Morning Phil-Up: Sam Bradford Trade Bait For Titans?

For about a two day period, myself and hard-working staff here at Section 215 had a chance to catch our breaths after perhaps the craziest two-week period in my over two years at the site. Philadelphia might not have had a team play in the playoffs in the last ninth months–and appears unlikely to in the next–but the four major sports teams couldn’t be further away from lacking storylines.

To start off your week, here are some Philly-related must-reads (or must-watches) from around the internet.

Coaches Think Sam Bradford is Trade-Bait For The Titans-ESPN

Josina Anderson is developing a reputation as one of the more player-connected reporters around the NFL landscape. Byron Maxwell’s signing became official with a text to Anderson, and apparently her connections don’t stop with just players.

I know the ethics of moving Bradford have become an issue to “hot-take” on, but if Kelly lands Mariota and is successful, that issue will solve itself. Yeah, it wouldn’t be ethical to move Bradford after an introductory press conference and after using him as a tool to help recruit his college roomate, DeMarco Murray. But if Kelly landing Mariota would translate to success, the rest of the NFL would be much more concerned about how to stop or join them rather than the ethics, or lack thereof, involved with Bradford’s tenure as an Eagle.

At this point, I’ll believe a Mariota trade-up when it is officially announced, but closing the door on the possibility of it happening seems foolish. And assuming Bradford will be the Eagles Week one starter next year, for many reasons, is anything but a safe assumption.

Video: DeMarco Murray Booed, Hit With “Eagles Suck” Chant at UFC 185-Black Sports Online

Saturday evening, UFC 185 was held in Dallas, Texas at American Airlines Center, home of the Dallas Mavericks and Stars. Newly signed Philadelphia Eagle DeMarco Murray was in attendance to see Rafael dos Anjos defeat Anthony “Showtime” Pettis, and got this response from the crowd.

It seems fair to assume that Murray bought the tickets for this event prior to deciding to move on from the Dallas Cowboys, and ultimately sign with their division rival. It is a sign, however, that in addition to bad blood between the Eagles and Washington Redskins, the Eagles-Cowboys rivalry may reach an all-time high next season.

More from Section 215

• 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
• Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
• 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
• Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
• Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles

Why Can’t The Phillies do What Chip Kelly Just Did-The Good Phight

Over the past few months, it has become fashionable to half-jokingly discuss how if Sam Hinkie or Chip Kelly were in charge of the Phillies, thinks would look very differently heading into the 2015 season. Jonathan Papelbon and Ryan Howard’s contracts probably wouldn’t be weighing on the Phillies anymore, and the team would have moved Cole Hamels for a franchise-infusing package of young talent. David S. Cohen, while not willing to let the Phillies off the hook, outlines why the Phillies overhauling their roster in the fashion of the Eagles or Sixers isn’t realistic.

Would D’Angelo Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay Fit Better on 76ers?-Philadelphia Inquirer

Keith Pompey examines whether D’Angelo Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay, the two top point-guards expected to be available in this Summer’s draft, would fit better on the Sixers moving forward. Mudiay played in China this season, after originally declaring to play for Larry Brown at SMU. Russell will be on display this Thursday against VCU, and if he is able to lead the Buckeyes past the seven-seeded Rams, he may very well boost his draft-stock.

Next: DeMarco Murray Signing Could Hurt Eagles if History is Right