Sam Bradford and the "Similar Threads" feature

[AvengerRam]

These forums have a feature that allows you to view threads that are deemed (by the system's term matching algorithm) to be similar to the thread you are viewing.

Using this feature, I looked back as some of the old threads criticizing Sam Bradford from last year (they were "similar" to the current Bradford thread).

In doing so, I found that three names came up most often when the (for lack of a better term) Bradford-bashers tried to argue that Sam was behind QBs who entered the league around the same time.

They were: Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow and Cam Newton.

Funny how time reveals things. While Sam is certainly not at the level we hope he will reach, he currently has a passer rating of 81.5 on a team that is 3-4.

Colt McCoy was replaced by a rookie and has yet to throw a pass this year.

Tim Tebow was replaced by Peyton Manning, traded, and now backs up a QB with a passer rating of 74.6.

Cam Newton starts for a team with a 1-5 record and currently has a passer rating of 79.3.

Adding a couple of other contemporaries into the mix, Matthew Stafford (despite having Calvin Johnson to throw to) has followed-up his break out year with a 79.2 passer rating, and Andrew Luck has a rating of 72.3 (despite having the #2 WR in yardage to throw to), which is lower than Sam's rookie year rating.

Of course, some will immediately cite RGIII, given his stellar start, but I think doing so misses the point.

The job of NFL QB is a tough job. It is very difficult to sustain a high level of play from year to year. Sam's start has been above average. Given that he clearly does not have a plethora of tools (and has been in three offenses in three years), he should be commended.

[sosa39rams]

Sam has done a much better job this year compared to last year. I think the missing piece on the offense is a killer #1 WR. Somebody who will get you 1,000 yards year in and year out. Somebody that will draw double coverage because they are that great. Imagine how much that would benefit the other guys? Givens would get a ton of 1v1's, and there isn't a CB that can keep up one on one with Givens. Guys like Amendola would have no bracket coverage and would have loads of underneath space with Givens going deep and the #1 option doing his thing.

Also, I think the offensive line needs to get healthy, and we could add 1 or 2 pieces there too next off-season.

[TheBritishRam]

I think if Bradford is given time in the same offensive system and time to get chemistry with his WRs (look how well he does with Amendola and Gibson - the only two who have been there longer than him) he'll be fine. A solid offensive line wouldn't go amiss either.

[Rambos]

There are only five elite QB playing today in the NFL, Rogers, Brady, Brees and both Manning's IMO. All of which have played at a high level for awhile all have won the SB. None where elite in their first two and half years IMO.

[laram0]

There are only five elite QB playing today in the NFL, Rogers, Brady, Brees and both Manning's IMO. All of which have played at a high level for awhile all have won the SB. None where elite in their first two and half years IMO.

No love for Matty Ice?

[Rambos]

No love for Matty Ice?

Matt Ryan is in his year fifth year. Five years in the NFL IMO is when a QB has played enough and should start playing at an elite level if it's going to happen and his is right on the cusp of it. He has all pieces in place, I just need to see him go deep into the playoffs and stay steady. Next year if he comes out and plays like this he's in IMO. He's done the work.

[Judaxi]

Honestly the on thing that I have loved seeing since the loss of Amendola is Bradford making his reads. He doesn't seem to stare down his receivers as much as he did with Amendola on the field.

[ZiaRam]

Sam sucks!!! Let's send him to go stock shelves at a Hi-V, then send him to play for the Iowa Barnstormers for a few years and send him to Amsterdam dressed as a 18th century general for a year or two before we bring him back to QB our team....

He needs some serious training!

[r8rh8rmike]

Honestly the on thing that I have loved seeing since the loss of Amendola is Bradford making his reads. He doesn't seem to stare down his receivers as much as he did with Amendola on the field.

I agree. He also looks much more comfortable in the pocket, and is stepping up and moving at the right times. He looks more confident every week.

[NJ Ramsfan1]

There are only five elite QB playing today in the NFL, Rogers, Brady, Brees and both Manning's IMO. All of which have played at a high level for awhile all have won the SB. None where elite in their first two and half years IMO.

Gotta' put Roethlisberger there also. Guy has two SB wins, always has good stats and despite a poor offensive line consistently finds a way to get it done.

[Yodude]

No love for Matty Ice?

No...you can't be elite if you have a gay nickname.

[Haste]

I almost think that Amendola being out can be a blessing in disguise for Bradford. He had a problem of staring down Wr's before and he is doing much better in the pocket making his reads. And it allowed other Wr's to get more in sync with him and to hopefully give Quick and Givens some much needed playing time with him.

[bruce4life]

Elite qbs- both mannings, Brady, brees, Rodgers, Big Ben, and Matt Ryan.

Next level- Vick, Rivers, Sanchez, luck , RGIII , Romo, , Cutler, Bradford.

Look at the elite superstar qbs, they have a combination of superstar weapons and nice fill in players. The next level guys have one solid position player and that's it. The difference of an elite qb and another bum is a player than can make players around him better. I see Bradford slowly but surely do that. Look at Brady, Bree's, Eli man ninnits first few years in nfl they were average players. Aaron Rodgers sat the pine behind Brett Favre. If Bradford can keep progressing showing a little bit more each week, he has a chance to be great . All he needs is confidence ...

[GroundChuck]

Elite qbs- both mannings, Brady, brees, Rodgers, Big Ben, and Matt Ryan.

Next level- Vick, Rivers, Sanchez, luck , RGIII , Romo, , Cutler, Bradford.

Look at the elite superstar qbs, they have a combination of superstar weapons and nice fill in players. The next level guys have one solid position player and that's it. The difference of an elite qb and another bum is a player than can make players around him better. I see Bradford slowly but surely do that. Look at Brady, Bree's, Eli man ninnits first few years in nfl they were average players. Aaron Rodgers sat the pine behind Brett Favre. If Bradford can keep progressing showing a little bit more each week, he has a chance to be great . All he needs is confidence ...

Whoa! How do you put Vick and Sanchez in that next level? How about Flacco? Stafford? Even Andy Dalton is a better QB than Sanchez.....

[bruce4life]

Have you seen what Sanchez has done with absolutely nothing the past 3 weeks of the season??? The guy is one of the most underrated qbs in the league.