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Arizona Cardinals: How many preseason snaps for Sam Bradford?

By Larry Brake

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 13, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 13, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals must carefully consider how many offensive snaps quarterback Sam Bradford will play throughout the preseason.

On Saturday, the Arizona Cardinals host the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have a young and tenacious front four on defense. Just how many snaps should Sam Bradford see Saturday and throughout the preseason schedule?

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Sam Bradford is known more for his injuries than his statistics. In fact, he has missed a total of 48 games in his career. Most of all, he has missed 33 games since his injury in 2014. Are the preseason snaps worth the risk? Absolutely, Bradford needs the game speed reps under center. The training camp snaps are great for building team chemistry but guard against injuries. Bradford needs to build his confidence that he is healthy and able to take a hit.

New head coach Steve Wilks should consider limiting his snaps on Saturday. Remember there are three other quarterbacks in training camp, as well. There’s no way the Cardinals will keep four quarterbacks on their roster and practice squad.

Ideally, Bradford should play the first two or three offensive series on Saturday. Then gradually increase his play snaps through preseason Week 3. Holding him out for games doesn’t make sense unless there is questions concerning his knee.

First of all, Bradford needs to build his rapport with the receivers. He needs to see Larry Fitzgerald run routes in live game action. Seeing how Fitzgerald creates open space helps the offense and Bradford.

Brice Butler appears to be emerging as the receiver opposite Fitzgerald. Butler is listed as a starting wide receiver on the current Cardinals roster, on the team’s website. Bradford needs to build some chemistry with Butler.

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Arizona needs Bradford for the regular season. He still needs to see limited snaps in the preseason but he has much to prove this season. Currently, he is under contract for one year. Bradford can earn another deal if he stays healthy and plays very well. Arizona will make sure he plays well by keeping him healthy. Lets see how the preseason unfolds, hopefully uneventful but exciting.

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