Why it’s hard to believe Matt Rhule on Teddy Bridgewater’s future
By Dean Jones
Matt Rhule’s faith in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is something the Carolina Panthers’ loyal fanbase has heard before from the head coach.
Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule was made available to the media on Wednesday and there was one topic on everyone’s minds. That, of course, was the team’s plans at the quarterback position and just what the future holds for their beleaguered signal-caller Teddy Bridgewater after an indifferent start to life under center in 2020.
There are plenty of rumors swirling where Bridgewater is concerned. This stems from a lack of production in critical moments of games, indecision in the pocket despite the wealth of receivers at his disposal, and a clear regression in confidence over the final few weeks that were thought to be the final nail in his coffin.
Had the Panthers managed to pull off a trade for Matthew Stafford before the Los Angeles Rams came in with a better offer then Bridgewater might already be gone. There is also the lingering dream of landing Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, who would raise expectations to a level not seen in Carolina since 2015.
As for today, Rhule stated that he had spoken with Bridgewater during the offseason and that – at least right now – he is Carolina’s quarterback moving forward.
"“He’s our quarterback. Nothing’s changed since the offseason.”"
That might be the party line that was echoed by Scott Fitterer. But the general manager did acknowledge that the team had spoken to Bridgewater about discussions with another team, which he handled with “total class”.
This is a precarious situation Carolina finds itself in where Bridgewater is concerned. And the signal-caller shouldn’t take a great deal of confidence from Rhule’s comments if recent history is any indication.