Chip Kelly acquired Sam Bradford to lead the Philadelphia Eagles offense, and the acquisition was met with strikingly opposite reviews.
According to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ Advance Media, though, Kelly isn’t worried about the perception.
“I’ve seen Sam progress as the season went along. I don’t think Sam or anybody in this building is concerned about what anybody outside this building thought.”
While the 28-year-old Bradford isn’t directly responsible for Philadelphia’s biggest win of the season (three non-offensive scores vs. the New England Patriots), his presence isn’t insignificant.
Bradford is neither a seamless fit nor a reliable producer, but the Eagles are 6-4 when he’s finished the game under center compared to 0-3 — two of which were blowout losses — with Mark Sanchez at quarterback.
In 11 appearances, Bradford has completed a career-best 63.2 percent of his passes, throwing for 2,664 yards and 14 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions. During the last four games, he’s registered five touchdowns and a single pick while Philadelphia posted a 3-1 record.
Those three critical wins helped the Eagles match pace with the Washington football team and New York Giants for a three-way tie atop the NFC East. Philadelphia must top both of them to close the season because the team doesn’t have an advantage in a tiebreaker beyond divisional record.
An 8-8 record should win the East, so the pressure is on Bradford to knock off Washington and New York. Depending on his performance, the post-trade opinions will be confirmed or dismissed — and Kelly may or may not have a job in Philly.