Carolina Panthers: 4 big takeaways from Teddy Bridgewater’s presser
By Dean Jones
1. The Carolina Panthers are Teddy Bridgewater’s team
The Carolina Panthers made it clear that this is now Teddy Bridgewater’s team. While some sections of the fanbase felt Cam Newton should have been given another chance to shine following an 18-month period riddled with injury problems. A new regime is always going to come with its own set of ideas to take the organization forward.
Bridgewater has been keen to assume to role of the leader during virtual OTAs. And this is something that can make a smooth transition to training camp. This is a chance to become a prominent starter in the NFL once again. So the signal-caller will not want to waste a second.
The front office placed a tremendous amount of faith in the quarterback to lead them through this extensive transition. And this confidence has already given Bridgewater some freedom as he starts to settle into a different environment.
"“I credit that to (team owner David) Tepper, Marty (Hurney), coach (Matt) Rhule, and the coaching staff here. They’ve made this transition smooth. They told me from jump, ‘Hey, this is your team,’ and the guys will go as I go. “Just being around the guys a couple days already, they’re feeding off my energy, and I’m feeding off their energy. So it definitely feels like my team.”"
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Whether fans like it or not, Bridgewater is the man now. This comes with its own set of expectations. But his composed demeanor and competitive spirit should be enough to command instant respect from his teammates.
It will probably take longer for Bridgewater to win over the fans, especially those who remain fiercely loyal to Newton. And this will only come from solid production in a competitive setting.