Will we even miss Thomas Davis

[Mr. Scot]

53 minutes ago, BrianS said:

If he's interested, I would love to see TD get an opportunity as our LB coach.  I'm not sure we've yet come to grips with how important Al Holcomb was to the franchise, and if TD can replace what Holcomb brought, we'd be way ahead of the game.

I get that, but guys have been pretty positive about Steve Russ so far.

[CRA]

my preseason prediction was, if Shaq got 4 games.....it was going to create an issue for the Thomas Davis super fan club. I'm not hating on Davis.  Shaq just is super talented and IMO is entering the stage of his career where he is gonna be a beast.   If he is shining, we need to do Davis like Pep.  Use him situaionally and try to have him for the long haul.  Let Shaq be the primary OLB

[FugAllY'all]

I still want him on the field on obvious passing downs, where he's other going to blitz or play over the hot route. Shaq is obviously shining in the full time linebacker role, like we all said he would when most of you were screaming "bust". 

[The Natural]

3 hours ago, tiger7_88 said:

Vern Butler was getting some really nice middle pressure at crunch time at the end of the game yesterday as well.

He's solid depth.... We should expect more from first rounders.

 

[Mr. Scot]

The thing about aging football players, every year you gain more experience while you also watch your physical skills decline a little.

The idea is for the additional experience and the savvy that it gives you to make up for you being just a tad slower than you used to be.

But there comes a point where that scale starts tipping in the wrong direction, and it's the coach's job to notice.

I think most of us recognize that Davis's scales have tipped, and have been tipping for a while. Hate to see it, but as people like to say, Father Time is undefeated.

[hepcat]

I mean seeing as Kuechly nearly killed himself on Sunday I think having Davis back could only be a good thing.

[Mr. Scot]

Side Note: Again, hate to say it but I think it's possible that Julius Peppers is the next guy you see tipping toward the wrong side of those scales.

It's absolutely amazing that he can still play at the level he does at his age, but he's not going to last forever either.

[DaanngJohnny]

4 hours ago, t96 said:

fug that, JR has nothing to do with TD. TD is a Panthers legend and one of the best people in the history of the league. Slowing down yes but still extremely useful in a lesser role and leadership position. 

So like as a coach?  Yeah hes old.  This game is not kind to old folks (excluding Pep).

[t96]

1 minute ago, DaanngJohnny said:

So like as a coach?  Yeah hes old.  This game is not kind to old folks (excluding Pep).

No like as the #3 Sam who plays less than half the snaps only in base packages rather than the Will who plays near 100% of snaps which should be Shaq's role.

[DaanngJohnny]

3 hours ago, Silent Majority said:

TD is still a beast vs the run and good enough to cover most but elite TEs. Plus like others said, leadership/communication on the field. 

He has to not get caught with PED's to be on the field.  I like TD, but calling him this great leader getting old.  I dont see it at all.  Kinda hard to be a leader and role model for younger players when hes suspended for drug use.  Dont hold him to a higher standard just because.  He needs to be a coach, not a player.  Time to hang it up TD.

[DaanngJohnny]

Just now, t96 said:

No like as the #3 Sam who plays less than half the snaps only in base packages rather than the Will who plays near 100% of snaps which should be Shaq's role.

Or replace him with someone 15 years younger...

[PhillyB]

no, but only because shaq is an awesome player.

[CRA]

33 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

The thing about aging football players, every year you gain more experience while you also watch your physical skills decline a little.

The idea is for the additional experience and the savvy that it gives you to make up for you being just a tad slower than you used to be.

But there comes a point where that scale starts tipping in the wrong direction, and it's the coach's job to notice.

I think most of us recognize that Davis's scales have tipped, and have been tipping for a while. Hate to see it, but as people like to say, Father Time is undefeated.

all true. 

But if I was a betting man, it doesn't matter what Shaq does.  The first week Davis' suspension is done Ron will have him playing every down. 

[SmokinwithWilly]

TD at 75% is still better than most LBs at 100%. It's up to RR to make the determination about when it's time to start passing the torch to Shaq. Unfortunately, as we've all seen, TD could go out there on a power scooter and Ron wouldn't take him out of the game. It's time for TD to begin phasing out of his starting LB role and into a role as a backup linebacker. The problem is, he's going to want starting money still more than likely, because he could start for several teams in this league still. Hopefully he can pass the torch on to Shaq and we can keep him in our locker room, because you can't replace that much heart.