3 reasons the Carolina Panthers should’ve started Will Grier in 2020
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers might have been better off starting Will Grier last season rather than go with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater under center.
The 2020 season was a disappointing one for the Carolina Panthers from a record standpoint. Not much was expected of the group anyway in the first year under Matt Rhule, so one could argue they were far more competitive than anticipated before eventually finishing at 5-11 for the second straight campaign.
One of the biggest problems the Panthers encountered was their lack of ability to come through in the clutch. With the game on the line, Carolina faltered more often than not.
This was down to experience, or a lack thereof. But the production of Teddy Bridgewater under center also left a lot to be desired.
Bridgewater was tentative in the pocket and failed to come through when it mattered most. An 0-8 record on game-winning or tying drives during the previous campaign was proof of that.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have.
Had the Panthers known then what they do now, Bridgewater wouldn’t have been brought in and certainly not on the three-year, $63 million deal that included a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed.
An expensive mistake that’s cost Carolina more than $17 million in dead-cap money after they shipped the Louisville product off to the Denver Broncos.
Looking back, here are three reasons why the Panthers should have gone with Will Grier as their starter in 2020.