Two unexpected Panthers getting national recognition

[Jeremy Igo]

The Athletic highlighted some of week 3's top performers, and two Panthers made the list. 

 

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OT Taylor Moton, Panthers

Speaking of players who excel against high levels of competition, Taylor Moton — who replaced Daryl William after he left Carolina in free agency — was given the difficult task of shutting down Joey Bosa, a player who led the league in total pressures through two weeks and himself appeared on these lists. Though Moton was given a small amount of help with a quick passing game and occasional tight end chips, he mostly dealt with Bosa on his own, allowing zero pressures on his side and preventing Bosa from making an impact in the run game and allowing Bridgewater the time he needed to march the offense down the field.

 

I started a Moton appreciation thread yesterday after rewatching the game. Giving up zero pressures is outstanding. Marty better be working behind the scenes right now to pay this man. 

 

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LB Shaq Thompson, Panthers

The Panthers’ young defense isn’t particularly good, but it shows significant progress. Players like Shaq Thompson might be a part of its future, especially if he continues to play at the level he did against the Chargers. While he was targeted relentlessly in coverage, he only gave up three first downs while not allowing a reception over 15 yards. Importantly, he forced a fumble that set up a touchdown while also helping mitigate the Chargers’ otherwise effective run game.

 

Here is one that I didn't notice. Shaq to this point has been fairly pedestrian. Maybe I am not seeing things clearly here. 

[NAS]

You’re too harsh on Shaq. He has 27 tackles through 3 games as an outside linebacker.  I think Whitehead struggling in the middle makes it more difficult to make a bigger impact.

[Jeremy Igo]

3 minutes ago, NAS said:

You’re too harsh on Shaq. He has 27 tackles through 3 games as an outside linebacker.  I think Whitehead struggling in the middle makes it more difficult to make a bigger impact.

Very possible. 

[Rags]

Shaq is a really solid Line Backer. He's not Wagner or Alexandner tier, they have great pass coverage, but he's been prettt dependable against the run and always around the ball.

Wish his coverage was better tho.

If we don't resign Moton I'll riot.

[nctarheelreincarnated]

23 minutes ago, Jeremy Igo said:

The Athletic highlighted some of week 3's top performers, and two Panthers made the list. 

 

I started a Moton appreciation thread yesterday after rewatching the game. Giving up zero pressures is outstanding. Marty better be working behind the scenes right now to pay this man. 

 

Here is one that I didn't notice. Shaq to this point has been fairly pedestrian. Maybe I am not seeing things clearly here. 

He's always at the top for the team in tackles. I'll be honest, the analyst don't want the games, they just stat watch. Because Shaq has been rather meh to the fan base and literally everyone that watches the games. 

[top dawg]

Shaq was balling last game!

In general, I think that it's probably a good idea to give players and coaches a little slack this season. Some of them have started off slowly and are working their way into football shape (and I mean physically and/or mentally). Now that they're getting in the groove, play is improving. This is especially important for such young players and a brand new coaching staff, but even the vets have to make a transition. We're likely seeing it more due to no preseason.

[saX man]

Shaq is rock solid.  Get someone better than Whitehead next to him.  5 clear as day spots to get a shot in the arm for 2021: QB, LB, C, LT, CB

Moton was next behind Dion Dawkins on our list for a reason.  On one end it sucks Beane had the intel in his first year in Buffalo...traded up/leap-frogging us to get their LT up in Buffalo, but we landed a damn good lineman in Moton. 

[hepcat]

Shaq is an above average player getting criticized due to how elite his predecessors were. Try following HOF level players like Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly...

[hepcat]

Another surprising thing about that list, look who was listed directly above Moton....

 

[Icege]

2 hours ago, Jeremy Igo said:

Here is one that I didn't notice. Shaq to this point has been fairly pedestrian. Maybe I am not seeing things clearly here. 

Most folks aren't, don't sweat it.

The man is currently tied for the team lead in tackles (Chinn and him have equal solos + assists), one of three defenders on the team with a forced fumble (which he recovered himself), has the lowest missed tackle % of those with a miss (1 missed tackle to 27 completed tackles this season for a 3.86% rate), and two pass deflections (tied for 2nd on the team).

The team's first turnover vs the Chargers, Burns credited it to Shaq in the post game interview. He said he was set for the run, Shaq called pass, and Burns pinned his ears back after hearing the call.

 

[Icege]

44 minutes ago, saX man said:

Shaq is rock solid.  Get someone better than Whitehead next to him. 

I know a lot of people here are going to lose their poo when they select Micah Parson at #6 or #7 instead of mortgaging the future on trade up for a QB, but damn would that be a nice young defense.

[Jeremy Igo]

Just now, Icege said:

I know a lot of people here are going to lose their poo when they select Micah Parson at #6 or #7 instead of mortgaging the future on trade up for a QB, but damn would that be a nice young defense.

I'd be very happy. The pendulum will swing back to defense at some point. It always does. The 2015 broncos for instance. If the Panthers can have that type of defense, then Teddy is good enough. 

[Khyber53]

2 hours ago, NAS said:

You’re too harsh on Shaq. He has 27 tackles through 3 games as an outside linebacker.  I think Whitehead struggling in the middle makes it more difficult to make a bigger impact.

This is the root of any difficulties Shaq is having. He played really well in San Di... Los Angeles last week and that punch-out forced fumble he made was game changing. 

Maybe some folks are mad at the contract he was given, but honestly, his work on the field is always good, many times better. Why not be more upset that we haven't yanked Whitehead yet and given his spot to someone who can tackle, cover or even just stand in the right spot and take up space. Raiders cast-offs never work out.

[Moo Daeng]

I won't say Shaq has been great but he has been a very efficient tackler. You have to fight through all the tendencies to bash players to get the truth.