Bradford shows poise under fire in first action

~ The quarterback and coach both were pleased with the decisions the player made in Saturday's loss to the Vikings

ST. LOUIS -- Just like his coach, Sam Bradford was happy with the decision-making in the St. Louis Rams' preseason opener. The No. 1 overall pick realizes he needs work elsewhere, starting with the center snap.

Bradford, the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, played out of the shotgun formation at Oklahoma. He bobbled a handful of snaps in Saturday's 28-7 loss to the Vikings, and took full responsibility Monday.

"That's just my fault. I'm not riding the center long enough," Bradford said. "That's something I've got to put extra emphasis on and make that a point to get better on in practice every day."

Bradford didn't think it would take him long.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford drops back to pass during the third quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, in St Louis. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

"That's just me, mentally making a note and making it a point to take it on my own and make sure I get the snap," Bradford said. "I don't think that should take many repetitions.

"I think I should be able to get that figured out real quick."

Bradford was the backup behind veteran A.J. Feeley in the opener and is likely to be in the same role in the second preseason game Saturday at Cleveland, although coach Steve Spagnuolo said the two shared first-team duties Monday.

Four of the Vikings' six sacks were against Bradford, who missed much of his final season at Oklahoma after undergoing shoulder surgery. Two days after the game, he reiterated postgame remarks that there had been no problems.

"I feel great," he said. "Really not sore at all."

St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford throws a pass to Rams running back Chris Ogbonnaya, right, while being hit by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Letroy Guion, left, during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, in St Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Spagnuolo gave Bradford high marks for decision-making and for passes that had plenty of zip. Bradford said the more he's on the field, the more he learns.

Self-critiquing, Bradford said he might have been able to avoid a few of the sacks with better footwork or making checkdown throws. On the positive side, he didn't think he tried to force anything.

Bradford believes none of the items on his check list are big deals.

"There was nothing major," Bradford said. "There's nothing I haven't seen before, haven't done before. There's just little things and I just think that comes with being in this offense and just being more comfortable."

The Rams have made major upgrades to the offensive line, although it didn't help against the Vikings. Right tackle Jason Smith, hampered during camp by a fractured toe, struggled with his mobility and guard Jacob Bell was out because of a side injury.

Bell was back on the field Monday, briefly putting the unit at full strength before rookie left tackle Rodger Saffold injured his back. The extent of Saffold's injury had not been determined.

Spagnuolo said half of the sacks were the result of faulty technique and the other half because of missed assignments.

"Until we straighten out some of these things, it's going to be tough for any quarterback," Spagnuolo said.

Bradford said he tries not to pay attention to who's on the line.

"If you start worrying about personnel and start trying to worry about matchups, you can really let that affect your play," Bradford said. "I try not to worry about that at all."