Are The Rams Handling Sam Bradford The Right Way?

So many times since I have been watching the NFL, I have awed at the audacity of teams who think a quarterback is all they need to be successful.

Sometimes it is the only missing link, others, its a corner piece of the puzzle that is success in the sports elite level.

A few names come to mind, Joey Harrington, David Carr, Tim Couch, just to name a few.

Enter Sam Bradford, and the St. Louis Rams.

One win in the 2009 season, and the first overall pick in the 2010 draft is a quarterback. Save our team, Mr. Bradford. Please.

Ah, but so far, the Rams have not made the knee jerk decision to place his name atop the depth chart. Granted, training camp has yet to start, but as of yet, A.J. Feeley is in the top spot.

As well he should be. Quarterback is not the only position that is needed for them to win games. A.J. has experience, and has played well when he has had the chance.

So it seems St. Louis is taking it's time with Bradford. Making sure he is ready before they hand him the team. Which IS the smart play, when you've invested so much in a young, unproven talent.

If you need an example where a talented quarterback is drafted, but left in the background to learn, I offer you Aaron Rodgers. Who arguably tutored under the greatest ever.

Sure, there are ones who have excelled under the pressure, but they had weapons at their disposal. And more imprtantly, a good defense.

I am just so sick that teams take these talented players, throw them on the field and say, "Here ya go. The keys to the team. Drive careful, but, don't screw up, or you're a bust."

With next-to-nothing to back them up. So, a bust, they became.

Without ever knowing whether they were as talented as the teams who drafted them thought they were. One can argue they had chances with other teams, but, once you've had the experience they shared, it's not easy to overcome.