4 reasonable excuses for Teddy Bridgewater’s poor play in 2020
By Dean Jones
Lack of protection
Another reason that Teddy Bridgewater didn’t make the most out of his second chance of being a starter in the NFL is a distinct lack of protection. Outside of stud right tackle Taylor Moton, this is an area where the Carolina Panthers struggled throughout the campaign and a substantial makeover is expected during free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.
Not having Russell Okung providing blindside assistance on the edge hampered Bridgewater considerably. The left tackle suffered some injury problems that restricted him to just seven games in 2020 and there appears little chance he’ll be brought back – which takes $13 million off the books.
To say Chris Reed and John Miller were less than stellar in pass protection would be something of an understatement. This was especially evident when the interior collapsed in critical moments, leaving Bridgewater carrying the can for close losses.
Matt Paradis did show signs of life at times. But the center is a prime candidate for release given the financial restrictions in 2021 and this would leave Carolina looking for four new starters providing they can bring Moton back.
Bridgewater was sacked 31 times in 15 games, which is in keeping with the 2.2 sacks-per-game the Panthers gave up this season. Carolina isn’t going to go anywhere fast if this doesn’t improve in 2021 and beyond, so it was another big factor to consider when examining the quarterback’s lack of production.