4 bold Panthers predictions for second half of the 2020 season

Teddy Bridgewater will throw for 25 touchdowns

Teddy Bridgewater was on a hiding to nothing this season after he was chosen by the Carolina Panthers to replace Cam Newton. The free-agent signing was more than deserving of a second chance at becoming an NFL starter after nearly losing his leg following a freak training camp injury with the Minnesota Vikings in 2016. But, for some, the jury is still out regarding his prospects.

Bridgewater has been as advertised, for the most part. He manages games well, is accurate more often than not, and has shown eye-catching mobility in crucial situations.

The former first-round pick does have his limitations, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. And his inability to come through at the conclusion of games is another cause for concern.

That being said, we might see the Panthers take off the shackles with Bridgewater through their last eight games. They are expected to throw the ball more from behind against some top teams on the schedule, which should come with the Louisville product taking more risks in a bid to drive his team to success.

Bridgewater has just nine touchdown throws in 2020 so far. But if offensive coordinator Joe Brady gives him some creative play-calls, this could come with a substantial increase in the coming weeks.

Getting 25 touchdowns on the year might be a ceiling few expect, but given the talented playmakers Bridgewater has to work with, in addition to Christian McCaffrey returning to the backfield, and it becomes more realistic than one might expect.