[Dion]

Sam Bradford Eagles-Vikings trade: 10 observations

5. But the one thing about Bradford that has always bothered me the most is his touchdown percentage. He just does not throw touchdowns. He’s accurate, he’s smart, he gets the ball down the field (I know you don’t believe this but it’s actually true … the numbers prove it). But he just doesn’t get it in the end zone. Of 38 active quarterbacks who’ve thrown 1,000 or more passes, Bradford ranks third from the bottom — 36th — in TD percentage at one every 29 pass attempts, ahead of only Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne. Adding all quarterbacks in NFL history who’ve thrown 1,000 passes, Bradford drops to 198th out of 227. If you can’t get the ball in the end zone, none of the other stats matter. And that’s been Bradford’s Achilles’ heel his whole career.

8. How will Bradford do in Minnesota? The Vikings ranked No. 5 in the NFL in points allowed last year, and they feel like with that defense, with Adrian Peterson running the ball and with Bradford simply managing the game, distributing the ball, being smart and avoiding mistakes, they are primed for a deep playoff run. It’s a lot to ask a guy to come in eight days before the season and play at a high level. It’s going to take Bradford time to learn what will essentially be a fourth offense in three years. And in a division with the Packers, you certainly aren’t going to have an easy route to the playoffs. Realistically, you better be thinking wild card. Maybe this sounds crazy, but I actually think Bradford will play OK in Minnesota. In Philly, he’d have to be a superstar to get this team to the playoffs. With the Vikings, a lot of that pressure is off. If he can just go out and avoid mistakes, they’re a 10 or 11-win team. And there’s no question what seems like an impossible transition will be easier thanks to Pat Shurmur, who holds the title of Vikings tight ends coach but is now in his third city with Bradford. The two speak the same football language, and he’ll be a huge help for Bradford figuring the offense out.

The thing about Bradford is that he teases you with his ability and accuracy and athleticism. Then he falls just short. He always seems to do just enough to make you think that next year he’ll be really good. And maybe he’s just fated to being a mediocre quarterback his entire career and never getting a team to the playoffs. But I’m going to go the other way. I say Bradford, finally with a team that actually wants him, has a career year and the Vikings get to the playoffs. You can make a compelling case that none of that will happen, but I’m going on some hunches here. Will be fascinating to watch.

http://www.csnphilly.com/philadelphi...s-carson-wentz