Arizona Cardinals: Sam Bradford still has some Sooner Magic left
By Larry Brake
Sam Bradford enters into the Arizona Cardinals training camp determined to win the starting quarterback job
In possibly his last opportunity, Sam Bradford must prove his critics wrong again. Bradford was drafted as the top overall selection in the 2010 NFL draft. He spent five years in St. Louis but struggled to stay healthy.
Remember, Bradford signed the highest rookie contract ever before the current collective bargaining agreement became in effect. His rookie contract has haunted him since.
Rob Tornoe of forbes.com wrote the following:
"From the start of his NFL career, Bradford has been overpaid…if Bradford never takes a snap with Arizona, his career earnings will eclipse $129 million."
Bradford needs to play a full season as the Cardinals starting quarterback. At least he has a familiar face to throw passes toward. He and Jermaine Gresham were teammates at Oklahoma University.
In two seasons, 2007–08, the duo accounted for 103 receptions for 1,468 yards with 25 touchdowns. Gresham is 13th on the Oklahoma career receiving yards list with 1,629. Bradford is third on the Oklahoma career passing yards list with 8,403.
Can those two rekindle the Sooner Magic in Arizona? First of all, the Cardinals have a good offensive line. Bradford was sacked 120 times in St. Louis. Seems like injuries might occur under that constant assault.
Gresham benefits from having Larry Fitzgerald on the field. Rookie Christian Kirk and J.J. Nelson should stretch the coverage to allow Gresham to roam the middle of the field. Bradford will have good targets to throw to.
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The Arizona running game will keep blitzing linebackers at bay. David Johnson is Bradford’s option out of the backfield. Most of all, Bradford benefits from a talented offensive group.
With Josh Rosen looking to earn the starting job, expect Bradford to play his career’s best football. The quarterback competition will be worth watching in training camp. Do not be surprised if there is a rebirth of Sooner Magic this fall, led by Bradford and Gresham.