5 Panthers who should feel disrespected by 2021 Madden rating

Carolina Panthers Player No. 2: Teddy Bridgewater (QB) – 75 Madden rating

The fact Teddy Bridgewater is rated one number below No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow just shows the amount of disrespect he should feel by his 2021 Madden rating. The Carolina Panthers will be hoping that this can be more fuel for the quarterback’s fire as he looks to make another go of becoming a valued starter in the NFL.

Burrow might have an impressive resume having risen from mid-round prospect to securing a National Championship, a Heisman Trophy, and a first-overall pick during his time under new Panthers’ offensive coordinator Joe Brady at LSU. But the simple fact is the signal-caller has yet to throw a pass at the next level.

Bridgewater’s inactivity might also be a reason for his low rating. But he did show tremendous composure under center for the New Orleans Saints in 2019, leading Sean Payton’s men to a 5-0 record in the absence of Drew Brees.

During these five stars, the former Louisville standout completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 1,384 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions. This also included 67 first downs, one fourth-quarter comeback, a quarterback rating of 99.0, and a 73.0 grade from Pro Football Focus.

This was enough to convince the Panthers that he was the man to lead them into a new era on a three-year, $63 million deal that included a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed. What comes next for Bridgewater will be crucial. And how he copes with the pressure of filling the enormous void left by Cam Newton is going to be something to keep a close eye on.