The Carolina Panthers are set to begin their 2020 season on Sunday.
This team is radically different on paper than the one we last saw take the field in December against the New Orleans Saints. With a new coaching staff, a different starting quarterback and a remodeled offensive line, there are tons of questions about how this unproven group will perform.
Here are four of the most important questions about the offense heading into this season.
Can they protect Teddy Bridgewater?
The last guy who held Teddy Bridgewater’s job took some serious physical punishment during his nine-year run with the team. Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not because Cam Newton is a running quarterback. Most of the hits he took over the years were due to poor playcalling and frequently-atrocious pass protection.
One thing we know about Bridgewater’s game is that he exels at making quick reads and getting rid of the ball. That should help cut into the team’s allowed sack total. Last season that number was 58, tied with the Dolphins for the most in the NFL.
Bridgewater also needs his offensive linem to help keep him upright, though.
The Panthers have two above-average starting offensive tackles in Russell Okung and Taylor Moton. They should be able to keep Teddy clean from most edge rushers. However, the rest of the line is far from reliable. Center Matt Paradis was a major liability in pass blocking last season and the guard rotation has been downgraded following the loss of Trai Turner.
A lot of factors will go into how much pressure Bridgewater has to deal with, but improving in pass protection is at the top of that list. Offensive line coach Pat Meyer hasn’t been given much to work with on the interior. He needs to find a solution, though.
If he can’t and Bridgewater winds up running for his life the way Deshaun Watson did last night against the Chiefs it will keep a low ceiling on a potentially explosive passing attack.