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While we’re waiting on today’s practice content, here’s a goodie from last week pic.twitter.com/rSEBf2Qru4
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 16, 2020
Some New Orleans Saints fans may hate-watch this well-produced clip from Carolina Panthers practice, but many more are sure to be happy to see it: Teddy Bridgewater imprinted himself that well on the community. And he’s quickly endeared himself to Panthers faithful as the new face of the franchise under first-year head coach Matt Rhule, between his skill in practice and widely-respected strength of character in the locker room.
But the accuracy with which Bridgewater spins a football is what grabs your attention in this video. The Panthers highlighted one of Bridgewater’s throws from a recent training camp practice session, striking wide receiver Robby Anderson in the back of the end zone for a toe-tapping touchdown. Sure, it’s as impressive as any pass Bridgewater completed in black and gold, but it’s sort of painful to see him thriving for an NFC South rival.
And from the sound of it, Bridgewater isn’t planning to go one-and-done in his new starting gig. He’s eager to prove his five game winning streak with the Saints last season wasn’t a fluke.
“Look at the roster,” Bridgewater said, beaming in his introductory media conference call. “There are a ton of playmakers, a lot guys who bring a ton of energy to the field, a ton of excitement.”
Bridgewater pointed out that his new offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, handled his on-boarding process when the Saints traded for him back in 2018. Then an assistant coach, Brady got Bridgewater up to speed and worked with him after practice each day. Pairing up with him again was a logical decision, even if it meant both men had to go turncoat.
He’s also excited about his supporting cast, saying, “I’ve heard stories of how hard Christian McCaffrey works. I’ve heard how much of a dog D.J. Moore is, Curtis Samuel. I can go down the list. To add Robby (Anderson) to the equation, it’s great to be in the seat that I’m in. I used to always talk about being a kid in a candy store. That’s what it feels like when you have those guys that have been productive in this league.”
But Brady isn’t the only familiar face in Carolina. Bridgewater will be working with former teammates Tommylee Lewis and Keith Kirkwood (once he returns from surgery on a broken clavicle), and facing off against Eli Apple in practice. They’re all part of a group of nine different Saints players and coaches now part of the Panthers organization.
The Panthers have lost six of their last seven games against the Saints, including the playoffs, with the lone victory logged versus Bridgewater and the undermanned Saints in a meaningless Week 17 game. Things seem to have a funny way of working out in the NFC South, because now he’ll be looking to reverse that trend, from the opposing sideline.
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