Yeah, Shaq gives a damn.

[top dawg]

I've been critical of Shaq Thompson on occasion, but not as nearly as some who've repeatedly tried to push the narrative that he's been essentially JAG, or grossly underperforming. He's been solid over the years, and now that he's no longer in the shadow of Luke or TD, his growth is evident. His maturity and willingness to lead is as evident as ever, so much so that maybe some other people on the sidelines should learn from Shaq's leadership.

There are a few things Shaq had to say during his presser, but this was the most telling in my opinion:

 

"Like I keep saying, this is our job, we get paid to do this. If you don't love it, then don't play. If you aren't going to have passion regardless if you're losing then don't come to work. Like honestly, we don't need you."

https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/gm-report/shaq-thompson-voices-frustration-calls-out-repeat-offenders

Like I was telling someone yesterday, for me even Tepper seems to be going through the motions, and I certainly get that vibe from Rhule. And, it's been suggested that these two aren't particularly wed to the #KeepPounding mantra, but apparently they should be if this six-game losing streak is an indication. Everybody's just going through the motions, except for a few like Shaq that realize the bigger picture. We certainly need to cut the fat and employ guys that don't accept mediocrity, much less accept a culture of losing in similar fashion week after week or season after season.

 

[Gipetto]

Has one player currently on the team said anything bad about matt rhule? anyone at all

[PantherKyle]

Shaq had gone up in my book this year. #7 Shaq is a different animal than #54 Shaq.

[rayzor]

Shaw's battling against this new culture Rhule has allowed to come in.

[top dawg]

1 minute ago, Gipetto said:

Has one player currently on the team said anything bad about matt rhule? anyone at all

That's not usually the watermark of a healthy professional NFL franchise.

Like Shaq basically said, you keep those things in-house.

[BrianS]

Let's get this out of the way first.  It's not a narrative that Shaq has been underperforming the contract he was given.  It's a fact.  He was paid like Bobby Wagner.  He's been "solid", yes, but not spectacular.  Shaq has nearly played up to his contract this year, and a better team might have led him to be even more effective.  Glad to see it.

Now, what has never been in doubt (that I've heard) is his mental fortitude.  He's right.  If you don't get pissed off at losing, we don't need you.  That sounds an awful lot like Cam.  Good.  We need that attitude.

 

[Rocky Davis]

This has been Shaq's best season.  He will never be Luke or TD, but he has grown and shows leadership.

The couple of games he was out we definitely missed him quite a bit.

I like what he said about if you don't want to play then you aren't needed.....speaks volumes about the locker room right now.  Some players have packed it in.

 

[ickmule]

Until Rhule is gone I don't care what any of the players say. This is a dysfunctional team and franchise. Nothing will correct that until Rhule is replaced with a real coach. 

Edited January 3, 2022 by ickmule

[mav1234]

3 minutes ago, Rocky Davis said:

This has been Shaq's best season.  He will never be Luke or TD, but he has grown and shows leadership.

The couple of games he was out we definitely missed him quite a bit.

I like what he said about if you don't want to play then you aren't needed.....speaks volumes about the locker room right now.  Some players have packed it in.

 

Yup... Rhule can't get players to play with passion anymore... But maybe his culture all along is a sort of acceptance and apathy of poor play, I dunno 

[Mr. Scot]

Weird how yesterday saying "we're not getting is done" was throwing people under the bus, but today it's "giving a damn"

In any case, it's obvious there are some cultural issues here.

[mav1234]

1 minute ago, Mr. Scot said:

Weird how yesterday saying "we're not getting is done" was throwing people under the bus, but today it's "giving a damn"

In any case, it's obvious there are some cultural issues here.

People didn't listen to the clip at all and took a very small piece out of context. That clip was bookended by Sam saying he should have recognized a blitz and on the other end by him saying he isn't playing well enough to win games.

And the statement itself was a damn answer to a question about he and Cam suffering behind a bad OL. Cam was brought up in the question...

[Carl Spackler]

I have a ton of respect for Shaq

[Mr. Scot]

Just now, mav1234 said:

People didn't listen to the clip at all and took a very small piece out of context. That clip was bookended by Sam saying he should have recognized a blitz and on the other end by him saying he isn't playing well enough to win games.

And the statement itself was a damn answer to a question about he and Cam suffering behind a bad OL. Cam was brought up in the question...

I know. Just pointing out how things work sometimes.

[Rocky Davis]

3 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

I know. Just pointing out how things work sometimes.

All different types of personalities on this board, the reactionary ones tend to do that.