josh Huff had 27 catches for 312 yards. The Eagles signed free agents Chris Givens and Rueben Randle.
TIGHT END
Tight ends likely will be used more in the West Coast offense than they were during Kelly’s tenure. Zach Ertz is positioned to emerge as a consistent threat. He had 30 receptions over the last three games of 2015, which set a franchise record for catches during a three-game stretch. He also had 450 receiving yards over the final four games. The Eagles kept veteran Brent Celek.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The line should be improved. But how much better it is might depend on the durability of left tackle Jason Peters, who is looking to regain Pro Bowl form at 34 after dealing with back issues. Right tackle Lane Johnson could also play left tackle. Allen Barbre, who started 16 games last season, has an early lead on starting at left guard. The Eagles added right guard Brandon Brooks, one of the best free agent interior linemen, with a five-year, $40 million deal.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Fletcher Cox, the team’s best defensive player, moved from end to tackle in coordinator Jim Schwartz’s system. Schwartz will rotate in players on the line in hopes of applying consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Connor Barwin, solid against the run, and Vinny Curry, a good pass rusher, could be the team’s starting ends. Expect Brandon Graham to see a lot of action as well. And watch for Marcus Smith, the 26th overall pick in 2014 who played in 13 games last season.
LINEBACKER
Jordan Hicks was in contention for defensive rookie of the year honors before his a season-ending chest muscle injury. With Hicks a stalwart at middle linebacker — he had 50 tackles during a sevengame stretch last season — Nigel Bradham and Mychal Kendricks should start as outside linebackers. Problem is, the trio combined to miss 15 games last season because of injuries.
SECONDARY
Cornerback stands as one of the team’s most significant weaknesses. The Eagles finished 28th in the league in passing yards allowed and face the daunting task of trying to contain the likes of Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham Jr. in their division alone. They brought in Leodis McKelvin and Ron Brooks, two former Buffalo Bills who know Schwartz’s system well. McKelvin, Nolan Carroll and Eric Rowe could be their top three corners. On the bright side, the Eagles possess one of the better safety duos in the league with Malcolm Jenkins, a Pro Bowler whom they re-signed, and Rodney McLeod, formerly of the Rams. Both can blitz and cover tight ends when needed.
SPECIAL TEAMS
As a rookie in 2014, Cody Parkey broke the Eagles’ single-season record for points. He was placed on injured reserve in late September with a groin injury. The Eagles signed Caleb Sturgis, who wound up missing four kicks last season between 30 and 39 yards (counting extra points). The two are expected to compete for the starting job.
COACHING
Pederson, 48, worked for three seasons as Andy Reid’s offensive coordinator in Kansas City. The offensive coordinator is former NFL quarterback Frank Reich. Defensive coordinator Schwartz, the former Detroit Lions head coach, is employing a 4-3 scheme.