Jeremiah Trotter: ‘I would love to see Bradford back'

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Sam Bradford said he wants to return to the Eagles next season.

Chip Kelly has said he wants Bradford back.

But now Kelly is gone.

Does Bradford still want to come back? Barring a return to the Rams, he'll be playing in a new system regardless, so he might as well continue his resurgence with some familiar faces. If the Eagles' new regime (see potential coaching candidates) bolsters the offensive line (how Chip Kelly neglected it is a fireable offense in itself) and adds a deep threat, the offense could flourish. 

That said, should the Eagles try to keep him?

Former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter says yes.

"I would love to see Bradford back," Trotter said Tuesday night on Comcast SportsNet. "From the time around the Carolina game, something clicked. He started to understand the offense, get a better feel for it. ... Something clicked that Carolina game, and he started to play very well, and he's been playing well ever since."

Against Carolina's vaunted defense, Bradford completed just 26 of 46 passes for 205 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. But since that Carolina game, Bradford has thrown eight touchdowns and three interceptions and posted a 3-3 record.

But what has impressed Trotter the most is Bradford's ability to excel given the lack of production at wide receiver. Trotter said he watched hours of tape of the Eagles' receivers "completely getting blanketed play after play."

Jordan Matthews, who also wants Bradford to return, has overcome his early-season struggles to post 78 receptions for 943 yards and six touchdowns — all team highs. But their next leading receivers are tight end Zach Ertz and running backs Darren Sproles and the embattled DeMarco Murray.

Wide receiver Josh Huff is next with only 27 catches for 312 yards and three touchdowns. In fact, Huff, Riley Cooper and Nelson Agholor have combined for only 899 yards receiving, 44 less than Matthews.

"Can you imagine if they actually had some weapons? If he had a Maclin, a Jackson at the wide receiver position," Trotter said. "He was throwing for 270-300 yards with guys who really can't create separation. Cooper was a non-factor pretty much the whole season. Agholor was hurt. Matthews was their most consistent receiver, but even when he caught the ball, there wasn't a lot of space between him and the defensive back. All of his throws had to be right on the money."

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