In a recent article, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said that the Cardinals and the Ravens could potentially trade for Lamar Jackson. This would be a huge move for both teams as they would get a potential franchise quarterback in return. The Cardinals have been searching for their next player to lead them since Kurt Warner retired and Teddy Bridgewater was injured.
Lamar Jackson and Teddy Bridgewater traveled similar paths to the NFL which sets up a chance meeting between 2 Louisville legends.
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Teddy Bridgewater of the Denver Broncos lead their respective teams into a crucial Week 4 showdown. While the game is important for both teams, the quarterback duel is unique. For the first time in their NFL careers, the former Louisville standouts are pitted against one another.
Jackson and Bridgewater have a similar history, which has brought them to this unusual opportunity.
Both Lamar Jackson and Teddy Bridgewater are from the state of Florida.
Many NFL players have come from the South Florida region, including Michael Irvin, Chad Johnson, Dalvin Cook, and Antonio Brown.
South Florida was also home to Lamar Jackson and Teddy Bridgewater. Jackson is from Pompano Beach, Florida, and attended Boynton Beach Community High School throughout his high school years. He made an amazing highlight video of himself making defenders look ridiculous there.
Bridgewater grew up in Miami and went to Northwestern High School. Both he and Jackson became well-known in the community as a result of their football abilities.
Players from South Florida are very proud of their roots. Many of them had modest beginnings. It inspired them to put their skills to good use in order to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
“There’s a player from Miami on every team. According to Yahoo Sports, Ravens running back Devonta Freeman stated, “Every team.” “It shows how much talent there is in that area.”
Jackson and Bridgewater are two of the area’s most promising young players in recent memory.
Jackson and Bridgewater were both selected in the 32nd round of the NFL Draft out of Louisville.
Lamar Jackson of the Ravens in action against the Lions | Nic Antaya/Getty Images Teddy Bridgewater of the Denver Broncos in action against the New York Jets | Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Teddy Bridgewater and Lamar Jackson grew up in the same neighborhood. Both quarterbacks ended up at the University of Louisville.
Bridgewater graduated from high school in 2010 and de-committed from Miami to attend Louisville (FL). He passed for 9,817 yards and 72 touchdowns in three seasons with the Cardinals. During that time, he only threw 24 interceptions.
In 2012, Bridgewater was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year. In addition, he guided Louisville to two straight bowl wins.
Two seasons after Bridgewater’s departure, Jackson came in Louisville. As a rookie, he made 12 starts, but as a sophomore, he took the college football world by storm. After accumulating 3,543 yards in the air and 1,571 yards on the run, Jackson was named Heisman Trophy winner. He scored 51 touchdowns in total.
Bridgewater and Jackson were passed over by several NFL clubs in favor of other quarterbacks. In 2014 and 2018, both players were selected with the No. 32 overall selection. Because of their shared history, both former Cardinals players are able to play with a chip on their shoulders.
Teddy Bridgewater and Lamar Jackson have distinct playing styles.
Former Louisville tight end Keith Towbridge told The Athletic, “Any sports bar in the city will find the game when Teddy’s on, and they will find the game when Lamar’s on, and it will be on television.”
When the Ravens face the Broncos in Week 4, the Louisville neighborhood will be electrified. The game will be the first time Lamar Jackson and Teddy Bridgewater have faced each other in the NFL.
Baltimore has a 2-1 record, while Denver has yet to lose a game. The signal-callers will face distinct difficulties from the defenders, and vice versa.
Jackson is the quintessential two-way quarterback. The Ravens have the most powerful rushing offense in the league, headed by the former MVP. Despite the naysayers, he’s made some incredible throws with his arm. His rushing ability, though, is what makes him the most deadly.
Bridgewater, although a dual threat in his own way, lacks the same explosive running ability at this point in his career. His potential isn’t as high as Michael Jackson’s, but he understands and performs his part effectively. In the short-to-intermediate passing game, he shines.
Former Louisville and NFL quarterback Chris Redman remarked, “I don’t know whether it’s ever occurred before on this stage, two former Louisville quarterbacks playing against one other in a major game.” “These men are treated as family by the locals. Because Louisville does not have any NFL teams, this is a huge deal.”
In this one, all eyes will be on Lamar Jackson and Teddy Bridgewater.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
The Baltimore Ravens are on shaky ground when it comes to Lamar Jackson’s future.
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