10 key takeaways from the Panthers’ dismal loss vs. Broncos

Teddy Bridgewater fails to deliver

We spoke at length during the week about how much was on the line for Teddy Bridgewater down the stretch. If the Carolina Panthers quarterback wanted to get off on a high note against the Broncos, he failed miserably.

Bridgewater is clearly suffering from confidence issues. He was unable to move the ball efficiently, most of his third-down throws were well behind the chains, and there wasn’t the courage of his convictions we’ve been craving to see from the signal-caller for almost the entirety of the season.

If there was pressure on Bridgewater going into the game, then there is now no question whatsoever he is fighting for his long-term future in Carolina over the next three contests.

Another ‘nearly’ day for Brian Burns

Brian Burns has the explosiveness to get himself to the spot quickly. Finishing off plays more consistently has been something of a problem.

He is still putting up tremendous numbers, of that there is little doubt. But Burns arriving quickly won’t be enough if the former Florida State standout wants to be considered among the NFL’s elite pass-rushers.

Donte Jackson looked good

One of the more encouraging aspects of the game that went relatively under the radar was the performance of Donte Jackson. The cornerback has been out of action for almost a month with a toe problem that’s bothered him all season. But he looked more like the player of old with an accomplished display on the outside.

The Panthers handled him with care, as they probably should with relatively little to play for other than pride this season. Jackson did go down late in the game which is yet another concern and the last thing that Carolina needs is for the knock to be anything serious.