Doug Pederson: Bradford’s Been ‘Unbelievable’

Doug Pederson and Sam Bradford. (Jeff Fusco)

After Jim Schwartz’s and Frank Reich’s comments last week that some thought contradicted Doug Pederson’s message of Sam Bradford unquestionably being the Eagles’ starting quarterback, the head coach explained Friday morning how there’s still a competition, even though there is a clear hierarchy.

“Listen, I brought guys in here at all positions for competition. That’s what makes you better. Iron sharpens iron,” Pederson said. “I look at what Sam’s done and he’s taken this thing and run with it. It’s unbelievable what he’s done. I’m so excited about the direction he’s going, and the stuff that he’s doing on the field right now are the things that I expected and what I saw at the end of the season last year from Sam Bradford. And my message has always been, ‘Don’t look over your shoulder, look forward,’ and that’s what he’s done. He’s embraced it.”

Pederson added that Bradford has separated himself from the other quarterbacks in terms of performance by having an “outstanding offseason.” When asked what specifically impressed him, Pederson first mentioned Bradford’s leadership, followed by his anticipatory throws, accuracy, vision of the field and deep balls.

Wentz, meanwhile, has shown “flashes” while he’s adjusting to the NFL because of his athleticism, retention rate of what he’s learning and ability to self-correct his mistakes.

“Carson is learning,” Pederson said. “Carson has been doing very well. Each day he’s taken a step in the right direction and you know, it’s a great room. The room has a lot of great conversation, a lot of great dialogue, bouncing ideas, coming to me with ideas about plays and situations. It’s been everything I’ve expected.”

Pederson also touched on Fletcher Cox and Darren Sproles, who have skipped every voluntary workout, as mandatory minicamp begins next week. Pederson said while he “doesn’t know” if either will show up, he “fully expects” both of them to attend.

He hasn’t spoken with either player, but the head coach added that running backs coach Duce Staley has stayed in touch with Sproles throughout the offseason, whereas Howie Roseman has talked to Cox’s agent.

“Well, I think deep down they are going to be here,” Pederson said. “There’s no indication [that they won’t be here], you know, that conversation hasn’t been talked about yet. So it’s a mandatory situation. It’s the only mandatory aspect of the entire offseason program, so I, as the head football coach, expect both of those guys to be back and be a part of their team and be back in the locker room. I think it’s important that they are both here.”