Panthers: Where does supporting cast rank among NFL’s best?

Where does quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s supporting cast with the Carolina Panthers rank among the NFL’s best in 2020?

The Carolina Panthers have some serious offensive weapons heading into 2020. New offensive coordinator Joe Brady has an embarrassment of riches to call upon. And the organization will be led going forward by free-agent signing Teddy Bridgewater.

While there could be some struggles on the defensive side of the ball. There appears little doubt that the Carolina Panthers could put up some significant points during the campaign. Much will depend on how their offensive line performs. But the early signs before training camp are encouraging.

Kristopher Knox of The Bleacher Report also sees good things ahead for Carolina’s offense. In a recent feature ranking each quarterback’s supporting cast, he placed the Panthers at No. 13 on the list, rising from No. 20 the previous year. The Kansas City Chiefs came in at No. 1, with the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints rounding off the top three.

According to Knox, this was down in no small part to the presence of All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. And the player has a game-changing ability that few across the league can match.

"“Teddy Bridgewater will benefit from having one of the most versatile and explosive running backs in NFL history, Christian McCaffrey. Last season, McCaffrey amassed 1,387 rushing yards and 1,005 receiving yards, making him one of only three players ever to tally at last 1,000 yards on the ground and in the air during the same season.”"

The Carolina Panthers offense is more than just Christian McCaffrey in 2020

While the offense will run primarily through McCaffrey during this expected period of transition. There is also the chance that their wide receivers can play a huge role in Brady’s scheme and with a more consistent presence throwing them the ball.

D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and Curtis Samuel can all break off big plays at the drop of a hat. And the Panthers also have some wildcards in the mix with Keith Kirkwood, Pharoh Cooper, and Seth Roberts.

This points to some impressive production in 2020 if everything clicks into place right away. This is also an opinion shared by Knox, although he did point out the concerns surrounding Carolina’s tight end spot without veteran Greg Olsen.

"“McCaffrey isn’t Carolina’s only weapon, though. The budding receiver duo of D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel is more than serviceable. With free-agent speedster Robby Anderson also now in the mix, Bridgewater won’t lack weapons on the perimeter. The biggest question is whether Bridgewater he will have a quality tight end at his disposal. Ian Thomas flashed near the end of the 2018 season but caught only 16 passes last year.”"

Things could be very exciting for the Panthers in 2020. There are going to be plenty of twists and turns along the way. But it is going to be a fun offense to watch regardless of the overall outcome in games.

With a little more adjustment to the protection next spring. This has the scope to be the catalyst for great things in Carolina next season and beyond.