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Bradford Back In Comfort Zone

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It has been an eventful two years for Sam Bradford.

The former first overall draft pick was traded to the Eagles before the 2015 season, and was limited in training camp as he recovered from his second major knee injury. Bradford finished strong in 2015, but demanded a trade after the Eagles drafted Carson Wentz.

Bradford returned to the team during spring workouts and began to settle in with new Head Coach Doug Pederson. Bradford was named the starting quarterback by Pederson before training camp got underway, and the quarterback says he has a fresh approach to the game both on and off the field.

"I just learned that you take it day-by-day," said Bradford. "That's all I'm really worried about is coming out here each day and getting better. No one can predict the future. No one knows what the future holds. I think that you learn to just enjoy every day and enjoy the process and whatever happens, happens."

Bradford was hardly enjoying every day during the off-season when the Eagles moved up in the draft to take Wentz. Bradford later backed off his demand for a trade and began to settle in to the new offensive system. The quarterback's fresh attitude has made things easier for Bradford both at practice and in the locker room.

"I just feel much more comfortable here in the building," Bradford said. "I think that's probably why it seems I am a little more relaxed than last year."

Bradford is working with a slower tempo on offense this season. Gone are the days of Chip Kelly's high-speed approach, and Bradford sees advantages with the system put in place by Pederson and Offensive Coordinator Frank Reich.

"It's definitely easier to come to the side and talk about plays," said Bradford. "You do have more time and when we huddle, you can hit guys with key points on certain plays. It is nice to be able to come together to huddle, to have the time after the set to talk to people, and really get on the same page."

Even with Bradford's new approach, speculation will continue about the quarterback's future in Philadelphia. Many believe Bradford could be jettisoned at the end of the season to make room for Wentz no matter how well he performs. Bradford insists he is only focused on the next practice, and is happy to be back at training camp without dealing with injury rehab or unfamiliarity with his teammates.

"You build relationships anytime you change teams," Bradford said. "It takes a lot of time to do that. Coming off the injury and not being able to be on the field during the spring makes it even harder to build those relationships because you're not going through practices with those guys. I think it was a combination of both of those things last year."

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