With only hours to go before the 2020 NFL season begins, the Carolina Panthers have revealed their team captains for this year.
Here is a review of the players that were voted captains by their teammates.
QB Teddy Bridgewater
As expected, the underrated Bridgewater has won over the locker room and earned the respect of his teammates. It won’t be easy for him to follow the high standard set by Cam Newton at his position, but Bridgewater at least has the intangibles down.
RB Christian McCaffrey
Carolina’s most talented player remains their All-Pro running back, who became a team captain last year for the first time. McCaffrey went on to lead the NFL in yards from scrimmage and fantasy scoring in 2019.
OT Russell Okung
The most surprising name on this list belongs to left tackle Russell Okung, who came over in a trade for Trai Turner this offseason. If nothing else, Okung has loads of experience (124 career regular season games) and a Super Bowl ring.
DT Kawann Short
Missing Short for 14 games last season proved devastating for Carolina’s run defense. The Panthers need him on the field but also need Short to coach up the younger interior linemen like rookies Derrick Brown and Bravvion Roy.
LB Shaq Thompson
Thompson is another first-time team captain, here. He has been with the organization for six years now and will be taking on a much-expanded leadership role in the absence of Luke Kuechly.
LB Tahir Whitehead
Whitehead will be the guy taking over Kuechly’s spot at middle linebacker and serving as the defensive playcaller, though. His college connection with Matt Rhule could prove to be important after having no real offseason program this year.
The only real snub we can see is safety Tre Boston, who is now the senior member of the secondary.
