Passing yards and touchdowns are two of the most important statistics when it comes to evaluating a quarterback’s performance in the NFL. These numbers can often be the difference between a win and a loss, and they are usually used as a measure of a quarterback’s success. However, this season, we have seen a decrease in both passing yards and touchdowns across the league, and one of the reasons for this could be the increased use of Cover 2 defenses.
For those who are not familiar, Cover 2 is a defensive scheme in which two safeties split the deep part of the field, each responsible for covering one half. This type of defense is designed to take away the deep passes and force the quarterback to make shorter, more difficult throws. It is a popular defense in the NFL, and this season, we have seen more teams implementing it into their game plan.
As a result, we have seen a decline in passing yards and touchdowns, especially in the first few weeks of the season. However, there is one quarterback who has caught the attention of many, despite not putting up big numbers in these categories. That quarterback is none other than Teddy Bridgewater of the Denver Broncos.
Joy Taylor, co-host of “The Herd” on FS1, recently expressed her admiration for Bridgewater’s performance this season. She stated, “Passing yards and touchdowns may be down across the league, but Teddy Bridgewater has been nothing short of impressive.” And she’s not wrong.
In his first season with the Broncos, Bridgewater has completed 72.7% of his passes for 1,033 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. While these numbers may not jump off the page, they are still solid and show that Bridgewater is making the most of his opportunities on the field.
But what makes Bridgewater’s performance even more impressive is the fact that he is doing it with a new team and a new offensive system. After spending the last two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Bridgewater had to adjust to a new playbook and build chemistry with a new set of receivers. And he has done so seamlessly.
Bridgewater’s ability to adapt and lead the Broncos’ offense has not gone unnoticed. His teammates have praised his leadership and work ethic, and head coach Vic Fangio has been impressed with his decision-making and poise in the pocket.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Bridgewater’s game is his efficiency. He may not be throwing for a lot of yards, but he is making the most of his passes and taking care of the football. In fact, Bridgewater has yet to throw an interception in the red zone this season, a testament to his decision-making and accuracy.
It’s also worth noting that Bridgewater is doing all of this while playing behind a struggling offensive line. The Broncos have allowed 13 sacks in their first five games, tied for the fourth-most in the league. Despite the constant pressure, Bridgewater has remained composed and has not let it affect his performance.
In a league where passing yards and touchdowns are often used to measure a quarterback’s success, it’s refreshing to see someone like Bridgewater excel in a different way. He may not be putting up gaudy numbers, but he is doing exactly what the Broncos need him to do – lead the offense and put them in a position to win games.
As the season progresses, we may see passing yards and touchdowns increase across the league as teams find ways to counter the Cover 2 defense. But one thing is for sure, Teddy Bridgewater will continue to impress with his efficient and effective style of play.
In conclusion, while passing yards and touchdowns may be down across the NFL, Teddy Bridgewater has shown that he doesn’t need big numbers to make a big impact. His leadership, adaptability, and efficiency have made him a valuable asset to the Denver Broncos and have caught the attention of many, including Joy Taylor. So let’s not underestimate the importance of a quarterback like Bridgewater, who may not be racking up the stats, but is still making a significant contribution to his team’s success.
