The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for the week 13 matchup with the New England Patriots, as expected all eyes will be on Sam Bradford. Bradford had missed the last two games while recovering from his shoulder injury and a concussion, although he he did clear protocol last week.
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After joining the team in practice this week, he told the media, “I feel much better than I did at this point last week”. “I think it’s made a lot of progress”. “From going through his progressions, to getting more comfortable with what we’re doing. It’s starting to feel good”. His contract expires at the end of the season, and the next five games could help determine Bradford’s future in Philadelphia. Bradford said he lobbied to play, but after talking to the staff, realized they thought it was smarter for him to sit out. “We’re still in position to get on a roll here and make the playoffs”. He wouldn’t admit that, of course, saying that he’s only thinking about the Patriots.
Backup quarterback Mark Sanchez started in place of Bradford in the past two games. If not, then the Eagles have to identify someone else during the offseason, whether it’s in free agency or through the draft.
Still, after three consecutive losses, the Eagles are going into Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots with some reinforcements. “The thing that we’ll see is is there residual effects of him throwing the ball, where the soreness level is and things like that”. Bradford was knocked out of the Miami game with a concussion and a separated shoulder.
The Eagles beat the Cowboys and improved to 4-4. In those games, the Eagles went 0-2 and were outscored 90-31. But center Jason Kelce said Bradford’s return can provide a confidence boost on offense.
“Like I said, I think anytime you lose it’s frustrating”, Bradford said. I try to stay out of that evaluation process.
“That’s not up for me to decide”, Bradford said.
Bradford said he wasn’t very close to playing, but the time off since then has helped. Both teams finished with 7-9 records.
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“The good news is, we’re only a game back in our division”, Bradford said.
