How will the Carolina Panthers cope without Cam Newton?

How will the Carolina Panthers cope without Cam Newton in 2020?

The Carolina Panthers made arguably their most difficult decision of the offseason when they released Cam Newton. The quarterback remains on the NFL scrapheap more than two months after he parted ways with the franchise. And this is a situation that doesn’t seem to be getting better anytime soon.

Looking back in hindsight, the Carolina Panthers could have handled the situation better. The least that Newton deserved after what he did for the organization was to be given a shot at starting elsewhere. But the timing of his departure meant that starting opportunities were at a premium.

They could have let Newton go the moment Teddy Bridgewater signed his three-year, $63 million deal. This all-but ended the 2015 NFL MVP’s time with the Panthers. And he probably deserved better treatment before he was eventually relieved of his duties.

Despite Bridgewater’s presence under center in 2020. Newton’s departure still leaves a gaping hole not only on the field but within the locker room. He almost single-handedly catapulted Carolina to notoriety with elite production on the field and an infectious charisma off it.

Given the fact that so many veterans were moved on in a short space of time from the Panthers in recent months. It could have a detrimental impact on their short-term aspirations. While most were for the greater good, not having Newton making plays as only he can, is going to be strange next season and beyond.

NFL.com writer Adam Rank discussed the topic of how much the Panthers will miss Newton in his state of the franchise feature recently. And he is also curious to see how the situation plays out for the organization.

"“Cam was not only the face of the Panthers for many years — he was the face of the NFL for a stretch. And even though he played just two games last year, it’s going to be weird seeing the Panthers without him. I mean, think about this: We’re expected to see a Panthers vs. Buccaneers game with Bridgewater and Tom Brady as the opposing quarterbacks. That’s pretty much what we all expected when Cam won the MVP award in 2015. I’m sure somebody predicted this exact scenario. I’m just curious who jumps up to fulfill that leadership role for this team. It’s not just Cam. A year after losing Thomas Davis, Carolina lost coach Rivera, Olsen and now Cam.”"

Can the Carolina Panthers move on quickly from Cam Newton?

How much the Carolina Panthers will miss Cam Newton in 2020 is going to come down to the way Teddy Bridgewater performs. It will not be an easy first year under center for the former New Orleans Saint coming in on the back of such a messy departure. But if anyone can cope with the pressure then it is the former Louisville product.

Bridgewater has had his fair share of bad experiences since entering the NFL. And he has worked hard for this opportunity to become a prominent starter once again.

Providing the suspect offensive line holds out with the Panthers, then the signal-caller has some game-changing weapons around him. Another notable addition to the organization is Joe Brady as their offensive coordinator, who likes nothing more than getting the ball downfield at the earliest opportunity.

Everything is in place for Bridgewater to thrive for the duration of his deal. But there will always be Newton comparisons from here on out. And this is something the player will just have to get used to.

What Newton did for the Panthers cannot be understated. There will come a time when relationships mend and the quarterback can receive proper acknowledgment for his services when the dust has formally settled.

Until then, all one can do is hope Bridgewater lives up to expectations. And Newton can get some closure with a new team to call his own.