Carolina Panthers: 4 questions facing the offense in 2020
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers question No. 1: Can Teddy Bridgewater deliver the goods?
It is going to be strange seeing the Carolina Panthers taking the field without Cam Newton in 2020. Although the 2015 NFL MVP endured a frustrating final two seasons with the organization. He was the first name that came to mind regarding the franchise.
A new regime brings different ideas. And this saw Newton released in messy circumstances that didn’t exactly cover the Panthers in glory. The decision-makers chose Teddy Bridgewater as the man to lead them forward following a free agency move that saw the signal-caller sign a three-year, $63 million deal with a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed.
This represented a significant leap of faith from Carolina, who are counting on Bridgewater to make the most out of another starting opportunity. Few would argue he is worthy of such a chance. But the spotlight of Newton’s shadow has the potential to complicate matters.
Bridgewater has been a solid if unspectacular presence under center during his career. He boasts a career completion percentage of 65.1. But he has not seen prolonged time as a starter since 2015 with the Minnesota Vikings.
Related Story. Carolina Panthers: 3 reasons why Teddy Bridgewater is not a stop-gap QB. light
It has been a long road back for a player who almost lost his leg during a freak training camp incident. Bridgewater does have some prolific offensive weapons to utilize with the Panthers. And his previous relationship with Carolina’s offensive coordinator Joe Brady is something else that is sure to work in his favor.