Sam Bradford was in for just three plays in Eagles 17-9 win over Tampa Bay in the preseason opener at the Linc. Photo by TJ Engler / contrastphotography.com

If you were wondering why Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford has been in such a good mood after returning from his two-week protest and joined the team’s spring practices.

All you had to do was tune into Thursday night’s Eagles preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and watched the other two signal callers struggle.

The former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick in 2010 NFL draft is, many believe, having his best ever training camp as a pro.

He did not get a chance to show what he has been doing for most of the offseason, play his position well enough that there is no discussion about who is the best quarterback on the team.

After Najee Goode stripped returner Kenny Bell on the opening play of the game, Bradford was able to set up shop at the 18-yard line.

After he threw a three-yard pass Brent Celek, Bradford handed the ball off to Ryan Mathews twice, the second run was a five-yard touchdown to make the score 7-0 at the 14:09 mark of the first quarter. That was it for the first team offense.

“That’s the way to do it,” said Matt Tobin, who started at left tackle in place of injured Jason Peters. “One pass and two runs, that’s the way we like it.”

But back to Bradford.

He is clearly relaxed and in charge. First year head coach Doug Pederson has been consistent in saying Bradford is the starter and this year’s No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz will be sitting and learning.

It is the NFL’s version of a red shirt season.

Bradford said he is indeed a happy camper.

“I think it’s just one of those things from being here last year, being in this locker room, having a feel for the locker room, knowing these guys,” Bradford said. “I just feel more comfortable in the huddle speaking to those guys. I feel more comfortable on the field to be honest. I think that’s why I seem more relaxed than last year. Obviously last year coming off two knee surgeries, not having played football in a year and a half it was a little bit stressful at times trying to get myself back into the rhythm of football.”

It has helped Bradford’s confidence that Wentz has not wowed anyone in training camp to date.

Bradford has complimented the rookie on every occasion and all three quarterbacks – including free agent pick up Chase Daniel – genuinely seem to like each other and have become friends on and off the field.

Both backups did not play well in the preseason opener with Daniel going 4 of 10 for 15 yards, he scored a rushing touchdown but was sacked four times (it seemed like more) with a QB rating of 47.9. Wentz was just as bad going 12 of 24 for 89 yards and an interception. His QB rating was 41.8.

The Birds won the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-9 but no Super Bowl hysteria yet.
Bradford said he is not looking past each practice.

“I think I just learned to take it day-by-day,” Bradford said. “That’s all I’m worried about, and coming out each day and getting better. No one can predict the future. No one knows what the future holds. I just learned to enjoy each day, enjoy the process and whatever happens, happens. That’s kind of my mindset.”

Bradford talked about how it was harder to build relationships last year during the offseason when he was on the sideline. This offseason and training camp has been much different since he has spent some time in the trenches with his teammates.

“Coming off those injuries, not being on the field during spring training and OTAs, makes it even harder to build those relationships,” said Bradford, who set Eagles single-season records for pass completions with 346 and completion percentage at 65.0. “Because you’re not going through practice with those guys.”

The 28-year old is now playing on fully mended knees and has stopped thinking about it. In practice, Bradford actually took off for a 10-yard run when a pass play broke down.

“You saw that, huh?” Bradford said with a laugh that was absent most of last season. “I’m moving better than I was last year. I’ve learned now to get what you can and get down. By no means do I think I’m going to pull the ball and go 50 yards for a touchdown, but if I can get 5-10 yards and get a first down, obviously that is very beneficial for the offense.”

Bradford talked about what parts of this offense – much like Andy Reid’s – lend to his strengths and what part of it is he still struggling with a bit.

“I think maybe the rhythm of everything,” Bradford said. “It’s really similar to what I was doing back in St. Louis with regards to the West Coast concepts which I really enjoy because it all about timing. Your feet really keep you home. As long as your feet are good, the ball usually goes to the right place. I think we’re really working through some things as far as when I am expecting guys to run out, or when I’m expecting them to sit, what angles I’m expecting them to take versus certain coverages. That happens when you are going through a new offense. It takes time.

“It’s not like the first you come out everyone’s going to know where to be,” Bradford continued. “It’s one thing to talk about it with the coaches or talk about it on paper, (it counts) when you can come out here and get a real feel on how everyone is seeing concepts and how routes are run. We’ve had a few times where there should have been completions, we’re not quite on the same page yet.”

Bradford was asked if the reduced tempo helps the offense in practice and in games. Former head coach Chip Kelly was widely criticized by Eagles fans and observers over the break neck speed of his offense and practices.

“It’s definitely easier to come to the side and talk about plays,” Bradford said. “Just because you do have more time. When you huddle, you talk to guys about key points on certain plays and maybe new plays we installed the night before, and things that need to be hammered home. It is nice to come together in the huddle and talk to people after you’ve had success and get on the same page.”

What may have been the best part of Bradford’s talk for Eagles fans this day was his high praise for the safeties Rodney McLeod (free agent signing from Buffalo) and Pro Bowler Malcolm Jenkins.
Bradford talked about practicing against them.

“I think those guys are playing really well right now,” Bradford said. “I think they are maybe the best safety duo in the league right now. It seems like they cover a lot of range in the back end. They are covering a lot of ground, taking a lot of things away from (from the offense). They’re deep, they’re rangy, I think the best thing about those guys is when they come down to play the tight end or the slot receiver, they’re tough to beat and they’ve been showing it.”

With problems on the offense that include the possible 10-game suspension of tackle Lane Johnson and the shaky health of All Pro tackle Jason Peters, the Birds will need a stout defense led by defensive tackle Fletcher Cox to help pull out games.

Bradford said having that level of talent against them in practice pushed his unit to be better.

Absolutely,” Bradford said. “I think you’d rather have things tough in practice than get into a game and realize that practice was easy and this is really tough. As many challenging situations we can put ourselves in practice, I think it makes you better.

Follow Al Thompson on Twitter @thompsoniii