Ranking the NFC South LBs: Where does Panthers' Shaq Thompson fit in?

[SBBlue]

link:Ranking the NFC South LBs: Where does Panthers’ Shaq Thompson fit in? (usatoday.com)\

1 Lavonte David 
2 Devin White 
3 Demario Davis 
4 Deion Jones
5 Shaq Thompson

"
There’s a difference between being “good” and being “just good.” ...
Thompson has lacked in coverage over the past two seasons, having now just come off a campaign where he allowed a 73.7 completion percentage on balls thrown his way. He hasn’t exactly been the dynamic game-changer he’s capable of being either, with just one interception and four forced fumbles in his six-year career.

2020 was particularly rough—perhaps his most disappointing year yet. Don’t count on another bummer for Thompson in 2021, though. With the defense around him taking shape and coming into its own, a little extra help and his flat-out undeniable talent could make for a fine bounce-back performance.
"

[frankw]

Bottom ranked lber bottom ranked oline bottom in the standings. Boy does this franchise ever need some uplifting. Gone are the days of being the class of the nfc South. Before I delve into the now I want to take a moment to reflect on a key factor that facilitated that rapid decline from the 2015 super bowl team. That would directly be investing two first rounders in '15 and '16 in two positions of strength on players who faced an uphill battle living up to their draft position. This franchise must build wiser for the future. For the now we do not need Shaq to be an all pro. We need him to step into his role as a leader and be part of the glue that holds the defense together. Next year is next year but this defense has the makings of something special. But no one on this roster needs sweet nothings whispered in their ears. The Panthers aren't anywhere near where they need to be if playoff runs are the goal. The only way to return to form is the be honest about shortcomings and keep improving. Right now they need face an uphill battle but there is room for growth. Let us hope they will deliver.

[SBBlue]

2 minutes ago, frankw said:

The Panthers aren't anywhere near where they need to be if playoff runs are the goal. The only way to return to form is the be honest about shortcomings and keep improving.

Since this thread is about Shaq, do you think he's capable of playing to the level that we need?

[therealmjl]

1 minute ago, SBBlue said:

Since this thread is about Shaq, do you think he's capable of playing to the level that we need?

No. He is what he is at this point.

[Icege]

Count down until somebody complains about Shaq's contract and claims he's "just decent" or "bad in coverage" in 5... 4... 3...

Edited July 12, 2021 by Icege

[frankw]

1 hour ago, SBBlue said:

Since this thread is about Shaq, do you think he's capable of playing to the level that we need?

That depends on the goal. Just a winning season or a return to playoff relevancy? If the latter he will need to elevate his game because top tier offenses with elite qb's will target him. They study film too.

[SBBlue]

1 minute ago, frankw said:

That depends on the goal. Just a winning season or a return to playoff relevancy? If the latter he will need to elevate his game because top tier offenses with elite qb's will target him. They study film too.

Winning season.

[frankw]

Just now, SBBlue said:

Winning season.

Yes due to the pieces around him now. But we need vocal leadership on the defense to bring this young roster together.

[frankw]

1 hour ago, Icege said:

Count down until somebody complains about Shaq's contract and claims he's "just decent" or "bad in coverage" in 5... 4... 3...

If players took your approach they would go around patting themselves on the back all day long and never improve. Take off the shades from time to time.

[stirs]

With the upgrades up front, he should have a much better season

[TheCasillas]

What's wild is that there was another article posted here in the huddle a couple months back that showedd all of the Linebackers in pass coverage and Shaq was top 15. The lowest completion percentage was in the mid 60% range. 

Offseason.

[SBBlue]

18 minutes ago, frankw said:

Take off the shades from time to time.

Its snide comments like these that really undermine your attempts to make points.

I don't know why you must coat your posts in this crap.  Why?

 

 

 

[PootieNunu]

This has been the claim for years "Next season Shaq is going to breakout". I don't think it is ever going to happen, he is what he is an average LB. He is never going to be a game changer, although he is paid like one.

[frankw]

21 minutes ago, SBBlue said:

Its snide comments like these that really undermine your attempts to make points.

I don't know why you must coat your posts in this crap.  Why?

There was no rudeness no namecalling so what is your issue? In another thread he called those with opinions opposing his hoes yet I did not see you there giving him a stern talking to over that. He has anyone who challenges his viewpoint on ignore anyway so I suppose it doesn't matter.