Study: Bad Decision Rate Shows Why Bradford Is A 'Vast Improvement'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Most people will agree---the Philadelphia Eagles have upgraded at many positions. Cornerback, running back, linebacker---all expected to improve significantly in 2015.
But what about the most critical position, quarterback?
Well that's probably the most vicious debate in Philadelphia sports.
After Chip Kelly traded Nick Foles to the St. Louis Rams for the injury-prone Sam Bradford this offseason, hysteria among Eagles fans ensued. Weeks later the pitchforks were put down, but the majority of the city is still skeptical.
NFL analyst and ESPN Insider KC Joyner explained why Bradford is a "vast improvement" at quarterback.
Joyner discusses the statistic "BDR," or bad decision rate, as "how often a quarterback makes a mental error that leads to a turnover opportunity for the opposing team."
Less than one-percent equals above-average, while greater than two-percent is "mediocre" at best.
Bradford, who missed the 2014 with an ACL injury, had a BDR of 0.7 percent in 2013. In 2012, it was still a decent 1.7 percent. In comparison, with Foles and Mark Sanchez, the Eagles had a BDR of 2.6 percent resulting in a league-high 21 interceptions.
Furthermore, in 2013, Bradford was sixth in the NFL in vertical yards per attempt (11 or more yards) and fifth in stretch vertical yards per attempt (20 or more yards downfield).
"It's hard to remember a 10-win campaign that was received worse than the Philadelphia Eagles' double-digit win total last season," Joyner writes. "It was the second year in a row the organization won 10 games, and yet the general perception of this team is that it is closer the middle of the pack than it is to the top of the league."
Other than quarterback improvement, Joyner lists the Eagles' potentially top-ranked ground attack, an upgraded pass defense, and the Cowboys' deficiencies as the four main reasons why the Eagles will win the NFC East.