3 new individual battles to watch against the Buccaneers

Teddy Bridgewater vs Shaquil Barrett

There are plenty of dynamics weapons for Teddy Bridgewater to utilize during his first season under center for the Carolina Panthers. But whether he can get enough protection is another matter entirely.

The Panthers have some questions to answer regarding their offensive line, especially on their interior. If they fail to meet expectations, then it is going to make Bridgewater’s task that much more difficult.

This will also be music to the ears of Shaquil Barrett. The edge rusher is going to be a real problem once again next season after a career year last time out. Bridgewater will need to monitor where he is at all times in a bid to avoid getting the full force of the player’s supreme physical traits.

Bridgewater is smart enough to know this. But his mobility is something of a concern under pressure and this is something that might be evident if Carolina’s offensive linemen do not live up to their end of the bargain.

One thing Bridgewater will have going for him is Joe Brady’s scheme. This will allow the signal-caller to get the ball out of his hands quickly and this might limit Barrett’s ability to get his hands on the former first-round pick consistently.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will also need to account for Christian McCaffrey due to his exceptional playmaking ability. Bridgewater is in a good spot to succeed, but Barrett will be looking for a big payday next spring and has his own point to prove.