NFL teams
Phil Sheridan, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Terrell Suggs on alleged 'cheap shot' at Sam Bradford's knee: Learn rules

NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens

PHILADELPHIA -- Sam Bradford said he was looking forward to getting hit a couple times in his first game action since tearing the ACL in his left knee a year ago. Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs wasted no time making Bradford's wish come true.

On the Eagles' sixth offensive play of the game Saturday night, Bradford handed off to running back Darren Sproles. Suggs, rushing in from the offensive left side, came in low, apparently trying to hit the quarterback's twice-surgically repaired knee.

"You would have to ask him," Bradford said. "I think that's what he was trying to do. But it's part of the game. You've just got to move on."

Said Eagles left tackle Jason Peters: "He was trying to take a cheap shot at the quarterback. I'm pretty sure he planned it. I mean, we've practiced against them all week, so he was probably thinking about it. I really don't know him personally. He talks a lot and I think he's that type of player -- who is dirty and will take shots on the quarterback."

Eagles center Jason Kelce noted he said something to Suggs on the field after the play. Later, Kelce said, he realized that Suggs was probably following directions.

"That's something they're probably coached to do and something he's told to do on the read-option," Kelce said. "It's not particularly dirty for him to hit the quarterback. I just thought it was just a little weird that he went right at the knee area. I don't think, looking back on it, that it was anything malicious. I think he's just playing the game."

Suggs confirmed Kelce's suspicion. Although he was penalized 15 yards for roughing the passer, Suggs argued with referee Jerome Boger that it was a legal play.

"When you run the read-option, you have to know the rules," Suggs said. "If you want to run the read-option with your starting quarterback that has had two knee surgeries, that's on you. That's not my responsibility to update you on the rules.

"I could've hit him harder on that. I didn't. I eased up."

Suggs may have succeeded in motivating the Eagles' offense.

"It got our guys fired up," Bradford said. "There's no doubt about that. I thought we responded well after that, put together a nice drive. When things like that happen in the game, you can't dwell. You've just got to keep going. I was a little upset. I can't probably repeat what I said to him."

Eagles coach Chip Kelly said he didn't see the play. He only heard about it from offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who sits at the press box level.

"I'm sure Chip will say something to someone," Bradford said.

The Eagles won the game 40-17.

Information from ESPN Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley was used in this report. 

^ Back to Top ^