5 keys to a successful 2020 season for the Carolina Panthers
By Dean Jones
Teddy Bridgewater’s chemistry with talented wide receivers
There is an enormous amount of pressure on the shoulders of Teddy Bridgewater next season. Steeping into Cam Newton’s shoes will not be the easiest of tasks. This will be under the microscope greater than ever after the 2015 NFL MVP was named team captain for the New England Patriots.
Bridgewater takes most things in his stride, so this calmness will assist him during his period of transition with the Carolina Panthers. He has worked hard to get another starting job after almost losing his leg in a freak training camp accident. But he will need to develop on-field chemistry with his talented wide receivers quickly to win over those who are still holding onto an emotional connection with their former signal-caller.
If Bridgewater can get enough time to go through his progressions, then there is a lot to like about his chances of immediate success in Carolina. Having the likes of D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, Curtis Samuel, and Christian McCaffrey is a luxury he can ill-afford to waste. And there could be some surprising production from players such as Ian Thomas, Seth Roberts, and Pharoh Cooper if everything clicks into place right away.
The stakes could not be higher for Bridgewater in 2020. He will need to prove his worth from a prominent starting position once again. But the last time he saw a role like this was with the Minnesota Vikings in 2015.