Eagles CB James Bradberry Working In a 'Different World'
PHILADELPHIA – There are two things different about James Bradberry this season.
First, the Philadelphia Eagles cornerback has job security. Last summer, he was on a one-year deal, choosing to roll the dice and bet on himself. It worked out well, as he put together one of the better seasons of most of those at his position throughout the league to earn a three-year contract and remain in Philly.
“My approach is pretty much the same as it was last year,” he said. “I’m on a year-to-year basis. You never know what things can happen in this business, how things can shake out. I’m excited to be back and I’m excited to be around the guys again.”
Second, Bradberry may turn up on the slot more than even he may think as the Eagles prepare to open the season on Sept. 10 against the New England Patriots in Foxboro, Mass. The reason is that the top backup at that spot, Zech McPhearson, was lost for the year during the preseason.
Bradberry could fill that role.
“It’s a different world in there that I’m not used to,” he said. “I’m trying to get adjusted to it and learn more. I think it’s helping my overall knowledge of the game.”
Like Jalen Hurts’ backup at quarterback, Marcus Mariota, the hope is Bradberry won’t be needed there very much, if at all, because that would mean Maddox was healthy all season. Maddox, though, has struggled with injury during most of his career, and last year played just nine games and needed toe surgery in the offseason.
First-year Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai approached Bradberry this summer about learning how to play the slot.
“He just asked me to get in there to pretty much, one, help me out with my overall knowledge of the game, and you just never know how the league works,” Bradberry said. “Of course, we have a set number of DBs that’s going to be in there. It’s a long season, injuries always happen, and you never know. My name and number might be called.”
Never before in his previous seven seasons in the league has he manned the slot, except for the odd times when he chose to give it a try on his own or during the infrequent moments when certain offensive alignments dictated it.
“I’ve done it when I was in Carolina (with the Panthers) and I was just playing around trying to get some reps in there,” he said. “Mainly on scout team and stuff. And of course, every now and then in certain systems I might have to come over as a corner in man coverage and sometimes even zone.
“When I was in New York (with the Giants) I would line up inside if there was a three-by-one and there was speed with the receivers, I might be inside. But as far as just being labeled as a nickel, nah.”
That label may change a bit and if it does that means the Eagles would need someone to line up outside in Bradberry’s spot. The frontrunner is currently Josh Jobe. The second-year undrafted free agent from the University of Alabama has been in that role during training camp.
And Bradberry seems fine with a slot role if required.
“I think (my game) suits it,” he said. “I think also having me take some reps in there can help us in the future because you never know. Offenses are so developed, they have so many weapons on teams with tight ends and bigger receivers, they line up guys wherever.
“They also line up receivers in the backfield, so having a bigger corner that can line up inside and take nickel reps or line up at safety, I feel it helps you as a play caller.”
Ed Kracz covers the Philadelphia Eagles for SI's EaglesToday.
Please follow him and our Eagles coverage on Twitter at @kracze.
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