Carolina Panthers: 5 players who need a full season in 2020
By Dean Jones
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 87. QB. CAROLINA PANTHERS. TEDDYBRIDGEWATER. 3. player
Carolina Panthers Player No. 3: Teddy Bridgewater (QB)
There will no Carolina Panthers roster member under the microscope more than Teddy Bridgewater in 2020. The quarterback was hand-picked by the decision-makers to lead them through this expected period of transition. And replacing iconic signal-caller Cam Newton under center will be a thankless task given how much the 2015 NFL MVP was adored by large sections of the team’s fanbase.
Bridgewater is thoroughly deserving of this opportunity, of that there is little doubt. His road back to earning a starting job after a career-threatening training camp injury with the Minnesota Vikings has been long. But his 5-0 run as the New Orleans Saints’ No. 1 in the absence of Drew Brees last season gives real hope that he is trending in the right direction once again.
This is a chance that Bridgewater is determined to make the most of. He has some dynamic weapons on offense to utilize. And he also has the best dual-threat running back in the NFL, Christian McCaffrey, as a prolific partner in the Panthers’ backfield.
light. Related Story. Carolina Panthers: 3 reasons why Teddy Bridgewater is not a stop-gap QB
Everything is in place for the former Louisville star to succeed providing his offensive line holds up in the face of pressure. However, not having a full season to fully adjust to being a starter once again could do Bridgewater more harm than good.
Simply put, the more reps Bridgewater gets next season, the better. There are sure to be some bumps along the way. But once the signal-caller finds his feet, then it could come with a complete transformation of their offense.
Not having this time to settle next season will heighten calls for the Panthers to take a top quarterback with their first-round 2021 NFL Draft pick. And this would also spell bad news for Bridgewater.