Doug Pederson: Sam Bradford Has Been 'Unbelievable' This Offseason
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's the most scrutinized position in sports.
But quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles -- after re-signing their 2015 starter in Sam Bradford, signing a new backup in Chase Daniel, and trading up to draft a rookie with the second overall pick in the draft, in Carson Wentz -- is a bit of a circus.
New head coach Doug Pederson previously stated his clear QB depth chart: "Sam, Chase, Carson." Speaking on Friday, Pederson did not back off of that despite some contradictory remarks from other Eagles' coaches.
"I feel like Sam is doing exactly what I've expected him and doing exactly what he's expected to do," Pederson told reporters. "He's having an outstanding offseason right now, these OTAs [offseason team activities] have been great for him. I think Chase is right there as the backup right now and he's pushing and challenging Sam from the aspect of -- not only on the field stuff -- but in the classroom as well.
"And Carson's learning," Pederson continued. "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 is a lot of great conversation, a lot of great dialogue, bouncing ideas. Coming to me with idea about plays and situations and you know, it's been everything I've expected."
Pederson, after confirming that Bradford would be his opening game starter, was asked about a "what if" situation of either Daniel or Wentz outplaying Bradford this offseeason.
"I'll answer that question when we get there," Pederson said of the hypothetical.
So while it's Bradford's job to lose, Pederson says the 28-year-old former No. 1 overall pick is embracing the competition.
"It's still a competition," Pederson said of the Eagles' QB situation. "I brought guys in here at all positions for competition, that's what makes you better. Iron sharpens iron. Don't misunderstand what we're saying. I played the position. Donovan McNabb was drafted to take over my spot eventually, that's just the nature of the deal. It helped me as a quarterback.
"And Sam's taking this thing and running," Pederson continued. "It's unbelievable what he's done. I'm so excited in the direction that 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. 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 also said he expects Darren Sproles and Fletcher Cox, both of whom have skipped voluntary offseason team activities, to be at mandatory mini-camp next week.
