Denver Broncos need career year from Teddy Bridgewater
The Denver Broncos have a talented roster, but unless Teddy Bridgewater is great, it all might go for naught.
At one time, Teddy Bridgewater appeared to be headed for stardom. Then, suddenly, it was over.
Bridgewater reached the Pro Bowl in 2015, only two years after being taken with the 32nd-overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings out of Louisville. In that same season, the Vikings had reached the playoffs as winners of the NFC North. Then, the following summer, Bridgewater sustained a torn ACL and dislocated knee. His career was in jeopardy.
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Bridgewater played only 15 games after his injury through the 2019 campaign. He spent time with the Vikings, New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. Then, last offseason, Bridgewater signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. He provided decent play with 3,733 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Now, he’s with the Denver Broncos after an offseason trade, hoping to prove his worth once more.
The Broncos have one of the more complete rosters in the league save for the quarterback position. Denver enjoys a wealth of weapons including receivers Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick and Courtland Sutton, along with tight end Noah Fant and running back Melvin Gordon. Defensively, there are stars galore with edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Von Miller, safety Justin Simmons and cornerbacks Patrick Surtain II and Kyle Fuller.
For his part, Bridgewater recently told the media he’s pumped for the opportunity, per the team site:
“I was very excited. New beginning, new opportunities and just an opportunity just to come in. It’s a great football team, some great pieces here. And I think I have the opportunity to come in and fit right in with those guys.”
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If Bridgewater can beat out third-year man Drew Lock in training camp to be the starting quarterback, he’ll have a supporting cast good enough to challenge for a wild card berth. While the Kansas City Chiefs are heavy favorites in the AFC West and conference, the Broncos could be in the mix for one of the last few spots in the playoff picture.
However, if Bridgewater can’t get the job done, it’s hard to see him sticking around for the final year of his deal. Additionally, as the former Louisville star turns 29 years old in November, he’s reaching the point of becoming a backup who plays in five cities over six seasons, or something to that effect.
Bridgewater has a chance to make a real impact and thrust himself back into the conversation of NFL quarterback who can lead a winner.
If the Broncos are going to challenge for anything significant, they’ll need his best.
