No need to rush Bradford back
It’s official — the Sam Bradford Watch is on.
The Oklahoma quarterback returned to practice Monday for the first time since injuring his shoulder in the season opener. He didn’t do a whole lot, throwing only short passes during the quarterback drills. He didn’t run any plays. He didn’t take any contact.
But the fact that Slingin’ Sam was back in uniform and back at practice is a good first step.
Even better for Bradford is this: he doesn’t have to rush this process.
And it’s not just because of Landry Jones. Now, don’t get me wrong. Jones has shown himself a more-than-capable fill-in for Bradford. All the redshirt freshman did last week was throw six touchdown passes and break the school’s single-game record.
Not too shabby for a guy who was battling for the back-up quarterback job less than a month ago.
Jones isn’t just tending the shop until Bradford comes back. He’s excelling in ways that few could’ve expected.
Still, would the Sooners prefer to have Bradford back when they head to Miami next weekend? I assume so. The guy won the Heisman Trophy last season, for goodness sakes.
But the truth is, that game is unlikely to turn on the quarterback play. The Miami game is going to hinge on what the BYU game hinged on. Heck, it’s going to hinge on the thing pretty much every football game hinges on.
The play of the offensive line.
If the Sooners don’t block the Hurricanes next week better than they blocked the Cougars in Week One, it won’t matter who OU has playing quarterback. That offensive line has got to be solid, if not stout against Miami. The Hurricanes’ defensive front is big and fast. Really, really fast. If they get a shot at a quarterback, any quarterback, they’ll take him down.
Bradford might well be the one taking snaps next week against Miami. If he’s healthy, play him. But if that injured AC joint is not healed, there’s no reason to force him into action. Ultimately, he won’t be the difference-maker.
That title, for better or for worse, will belong to the offensive line.
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Comments
Jenni-quit going after the sensational story and report the real story. The real story remains the improvement of the o-line. Keep the focus and attention on them improving. Report on that and then update Sam’s condition. The future success of THIS team remains improving it’s weaknesses not reporting everytime Sam moves !
Johnny B: Did you read the entire blog? My whole point was that it doesn’t matter whether Bradford or Jones plays QB against Miami because the offensive line will ultimately make the difference in the game. Apparently, you missed that … Jenni
amen couldnt agree with you more.