Aug 26, 2021 - Sports
Meet Teddy Bridgewater, the Denver Broncos' new QB
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Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Teddy Bridgewater won the Denver Broncos starting quarterback job Wednesday, besting returning starter Drew Lock in what the coach described as a close competition.
- He is the fifth new quarterback in five years to start the season for the Broncos.
What to know: The 28-year-old University of Louisville graduate is entering his eighth season in the league.
- This is his fifth team in the last five years. The Broncos traded a sixth-round draft pick to the Carolina Panthers to land Bridgewater.
- He led the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs in 2015 and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl before he dislocated his knee and tore his ACL at a 2016 practice.
Of note: In a move unusual for quarterbacks, he wears gloves on each hand — leading some to call him "Teddy Two Gloves."
Quick take: We asked our Axios colleagues in Minneapolis and Charlotte what Broncos fans can expect from Bridgewater.
- Axios Twin Cities' Nick Halter: "Teddy was beloved by teammates and fans in Minnesota. ... Vikings fans have always wondered what could have been had Bridgewater stayed healthy. He's a smart guy who makes good decisions, but doesn't have a very strong arm."
- Axios Charlotte's Michael Graff: "Don't read too much into Teddy's one year in Charlotte. His best weapon, all-pro running back Christian McCaffrey, missed 13 games with injury, and his offensive line often left him in the company of players wearing the other uniform."
- "Teddy was the "good guy" we dated after losing Cam Newton. But it never clicked. Fans liked Teddy and teammates defended him — but he was 0-for-8 on game-winning or game-tying drives, and that made for a lot of sour Sunday nights."
What's next: The Broncos' final preseason game is Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams.
- The regular season starts Sept. 12 against the New York Giants.