4 key Panthers matchups to watch at the Chiefs in Week 9

Teddy Bridgewater vs. Tyrann Mathieu

Teddy Bridgewater is coming off his worst performance of the season for the Carolina Panthers. The quarterback had the chance to shine on the national stage in their Thursday Night Football game against the Falcons, but he once again struggled to come through in the big moment.

There won’t be much in the way of expectations for a positive result at the Chiefs, which might actually work in Bridgewater’s favor. The Panthers might need to turn this into a shootout to stand any chance of pulling off an upset, so expect the former first-round pick to get the downfield early and often despite the expected return of Christian McCaffrey.

One player that Bridgewater needs to keep his eyes on at all times is Tyrann Mathieu. The safety is among the best in the business and although he may not have reached the heights of 2019 this season, he has a rare ability to make crucial plays when it matters most.

Bridgewater’s play for the most part has been encouraging. His style of play will never win everyone over – especially those who remain fiercely loyal to Cam Newton – but it’s hard to argue that he isn’t what the Panthers need during this period of transition.

He promises to be throwing the ball plenty in this one. However, if he fails to take Mathieu’s threat seriously, the signal-caller will be punished.