Chip Kelly: Eagles still 'have full confidence' in Sam Bradford

By Jason Rowan

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said he remains fully confident in Sam Bradford despite his erratic play. But he also lamented how his hand-picked quarterback is showing signs of inconsistency.

While Bradford led the Eagles to a 27-7 victory over the New York Giants on Monday night, he didn’t put on a very solid performance, going 24 of 38 for 280 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions in the win. Regarding calls for Bradford to be replaced by backup Mark Sanchez, Kelly indicated total faith in Bradford.

“Sam is our quarterback,” Kelly said Tuesday, via NJ.com. “We have full confidence in Sam.”

Kelly suggested some of Bradford’s struggles may be due in part to how the quarterback was still recovering from an ACL injury when he joined the Eagles. But he also noted that Bradford’s erratic play — he has nine interceptions on the season — is nevertheless a source for concern.

“I just think it’s inconsistency,” Kelly said during a radio interview Tuesday, via Philly.com. “There’s times when you watch the tape and you’re like, ‘Wow that’s a helluva throw, helluva play.’ He’s just a little bit inconsistent right now, I think we can build upon it.”

Kelly was later pressed by the host on whether he has ever considered benching Bradford.

“No. Not at all,” Kelly responded. “We feel he can do some outstanding things here and we’re excited about what he can do in the future.”

Kelly has a lot riding on Bradford given he traded away Nick Foles to land him, so it’s no surprise he’s doubling-down in his support of the quarterback. Kelly should feel extremely grateful the Eagles reside in the NFC East, a division having such a down year that the team can hold a share of first place with the Giants by way of a 3-3 record. Although it’s worth noting that if Bradford — and the entire offense — were having better seasons, the Eagles arguably could have started to run away with the division.

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