Doug Pederson: QB Sam Bradford is Eagles' starter, Chase Daniel like 'another coach'
BOCA RATON, Fla. — New Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson reiterated Wednesday that Sam Bradford is his No. 1 quarterback, and Chase Daniel is the backup.
Pederson said he has no concerns about the likelihood that players initially may lean on Daniel — he knows Pederson’s offense, having spent the past three seasons with him as members of the Kansas City Chiefs — once they’re allowed to get their hands on the playbook next month.
“I can see that happening, and nothing wrong with that. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Pederson said at the annual NFC coaches breakfast during the league meetings. “You understand your role. You understand your position on the football team.
“Everybody’s in this for one common goal, and that’s to win games. No egos involved. You check those at the door, and that’s the message from Day 1. I think early on, yeah, guys will probably sort of gravitate towards Chase, because he does have knowledge of the system. That’s just a natural thing.”
Pederson compared it to the situation during his playing days in 1999, when he followed Andy Reid from the Green Bay Packers to Philadelphia and helped mentor top draft pick Donovan McNabb.
This setup is different for multiple reasons, though. Bradford, 28, and Daniel, 29, are both veterans, and each was just paid handsomely — Bradford on a two-year, $35 million deal that includes $22 million fully guaranteed, Daniel on a three-year, $21 million pact that could grow with incentives.
If things go according to the plan Pederson has laid out, Daniel won’t open the season as the starter, as Pederson was for the Eagles 17 years ago before McNabb was ready to take over at midseason.
“I view Chase as another coach for me on the football field,” Pederson said. “He’s got a great understanding, having been with him for three years. He knows the offense. He can literally step in and call plays tomorrow.
“That not only helps him, but it helps him with the rest of the guys on offense. And it’s going to help Sam. It’s going to help Sam sort of speed up his learning process with the offense and picking up terminology and understanding reads and progressions. So, for me, that’s a little bit of a security.”
Pederson said he expects to draft a third quarterback next month, but it’s unlikely that happens with the No. 8 overall draft pick.
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