Sam Bradford looking good… in the second half
Over recent weeks, Sam Bradford has been gradually improving from an inaccurate check-down machine into the type of quarterback that has the potential to thrive in Chip Kelly’s system
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Over recent weeks, Sam Bradford has been gradually improving from an inaccurate check-down machine into the type of quarterback that has the potential to manage Chip Kelly's fast-paced system.
At least in the second half of games.
Yes, Bradford has improved, and he's already posting the best statistics of his short career (though that's admittedly a low bar to pass). But unfortunately for the Eagles, he continues to be a slow starter who fails to show up until the second half of games.
In the first half of games so far this season, Bradford has thrown just 3 touchdowns against 5 interceptions, has a pathetic 55.3 percent completion percentage and a quarterback rating of just 62.9. Things are even bleaker in the first quarter, where the Eagles have scored a total of just 10 points through eight games.
Those aren't the type of numbers that justify trading away Nick Foles and a 2nd round draft pick.
In fact, only Peyton Manning has thrown as many first half interceptions as Bradford, and Andrew Luck is the only quarterback with a lower overall rating (61.9) though the first 30 minutes of games.
However, fast-forward to the second half of games and Bradford transforms into an entirely different quarterback.
Through eight games, Bradford has thrown 6 touchdowns against 5 interceptions, enjoys a 69.9 percent competition percentage and has a quarterback rating of 93.5 during the second half. That's 34.1 points higher than his rating during the first half of games, second only to Carson Palmer's 34.5 point increase.
Last week's win over the Cowboys was the perfect example of Bradford's Jekyll & Hyde season. After scoring just seven points in the first half, Bradford was solid in the second half and overtime, completing 12 of 15 passes for 221 yards and a game-winning touchdown pass to Jordan Matthews. His quarterback rating in the second half of last week's game: 132.7.
"Obviously slow starts are something we've kind of battled all year," Bradford said on Wednesday. "We were able to overcome it last Sunday. But that's not always going to be the case. And obviously we'd like to come out and start fast and play the way we did in the second half the whole game."
There's no excuse for Bradford to get off to a strong start against the Dolphins, who have given up 116 points in the first half of games this season. I just hope Bradford sets his alarm this time.
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