4 Panthers players who could get hot down the stretch
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players could get hot down the stretch?
What transpires over the next few weeks will be crucial for the Carolina Panthers. It won’t end up with a playoff spot – although it could have had results in close games gone their way – but if a young roster can pick up a couple more wins it might improve their chances of becoming an attractive destination for free agents during a crucial offseason period in 2021.
It’s been an encouraging start to Matt Rhule’s tenure in extremely difficult circumstances. This won’t get any better anytime soon after eight more Carolina Panthers players were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday, making it 10 in total.
Hopefully, this won’t result in extended periods away from the team for those who have been designated as close contacts. Rhule needs his roster close to full strength for the challenges that lie ahead and there is a chance this can come with some more momentum before the season concludes.
Here are four Panthers players who have the potential to get hot during the closing stages of the 2020 campaign.
Player No. 1
Teddy Bridgewater – Carolina Panthers QB
Teddy Bridgewater has got plenty of pressure on his shoulders over the next months. The doubts as to whether the quarterback is the man to take the Panthers forward are growing and if this trend continues into the offseason, it isn’t going to bode well for his long-term chances.
Anyone that was expecting miracles from Bridgewater in his first season in a starting position since 2015 was kidding themselves. This is a period of transition not only for Carolina but also for the signal-caller and, in all honesty, there has been more good than bad despite what you read on social media.
Bridgewater will get the opportunity to air the ball out against some quality teams before the campaign comes to an end. But now is the time for the former first-round pick to have the courage of his convictions in pursuit of winning people over.