Is Matt Rhule right to put so much faith in Teddy Bridgewater?

Why has Matt Rhule put so much faith in new Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater?

The Carolina Panthers might have found their signal-caller of the future in Teddy Bridgewater. The former first-round pick has brought his career back from the brink in recent years. And he will now get the chance to become a prominent starter in the NFL once again.

This represented a significant leap of faith from the Carolina Panthers regarding Bridgewater. He almost lost his leg during a freak training camp accident with the Minnesota Vikings that sent him from one of the more promising quarterbacks in the NFL to the proverbial scrapheap.

Head coach Matt Rhule is a firm believer in what his new gunslinger can bring to the organization. And his early tenor will be ultimately determined by the way the ex-New Orleans Saint performs in a competitive setting.

The Panthers got rid of an iconic figure in Cam Newton in favor of Bridgewater. So the pressure is going to be well and truly on from the moment he steps on the field. During a recent interview with Around the NFL, Rhule was glowing in praise for the quarterback and his ability to become an influential figure across the organization.

"“The best players in the world bring out the best in their teammates and I can tell you, since free agency started, the amount of the guys that want to come and play with Teddy has nothing to do with me or anybody else. They want to be a part of what he’s doing ’cause he brings out the best in people.“I believe so wholeheartedly in who he is as a quarterback. I believe in his abilities, I believe in his arm strength, I believe in his accuracy, I believe in his decision-making but, beyond that, I know he’s going to make everyone else that much better.”"

One would not expect Rhule to say much different about Bridgewater. But there is a significant amount of truth regarding his thoughts. The player has an infectious personality. And there is no doubt that the Panthers’ offense will want to run through a brick wall to ensure their quarterback can make the most of a second chance.

Can the Carolina Panthers thrive with Teddy Bridgewater?

There is no doubt that the Carolina Panthers have put Teddy Bridgewater in a position to succeed. The franchise has some potent offensive weapons and a new coordinator in Joe Brady who likes nothing more than getting the ball downfield quickly.

The player’s accuracy on deep balls is something of a concern. But if Bridgewater can work out this particular area of his game, then the sky is the limit.

Matt Rhule has bet big that Bridgewater can produce consistently. This is something that the Panthers were largely devoid of last season. And much more will be needed in 2020 if they want to rack up a notable win total.

Bridgewater signed a three-year, $63 million deal that included a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed heading in free agency. But the pressure will still be on if he wants his stay with the franchise to be a long one.

If the Panthers are in a position to draft Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence or Ohio State standout Justin Fields in 2021. It could represent too big of an opportunity to pass up.

The franchise is hoping it will not come to this. And they have placed real confidence in Bridgewater to not only become a player of productivity. But also, a locker room leader after parting with so many big names this offseason.

The onus will be firmly on Bridgewater to make this a reality. And one would be hard-pressed to find anyone rooting against him.