Lions head coach Dan Campbell has never shied away from proclaiming his admiration of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Campbell was the assistant head coach in New Orleans during Bridgewater’s two seasons (2018-2019) with the Saints, a time that saw the veteran QB go 5-1 as a fill-in starter for Drew Brees.
Now that the Lions are signing Bridgewater — a move that Campbell said might not happen before next week — the third-year Lions head man talked about why he’s such a big fan.
“When you’re with somebody for two years, you get a really good feel for what they’re capable of,” Campbell said of Bridgewater.
One of those capabilities Bridgewater brings to Detroit is his ability and willingness to work with the team’s young receiving corps.
“I’ve seen him develop young talent, young receivers,” Campbell continued.
Coach Campbell further elaborated on the point about Bridgewater’s proven value as a mentor to the precocious wideouts, including Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
“I’m not even talking about Hendon (rookie QB Hooker), I’m talking about the receivers,” Campbell said excitedly. “Hendon can learn. He ought to be watching (Teddy), he ought to be watching (QB Jared) Goff, watching (QB Nate) Sudfeld. But yeah, those receivers — I mean that was something he did really good for us (in New Orleans).
He’d come in the day before the game and he would take those young receivers and go through the whole game plan. Tell them what they’re looking for; here’s the coverage, here’s what I’m taking, how are you running this route and things like that.”
Campbell noted Bridgewater ran the scout team and is highly competitive, too.
“He’s an unbelievable teammate,” Campbell concluded. “He’s the best.”
