4 Panthers players who need to hit the ground running in 2020

Teddy Bridgewater – QB

All eyes will be on Teddy Bridgewater from his first snap with the Carolina Panthers this weekend. The quarterback will be looking to make the most out of another starting opportunity after coming back from the brink. But the last time he saw any prominent starting time was with the Minnesota Vikings in 2015.

The signal-caller did go 5-0 in Drew Brees’ absence for the New Orleans Saints in 2019. This was one of the primary reasons why Bridgewater was given a three-year, $63 million deal with the Panthers that also included a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed this offseason.

Bridgewater will now look to fill the enormous void left by iconic quarterback Cam Newton. He will need to hit the ground running in no uncertain terms in order to win over those sections of the team’s fanbase who remain fiercely loyal to the 2015 NFL MVP.

This attitude is never going to get the organization anywhere. It is now the time to get behind Bridgewater and there is every chance he can be the consistent presence under center that the Panthers need with their dynamic offensive weapons at their disposal.

The former first-round pick made a big impression at training camp thanks to his quality play and overall demeanor. Getting it done on the field is another matter entirely. But Bridgewater could be the right man for the job when it is all said and done.