Wentz, Bradford both shining as starters

When the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings reached a trade agreement for quarterback Sam Bradford, it appeared to tell the story of one team building for the future, and another going all-in on the now.

However, in the few weeks since, both teams have started the season 3-0 and both appear to have legitimate playoff aspirations.

Prior to trading Bradford, the Eagles appeared content to let their first-round pick Carson Wentz sit on the bench for his rookie season, learning the system as he transitioned from North Dakota State. Instead, once the Vikings offered a first-round and a conditional fourth-round draft pick for Bradford, they changed their plans.

Wentz played in just one preseason game due to a hairline fracture in his ribs and was far from impressive. He completed 12 of 24 passes for 89 yards with an interception. Still, when the Eagles had a chance to gain back a first-round pick, which they lost in their second of two trades to acquire Wentz, they couldn’t resist.

The 23-year-old made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, completing 22 of 37 attempts for 278 yards and two touchdowns – good for a 101.0 passer rating in a 29-10 win. In Week 2, Wentz went 21 of 34 for 190 yards and a touchdown. His passer rating dipped to 86.6 but the Eagles still picked up a 34-3 victory.

It wasn’t until last Sunday, however, that Wentz and the Eagles took on a truly elite team in the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first major test of his pro career, Wentz completed a season-high 74.2 per cent of his passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles routed their in-state rivals 34-3 and sent a message to the entire NFL that they were more than just a rebuilding team in the NFC East.

While, Wentz was seemingly expected to struggle and has been a pleasant surprise, Bradford faced the highest pressure of his career to succeed in Minnesota.

The 2010 first overall pick had failed to live up to the hype of his draft slot in his first five seasons with St. Louis Rams before being traded to the Eagles last year. The injury-plagued quarterback had started all 16 games in a season just twice and missed all of 2014 with a torn ACL. He failed to fare much better with the Eagles, throwing 19 touchdowns to 14 interceptions and finishing 7-7 as the team’s starter last season. Still, the Eagles retained Bradford on a two-year, $35 million contract before free agency opened.

For all the reasons above and more, the Vikings trade for Bradford sent shockwaves through the football world. Sure, Minnesota was desperate after losing starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for the season, but they had just bet their future on a quarterback with a career 25-37-1 record.

Coming off an NFC North title and running back Adrian Peterson entering his age-31 season, the Vikings sent a clear message with the trade – they were out to win now.

Bradford sat out the Vikings first game of the season against the Tennessee Titans. Eight days just weren’t enough to have a firm grasp of the team’s playbook and he watched from the sideline as the team’s defence carried Shaun Hill and an anemic offence to a 25-16 victory.

Bradford made his Vikings debut in Week 2 against the team’s ultimate rival, the Green Bay Packers. The 28-year-old played mistake-free football and displayed instant chemistry with receiver Stefon Diggs in an upset 17-14 victory. Bradford completed 71 per cent of his passes and posted a passer rating of 121.2, the third best mark of his career.

Despite the win, the Vikings suffered bigger losses. Peterson went down with a torn meniscus which required surgery and left tackle Matt Kalil was ruled out for the season with a hip injury.

With the injuries piling up and Bradford in just his third week with a new team, the odds were stacked against the Vikings as they visited the defending NFC champions last Sunday. Yet, once again, the Vikings rallied through adversity to defeat the Carolina Panthers 22-10.

So far, Bradford has played as well or possibly better than the aggressive front office of the Vikings could have hoped. As for the Eagles, who traded up twice to acquire the second overall pick in April’s draft, their long-term bet is already paying off.

The Vikings have matchups looming with the New York Giants and Houston Texans before facing the Eagles after their Week 6 bye. The Eagles, meanwhile, face the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins before their clash with the Vikings.

Based on their play through three weeks, it’s reasonable to believe the two teams could still be undefeated when they meet in October. Then, the two quarterbacks who were expected to fight for the Eagles’ starting job will meet on opposite sides of the field, and be compared head-to-head. Make no mistake, however, the two will be compared throughout the season though there’s little separation to date.

It’s too early to declare a winner of the trade and plenty of football remains to be played. Still, after three weeks, neither team is regretting their side of the blockbuster move.