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]

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

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

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

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?

 

[Daddy_Uncle]

I knew that without the run down. Shaq is an excellent player and I'm excited to see him play more this season

[therealmjl]

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.

[Saca312]

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. 

[ecu88]

Father of time gets everyone sooner or later :( I have TD jersey and I hope we get him a ring.

[LinvilleGorge]

I've been saying that I think that this is the season that we see the passing of the torch from TD to Shaq.

[csx]

I don't think TD needs rest, but I think they want to increase Shaqs role.

[TheSpecialJuan]

Terrible. I hate it

[Chief Keek]

TD started slowing down last year so eventually it was coming, I think Shaq is going to be just fine. Now I wonder if Jeremy Cash is going to get some more burn this year.

[Smithers]

I think what he's basically saying is that we will see shaq on the field in 2 LB sets (nickel) and Shaq, Davis and Luke in base packages.  Shaq will take Davis's place as the passing down LB.  

[Pejorative Miscreant]

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

[motocross_cat]

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.

[Woodie]

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. 

[The Question]

I might be playing devils advocate here or maybe I'm an idiot but personally I don't think Shaq played that well last season. I saw him make a plethora of mistakes.


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