Eagles Continue To Discuss Suggs' Hit On Bradford
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- As the Eagles look ahead to Green Bay, many are still looking back at Terrell Suggs' hit on Sam Bradford last Saturday.
Bradford took a hit from Suggs near his surgically repaired knee, and many believe the hit was unnecessary. Two days after the hit, Bradford and several of his teammates were still upset with the hit delivered by the Ravens' linebacker.
"I have no problem being hit," said Bradford. "If you want to come hit me, hit me in the chest. I think when guys are diving directly at your knees, it's a little bit different."
The league has ruled the play legal since officials believe it came on a read option play, which would put the quarterback in a position to get hit. Chip Kelly said the hit came on a straight handoff out of the shotgun, and the Eagles coach says quarterbacks could see more hits in the future if there is no clarification of the rules.
"I think it would be troubling for the league if every quarterback in the shotgun can get hit," Kelly said. That's their determination. It's up to them on how they want to handle it."
Many Eagles understood the confusion between what a read option or a straight handoff would be. However, Suggs had plenty of time to bear down on Bradford, and Jason Kelce believes he didn't have to hit his quarterback around the knees.
"Is the hit necessary?," said Kelce. "Why is he going at a clear spot where the guy's been hurt before? Those are the things you have to ask. What you get into is if he maliciously targeted the knee area which, when you look at it on film, it looks like he made an attempt to certainly go at the knees."
As injuries continue to mount throughout the NFL, coaches are looking for better ways to protect their top players. Bradford will see time on Saturday against Green Bay, but will joining the rest of the top unit on the sidelines for the final preseason game. Meanwhile, Quarterback Mark Sanchez believes his teammate was fortunate to escape serious injury at the hands of Suggs.
"It didn't look right to me," Sanchez said. "The guy is totally exposed. They're trying to protect players. We're just glad Sam is good and is ready to play."
The Eagles will hold another workout on Tuesday.
