Panthers HC Matt Rhule Believes in Teddy Bridgewater's Abilities as QB, Leader

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule spoke with the Around the NFL crew Friday and provided praise for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who signed a three-year, $63 million deal with the team this offseason.

"I believe so wholeheartedly in who he is as a quarterback," the first-year head coach said. "I believe in his abilities. I believe in his arm strength. I believe in his accuracy. I believe in his decision-making. But beyond that, I know he's going to make everyone else that much better."

Bridgewater, who was the New Orleans Saints' backup signal-caller last year, completed 67.9 percent of his passes for nine touchdowns and two interceptions and went 5-0 as a starter in relief of an injured Drew Brees.

As John Sigler of USA Today wrote, Bridgewater's former Saints teammates, including tight end Ben Watson and offensive tackle Terron Armstead, seemed happy for the QB when he landed a lucrative deal with Carolina.

Bridgewater endured a long road to play in the NFL again after suffering a left knee dislocation and multiple torn ligaments during a preseason practice when he was a member of the Minnesota Vikings in 2016. He had helped lead the Vikings to the NFC North title and a playoff berth the year before.

The 2015 campaign was the last time Bridgewater entered a season as the top quarterback on the depth chart. He'll now get a chance to do that again as he embarks on a new journey with Carolina.