The Eagles and Ravens got to know each other during three joint practice sessions in Philadelphia this week. Apparently, Sam Bradford and his teammates learned enough to determine that some of Baltimore's players didn't have the best of intentions.
The situation came to a head on Saturday when Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs was flagged for a low hit on Bradford during a read-option play.
Bradford, who has had two consecutive torn ACL surgeries, did not appreciate it. Neither did Eagles left tackle Jason Peters.
Suggs was asked to respond and defended himself, saying the Eagles should not run the read-option offense if they're worried about a quarterback taking hits.
"When you run the read option, you have to know the rules," Suggs said, via The Baltimore Sun. "If you want to run the read option with your starting quarterback that's had two knee surgeries, that's on you. That's not my responsibility to update you on the rule."
This is an issue that won't go away. During an offseason trending with joint practice sessions -- and high-profile fights -- this is a fallout that neither coach could have predicted. It might also put an end to the rapidly expanding idea that joint practices add a certain value for teams looking to mix up a typically mundane period on their schedule.
This is also not a talking point that will die soon. Regardless of Suggs' intentions, his actions will be looked at under a microscope this week.
UPDATE: NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino told Preseason HQ on Monday morning that Suggs' hit on Bradford was a legal play and should not have resulted in a flag.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast caps the weeklong Fantasy Extravaganza by talking undervalued and overvalued QBs and everyone's draft philosophies.
