Five Big-Picture Takeaways From Eagles Week 5 Win Vs. Saints

3.) Sam Bradford’s Performance Goes Beyond the Statline

Oct 11, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) walks off the field after win against the New Orleans Saints at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Saints, 39-17. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Sam Bradford seemed to etch yet another chapter into his season-long disappointment as the long-awaited franchise quarterback that wasn’t to be in less than one quarter of action on Sunday. In a matter of three drives Bradford became the first quarterback this season to throw two red zone interceptions in the same game. Staring at a seven-point deficit and even more pressure weighing on his shoulders given the Eagles’ fragile situation at 1-3, Bradford could have allowed a career of unmet expectations to get the best of him yet again.

It’s not like Bradford went out and delivered a performance of the ages to beat the Saints. The fact of the matter is, he didn’t have to. Drew Brees did not have a shootout-type performance in him and the Eagles were often put in advantageous situations. Eagles fans should not necessarily hang their hats on the 333 yards passing and two touchdowns by Bradford going forward. Instead, they should be encouraged that a player with a history of letting circumstances get the best of him did not in a must-win situation. Bradford shook off a disastrous start to turn in a winning performance and lead his team to a victory.

After the game, various members of the offense revealed that Bradford had gathered the team together to try to stabilize the inconsistent unit.

"Just prior to kickoff on Sunday, Bradford called the entire offense together in the corner of the bathroom locker room and somehow everyone managed to fit. Bradford’s message was clear and emphatic. He told his teammates that he hadn’t spoken up much lately, that it was time he said something before the season spun out of control with a loss to the visiting New Orleans Saints."

This isn’t a ‘win one for the Gipper’ moment, but there’s something to be said for a new quarterback for a relatively new offense to rally the troops like this. The fact that he followed up his speech with a disastrous start, only to straighten things out and lead the Eagles to a win is encouraging going forward. Bradford still needs to demonstrate the ability to win a big game against a division opponent or a premiere contender before one can anoint him anything beyond what he has been so far. Sunday was a step in the right direction, however.