Eagles Busy As Sam Bradford Returns
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Sam Bradford isn't the only Eagle back in town this week.
With much of the attention on the return of the disgruntled quarterback, there was still work to be done on the field in South Philadelphia. For the first time this spring, nearly the entire team gathered for an organized team activity. It is the first opportunity for Doug Pederson to work with his rookies and veterans together on the field, and Pederson is hoping to use what he learned from Andy Reid in his first year as head coach.
"It goes back to 'lean on your gut instincts.'," said Pederson. "Lean on the things that you were taught as a player. Lean on your experiences. My whole professional career as a coach has been with Coach Reid seeing how he operates, seeing how he handled Donovan McNabb, seeing how he handled Alex Smith in Kansas City."
Despite keeping his focus on the field, Pederson couldn't ignore the bombardment of questions begin directed at him concerning Bradford. Pederson emphasized Bradford will be his starter under center. He also said Bradford did not need to give an excuse for his two-week absence while he and his agent fumed over the drafting of Carson Wentz.
"He didn't have to explain anything to me," Pederson said. "It's just he knew where I stood, and I think that's enough said. He knew exactly how I felt and how I approached it and I just told him when he came back that nothing's changed."
While Bradford returned to the NovaCare Complex, Running Back Darren Sproles was not in town for the OTAs. Rumors circulated during the week leading up to the draft that the Eagles were considering trading the veteran back. However, Pederson emphasized he wants Sproles to remain an Eagle and isn't worried about Sproles' absence this week.
"Sometimes you want that break," said Pederson. "I know with him and his family being apart during the season, this is a time for him to really spend quality time with the family, and he knows what it takes to get himself ready to go and I fully expect him to be here in a couple weeks."
Meanwhile, many of the players were embracing the new system put in the place by the coaching staff. They were also happy to welcome Bradford back. Tight End Zach Ertz believes players such as Bradford, Sproles and Fletcher Cox have the right to make their own decisions as they deal with the business side of football.
"No one is going to hold grudges," Ertz said. "Going through the off-season this year dealing with my contract, you kind of get an understanding of the business side of football."
While the issues with the likes of Bradford, Sproles and Cox continue to linger, there appears to be solidarity in the locker room. Wide Receiver Jordan Matthews understands both sides of the situation.
"There's 52 guys in here that feel like they're overworked and underpaid," said Matthews. "That's just the reality of it. Everybody wants more money but at the end of the day, reality hits and everybody is in the position that we are going to be in. In this locker room, you have to take pride and go out there and do your best to help this team win."
