Turnover is an understatement when talking about the Eagles' 2015 roster. The team's busy off-season could lead to at least 11 new starters on both sides of the ball, which puts a lot of emphasis on the team's four preseason games.
The most important change, obviously, is the quarterback position. Sam Bradford, who has only played seven games since 2013, will have to wait another week before taking his first snaps in a live-game after Chip Kelly confirmed that he will not play in Sunday's preseason game.
By all accounts, from beat writers to fans who have attended the team's two open practices, Bradford has looked impressive during training camp. His arm, which is notoriously strong, and pinpoint accuracy have instilled an overblown sense of optimism among the fan base.
While the reports surrounding Bradford are encouraging, we already knew the University of Oklahoma-product's arm strength was a major upgrade over Nick Foles'. We've heard about his accurate arm, and it's encouraging to hear that those former reports, so far, seem to be accurate.
However, Bradford won't have a red jersey to protect him from contact in these preseason games. Will the 27-year-old be as accurate knowing that he is on the opposing defense's radar? Will he be as accurate knowing that any hit could end his season, or will these thoughts prove to be a distraction?
These are questions that will need to be answered before fans jump on the Bradford bandwagon. Bradford will get hit this preseason. He knows it, Kelly knows it, and we know it. This Sunday's game would have been a good test for Bradford—albeit he may have only seen one or two offensive series, which is standard for a first preseason game—but Kelly has elected to hold him out until Aug. 22, when the Eagles take on the Ravens.
The decision to keep Bradford out of this Sunday's game is a double-edged sword. Sure, he would have played just one or two series, but any in-game reps would go a long way for a quarterback who hasn't played in a live-game situation in almost a year. At the same time, if Kelly feels that Bradford isn't ready yet, then keeping him out for Sunday's game can't be the worst decision, especially since he already confirmed that he will start agains the Ravens.
Like I said, though, Bradford could use all the live-game reps he can get—mostly to gain confidence both mentally and physically. The first hit on the quarterback will be a big one for Bradford's confidence in his body. It's not a stretch to believe that a player with his injury history would be dreading that first contact with a ferocious pass rusher. The player desperately trying to bring Bradford down won't be thinking about his checkered injury past, but the six-year quarterback almost certainly will be.
As an NFL quarterback, you know you'll get hit. It's just a matter of when, and being able to protect yourself when you feel a hit coming. Bradford will need to play fearless, but smart football during these preseason games. That means not putting himself in a position to take a big hit from a defender by throwing the ball away when a play breaks down, and making quick, decisive decisions from the pocket.
This will be easier said than done for Bradford, as there will inevitably be rust to shake off. It's important, for the confidence of Bradford, the Eagles, and their fans that he takes hits. Limiting the extent of those hits, however, will be the key.
Bradford can throw all the beautiful touchdowns and perfect passes in stride that he wants. Until he proves it in a live-game situation, however, judgement of the most important player on the Eagles' roster should be reserved.
