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Per Voth: "Steve Wilks today: “There will be times where Shaq is going to be in ... to relieve Thomas to give him some rest.” + My Own Quick Comments

Saca312

By Saca312,
in Carolina Panthers

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Saca312 Experienced

Saca312

Posted
Posted

The Panthers are starting to realize even father-time makes no exceptions to cyborgs like Thomas Davis. 

According to Bill Voth, Steve Wilks mentions that he believes Shaq Thompson will be coming in quite a bit to help Thomas Davis rest and alleviate him for plenty of plays. Shaq's role will increase in 2017:

For those of you who are unsure as to whether Shaq Thompson would be a good placeholder for Thomas Davis, consider the following three elements necessary for LB success:

  1. Coverage
  2. Run Defense
  3. Blitzing

Here's a quick look at each of these elements in action (credit to @BillyM_91 on twitter for the gifs):

1. Coverage

ezgif.com-optimize_(1).gif.ac3581c3f5994dfb1756c3ffa633968a.gif

Shaq Thompson shows excellent coverage ability on this play. Staying foot with his assignment and pressing right in front for the interception. Reading the QB, Shaq Thompson was able to time his jump just in time to grab the ball from Rivers and bringing home a prize.

A quality play showing Shaq's ability as a true linebacker

2. Run Defense

ezgif.com-crop.gif.439ca4604021e7b1d22f1dd332770a33.gif

591a42d0e9203_ezgif.com-video-to-gif(16).gif.1497881b1700a5919517d8677ac84da6.gif

Like bread and butter, Shaq Thompson is nasty when it comes to run defense. He will bend around the outside and push through tackles to get to his prize. His eyes are like lasers, dissecting the runningback at hand to come in and make a solid play. 

Both these examples highlight just how well Shaq's run defense is.

3. Blitzing

591a42f633fe2_ezgif.com-video-to-gif(17).gif.6320b8d74ff896aff33d12bea5180573.gif

If you're coming in to take Thomas Davis' spot, you better be a good blitzer.

In this play, Shaq Thompson rams right through the runningback and throws his hands up in the air. The result was the QB being disrupted and throwing a quick dud. Shaq Thompson shows excellent ability as a blitz guy.

Conclusion

So, from these quick GIFs, one can simply conclude that Shaq Thompson is more than a competent replacement for Thomas Davis. As much as I love Thomas Davis, I think it's more than warranted for him to rest and freshen up his tired legs as he hits the twilight years of his career. Shaq Thompson shows he's more than capable of being a solid fill-in.

What are your thoughts?

 

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Saca312 Experienced

Saca312

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3 minutes ago, mjligon said:

This is a good thing...as much as I hate to admit it, Davis looked to have taken a bit of a step back last season.

Granted, the entire defense did...but nonetheless. This could be a true passing of the torch season.

Yeah. His performance against the Falcons was eye-opening. He was real slow going against Coleman and Freeman, and they had a field day on Klein and TD. 

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Pejorative Miscreant Grand Master

Pejorative Miscreant

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Davis has taken care of himself through dire medical situations.  He is an amazing NFL player and his longevity speaks to that work ethic.  I think having a go to guy like Shaq who can step in on some situational circumstances will only increase TD's effectiveness over the season.  

I have no doubt his instincts and drive are most likely better than ever.  TD can be a Pro Bowl caliber player for another couple years IMO

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motocross_cat Community Regular

motocross_cat

Posted
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19 minutes ago, #PanthersKing said:

We play 3 LBs. Well at least that's the defense we run that shows up on paper: 4-3-4.

 

so, someone please tell me fuggn why we drafted SHAQ THOMPSON in the damn "1st fuggn ROUND"!!!!!!! Shaq ain't starting????? He has to come in for TD? WTF. What a wasted pick. 

Damn, LANDON COLLINS

Shut up.  Shaq has shown that with an increased role he will be just as effective as collins.  Patient young grasshopper.

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Woodie Newbie

Woodie

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I think TD knows the end is near, so I don't believe he'll have any problem letting Shaq spell him a bit.  In fact, I remember him saying something to that effect after the season ended.  He knows Shaq is ready for more snaps, and is willing to give him some of his. 

IMO, this is a good thing for both TD and the Panthers.  It will keep him fresh for the end of games and the upcoming long post-season.  Nineteen games is a lot of football to play when you never/rarely get any rest. 

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