Bradford revives St. Louis
Rookie QB has Rams envisioning playoffs
RENTON, Wash. – Heading into a winner-take-all regular-season finale Sunday night against NFC West rival St. Louis, the Seattle quarterback situation remains up in the air.
For the Rams, it couldn’t be any clearer.
Rookie Sam Bradford, the No. 1 overall choice in the 2010 NFL draft, earned the starting spot by the third exhibition game and has flourished as an every-week starter ever since. With poise beyond his years, the Oklahoma product already is called a “franchise quarterback” by some and has led St. Louis from a league-worst 1-15 season in 2009 to within one victory of the playoffs at 7-8.
“He’s just a natural and can get it done,” said Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. “He’s going to be a big factor in this division for a long time.”
Carroll has been most impressed by Bradford’s consistency in the face of challenges and distractions – including the hype that comes with being a No. 1 selection.
Seahawks safety Earl Thomas said that steadiness dates back to college, where Bradford won a Heisman Trophy in his sophomore year.
Thomas, a former Texas Longhorn, keenly remembers those Big 12 rivalry games with the Sooners.
“We’ve been battling for a long time, since my first year in college, and we’ve had some good battles,” said Thomas, who intercepted Bradford twice in 2008. “He’s doing the exact same thing in the NFL that he did in college – he’s playing great for his team.
“I’m pretty sure he’s the front-runner for the rookie of the year. That says a lot about him and how he’s carried his team this year.”
Bradford has had help, notably from workhorse running back Steven Jackson, who has 1,196 rushing yards and a league-leading 319 carries.
That production is hardly new for Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowl choice from Oregon State. Bradford’s numbers have arguably surpassed expectations, with 3,357 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. His 335 completions have set an NFL record by a rookie.
Notes
Seattle WR Brandon Stokley (head) did not practice all week and is questionable. LB Lofa Tatupu (knee) and kicker Olindo Mare (back) are listed as probable.