Nick Piccone
A big criticism of Sam Bradford from the outside is his leadership. Despite giving a motivational speech to his teammates in the shower before the Saints game last season, Bradford’s leadership abilities have come into question from the people covering the team, to fans, to national pundits. I’ve gone on record as saying he’s a clown with how he handled the entire Eagles trading up to No. 2 situation.
But Bradford returned to the team a few weeks ago and has, from all accounts, been a great teammate. Maybe the Eagles drafting Carson Wentz was the kick in the ass he needed to step up and compete since he’s such a competitor. But he’s also taken on more of a leadership role since he’s been back.
That leadership includes Bradford hosting teammates in July for a passing camp in San Diego before Eagles training camp officially opens up at the end of July. This won’t be the first time Bradford has hosted Eagles teammates – he had Jordan Matthews and Zach Ertz in Oklahoma a few months ago.
Bradford and several teammates including wide receivers Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, Chris Givens and others plan on getting together during the first week of July to throw and work on timing before getting down to work at the NovaCare Complex for training camp, which gets underway on July 25.
“A bunch of us are getting together in San Diego the first week of July,” Eagles wide receiver Chris Givens told NJ Advance Media following Tuesday’s OTA practice at the NovaCare Complex. “We’re going to workout, throw and work on our camaraderie.”
Bradford previously hosted Matthews and tight end Zach Ertz for a week of workouts at his home in Oklahoma earlier this offseason and from the sounds of it, the group plans on welcoming an even larger group of teammates into next month’s session.
“It’s something we always like to make a point to try and do,” Jordan Matthews told NJ Advance Media. “It’s kind of on the quarterbacks to set and make the time. We’ll be in San Diego because it’s real easy because a lot of guys like Darren Sproles, Ryan Mathews and Zach Ertz are already out there anyway.”
Will Carson Wentz be invited? Here’s what he said:
We’re still trying to work out all of the details. But as of right now, I’m going to try to get there.”
I can’t wait until Chase Daniel shows up and Wentz doesn’t. That’ll give us more content to use until training camp starts. Can’t. Wait.
But, hey, this is a good sign for Bradford. I’m pulling for him to have a career year. A quarterback controversy in 2017 looms.