4 must-watch reunion games on Panthers schedule in 2020
By Dean Jones
Teddy Bridgewater – Weeks 7 and 14 (New Orleans Saints)
All eyes will be on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater when the Panthers schedule focuses on their two annual clashes against the New Orleans Saints. Carolina’s decision-makers invested a lot in bringing the former first-round pick to the organization this offseason and this comes with significant expectations.
Bridgewater signed a three-year, $63 million deal with the Panthers that involved a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed. He now gets another chance at making a starting spot his own following a horrific leg injury that threatened his career.
A big reason for this large contract was the way Bridgewater performed in Drew Brees’ absence for the Saints in 2019. The signal-caller went 5-0 during his time starting under center which proved crucial in Sean Payton’s men securing another NFC South title.
The Panthers’ schedule looks particularly brutal when one considers the strength of their divisional rivals. The Saints will know exactly what Bridgewater brings to the table. And it is going to be interesting to see whether or not the player can show them something different in pursuit of victory.
There is an immense amount of pressure on Bridgewater’s shoulders next season. If he fails to perform as expected, it could force the Panthers into drafting a high-end quarterback like Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields if they are in a position to do so.
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His games against the Saints are something Bridgewater has no doubt circled in the calendar. And it should be a challenge the quarterback relishes.