4 reasons the Panthers won’t move on from Teddy Bridgewater
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers won’t be moving on from Teddy Bridgewater in 2021.
Teddy Bridgewater ended a dismal performance from the Carolina Panthers on the sideline with a knee injury that needed considerable treatment. An MRI revealed better news than expected, but it remains to be seen whether the quarterback is going to be fit and raring to go for their game at the Detroit Lions in Week 11.
This is a big blow for the player and the Panthers. Bridgewater has been exactly as advertised this season and although this has come with his fair share of criticism during Carolina’s five-game losing run, all the blame shouldn’t be left at his door.
Considering this is the former first-round pick’s first time in a prominent starting position since 2015, his production has been largely encouraging. Yes, there are some problems that need to be fixed moving forward, but it’s clear that the Panthers have a belief in their signal-caller to get them back into the playoff discussion at the earliest possible opportunity.
The situation with Cam Newton didn’t help matters and left Bridgewater on a hiding to nothing in his bid to get everybody onside. However, with 2,552 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, a 72.1 percent completion percentage, and seven interceptions through ten games, things could be a lot worse.
Here are some reasons why the Panthers won’t be moving on from Bridgewater in 2021.
Reason No. 1
This is a transitional period
If the last few weeks have taught us anything. It’s that the Panthers are currently in a period of transition that might take a little longer than expected.
There are more pressing needs to fill with the financial resources available rather than look for a replacement for Bridgewater in 2021, so that should ensure the signal-caller gets another chance to stake a claim as the team’s long-term option next season.
Bridgewater’s level of performance overall dictates he deserves this chance with possibly even better players around him. But he could do himself a big favor by finishing the season strongly.