Panthers' Matt Rhule: Teddy Bridgewater 'Certainly' Has Arm to Throw Deep

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule isn't concerned about Teddy Bridgewater's ability to push the ball down the field if he has to. 

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Rhule addressed his quarterback's arm strength and deep-passing capabilities. 

"He certainly has the arm strength to do it," the Panthers coach said. "But I think he's done what he's been asked to do."

One of the criticisms about Bridgewater throughout his career has been his lack of downfield throws, though he wasn't bad last year with the New Orleans Saints. 

Per Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, Bridgewater ranked 19th out of 33 qualified quarterbacks in deep passing. He completed 46.7 percent of his attempts and averaged 15.7 yards per pass with a 75.7 passer rating. 

Drew Brees (No. 22) and Philip Rivers (No. 23) were among the notable quarterbacks who finished behind Bridgewater in that category last season. 

Bridgewater's sample size was limited because he only started five games when Brees was injured, but it does lend credence to Rhule's belief that his new starting quarterback can handle deep passing when asked. 

Carolina will count on Bridgewater to lead the offense after signing the 27-year-old to a three-year, $63 million contract in March.