There appears to be two reasons why the St. Louis Rams, according to the Associated Press, will start quarterback Sam Bradford next Thursday in their preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
The first is A.J. Feeley’s health. Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo says that it is unlikely that Feeley will be ready in time for Thursday’s game due to his sprained thumb on his throwing hand.
The second reason – and probably the likeliest one – is Bradford’s performance against the New England Patriots (15-of-22 for 189 yards and 2 touchdowns).
Bradford looked comfortable out on the field during his time there, making few of the rookie mistakes that first-year quarterbacks make. And it was a night-and-day difference from his two previous games when he went 12-of-27 for 81 yards.
Interestingly enough, Feeley was designated the Rams’ starter before training camp. But with the huge contract and high expectations, St. Louis probably had little choice but to at some time during the 2010 season start Bradford. So in a sense, anything that Feeley had previously done probably would have gone for naught anyways.
A week from today should give us a better idea as who will start the Rams’ season opener agaisnt the Arizona Cardinals. Should Bradford start that game, it shouldn’t come as a shock to any of you – whether you’re a Rams fan or not.
