4 Throws Sam Bradford Wishes He Had Back
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Amazingly, through that mess of a game---all the injuries, penalties, turnovers, and putrid offensive line play---the Eagles somehow had a chance to win it.
Ultimately, they fell short 20-10 falling to a shocking 0-2 on the season, but if these plays would have went their way maybe the outcome would have been different.
While the offensive line didn't help much, when your offense can't move the ball all eyes will be on the quarterback. And Sam Bradford did not play well on Sunday.
3. Sam Bradford misses Nelson Agholor
14:26 left in the game, Eagles trailing 13-0. 3rd-and-8 from the DAL 28-yard line. Bradford has Nelson Agholor (and Josh Huff really in the same spot of the field) wide open. He just sails it way too high and the Eagles settle for a field goal.
2. 3rd-and-1 pass play
On 94WIP this morning, Chip Kelly mentioned they wanted to hit their targets quick in the flats here, which makes me believe Jordan Matthews was not the first option on this key 3rd-and-1 play from midfield early in the game.
In fact, it was the Eagles' first drive of the game and points here could have set the tone and possibly changed the game script.
As you can see above, there is limited separation---if any---for all five of the Eagles' targets. I think Brent Celek on a quick-hit was the No. 1 option, but he was blanketed. Matthews had the most room and Bradford made the right read...
...but just a poor throw. If he leads Matthews towards the sideline, it may have been a big completion. But he didn't. Bradford short-armed the throw and the Eagles' punted on 4th-and-1.
1. Back-to-back goal-line passing plays gone bad
PLAY 1 - 1st-and-goal from the DAL 3-yard line. 5:31 left in the 3rd quarter, Eagles down 13-0, looking to make it a one-score game. Plenty of time, game is still in doubt.
The offensive line in struggling, so the Eagles are going to throw it. Fine (I would have at least tried to run it once). Nelson Agholor has separation here towards the back of the end zone. Again, Bradford makes the correct read. But again, poor execution and he over throws Agholor out of the end zone.
PLAY 2- 2nd-and-goal from the DAL 3-yard line. 5:28 left in the 3rd quarter.
First off, he has Josh Huff in the center of the field on a short drag route. With a solid block from DeMarco Murray outside and an accurate throw, Huff may have gotten to the pylon there.
A lot was made of Riley Cooper also being wide open in the end zone, but Cooper did not actually create separation until Bradford was already under duress. Huff would have been the better read.
Jason Peters was beat and Bradford would have been sacked if he waited for Cooper. He likely never even noticed an open Cooper.
Instead, he tried a back-shoulder throw to Zach Ertz. Give credit to Sean Lee, who turned around at the perfect time just to find the ball. Interception and for all intents and purposes, game over.
