Evaluating the Panthers offense and how they can win in Week 2
By Josh Linares
Teddy Bridgewater – Carolina Panthers QB
- 22/34, 269 passing yards, one touchdown
- Four carries, 26 rushing yards
Teddy Bridgewater had to learn a new offense this offseason and build chemistry with running backs and receivers he has never played with before. In Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he performed well and had eye-catching timing on his throws, especially on deeper routes.
He didn’t take unnecessary risks and was very smart with the ball. For his first game with the Carolina Panthers, Bridgewater seemed to be on the same page with all of his wideouts.
The offensive line held up well but even when the pass rush got through, Bridgewater was not afraid to put his head down and run for positive yardage. He was able to sit in the pocket and go through his progressions against the Raiders. However, this will be tougher to do against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the best front sevens in the NFL. With players like Shaq Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul, Vita Vea, and Ndamukong Suh it is going to be tough to get the running game going.
Bridgewater is going to have to make some big-time throws and get the ball out fast. Expect to see a lot of quick slants, hooks, and getting the ball to Christian McCaffery in the flat.
If Bridgewater can stay poised in the pocket and be smart with the ball, he can pick apart the Buccaneers’ weak secondary. It is going to be a big game for him and he is made for this type of occasion.