It’s believed that the Rams hesitated a bit regarding the prospect of using the first overall pick in the draft on quarterback Sam Bradford due to concerns that he may not be ready to play as a rookie.
So far, he isn’t.
Coach Steve Spagnuolo, in a recent address at the Missouri Botanical Garden, said that A.J. Feeley sits atop the depth chart, for now.
“It would be an injustice to Sam and the rest of the team [to
set a timetable],” Spagnuolo said. “He’s in the early stages of developing
as an NFL quarterback. He came into the league far advanced from
some quarterbacks I’ve worked with. We’ll do first what’s right for
the team and second what’s right for Sam.”
Three key factors likely will slow Bradford’s transition. First, he hasn’t played much football since the 2008 season, due to shoulder injuries suffered in brief appearances last year. Second, he spent most of his time in an offense far closer to the one Tim Tebow ran in Florida than the pro-style attack on which Jimmy Clausen cut his teeth in South Bend.
Third, the offensive line could get Bradford’s shoulder blown up, again.
So while Bradford presumably has the tools to succeed at the NFL level, the Rams won’t be rushing him onto the field, despite the recent trend of playing first-round rookies sooner rather than later.
They’re going to be a mediocre team at best with or without Bradford at the helm. Let him sit until he’s ready. Rams fans won’t be missing anything with Feeley in there over the rookie.
There’s always the point that he hasn’t signed a contract yet. Announcing him as the starting quarterback before he’s joined the team isn’t exactly a strong negotiating position.
My guess is that Bradford will have a rookie season similar to Donovan McNabb. The Rams will let the experienced backup be the starter for the first 10-12 games, then Bradford will finish up the season.
There’s a fourth key factor: the Rams have no clue how to coach a winning product onto the field any more.
Bradford will be on the field Week One. As someone has already stated, Bradford hasn’t even signed a contract yet. And what difference does it make who the starters are in June? I can safely say eight to ten of the OTA starters will not be starters in September.
Feeley has failed as a starter in the past, and there’s no reason to believe that he’ll do any better now. He’s a competent backup, at best. The Rams may not win a game this year.
“Third, the offensive line could get Bradford’s shoulder blown up, again”
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Fix the O-line then put you future franchise QB in. NO need to have your rookie QB running for his life.
Unfortuneteley for the Lambs they will be lucky to win 3 games this season, despite coach Steve Spagnuolo’s best efforts. The team is horrible for top to bottom and rebuilding continues.
Good luck there Steve……you will need it
Bradford will be starting by mid-season. He’ll have to get his feet wet at some point.
“Third, the offensive line could get Bradford’s shoulder blown up, again.”
Explain this please? the article YOU linked for the Vikings yesterday in the morning one-liners, stating they’re the 8th best pass-protecting team in the NFL, had the Rams at 12th. And, the Rams now having gotten rid of Alex Barron, will have an even more improved O-Line this year.
They aren’t focusing to much on offense after Bradford anyways. They Drafted Saffold then barely touched any offensive player. Most of the things they have done in the free agency have been on defense besides Feeley because he knows the offense. The defense will better than most think with Spags help.