Sam Bradford Looks Forward to Return to Philly

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Sam Bradford is thinking more about reconnecting with old friends than sticking it to the team that traded him eight days before the season opener.

The former Eagles quarterback returns to Philadelphia for the first time since his abrupt departure when he leads the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings to Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

"I really developed some close bonds with those guys," Bradford said. "When you spend so much time with the guys in the building and you put the time in to build those relationships on and off the field and then it just comes to an end without really having a chance to say goodbye or to go out on the field one last time to play with those guys, I think there's always a little part of you that you're a little down about that."

Bradford has thrived in Minnesota (5-0) after taking a crash course in yet another new offense — he's playing for his sixth offensive coordinator in seven seasons. Bradford leads the NFL with a 70.4 percent completion rate, ranks second with a 109.8 passer rating, and has taken 249 snaps without a turnover.

But he still has found time to keep a close eye on the Eagles and the guy who replaced him, rookie No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz.

"I enjoy watching them play and I enjoy watching them have success," Bradford said. "I've tried to watch as much as possible. From what Carson has done, it's been awesome to see him play the way he has, and it really doesn't surprise me."

Wentz started fast but the Eagles (3-2) have lost two in a row — both on the road — following an early bye. Though he has exceeded expectations so far, Wentz has also shown his inexperience.