Carolina Panthers: Don’t Ignore Shaq Thompson’s Impact

Second-year pro Shaq Thompson is an important third wheel for the Carolina Panthers’ linebacking corps.

The Carolina Panthers spent 2015 as a defensive powerhouse that consistently pummeled opponents and forced them into making mistakes. One of the reasons this was possible was due to the play of their core of linebackers. Fans often hear about Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis – two of the best linebackers in the league today. But Shaq Thompson is an integral part to that success. With one year of play under his belt, 2016 is set to a season in which he continues to blossom into an impact player.

Thompson has remained relatively under the radar when compared to the amount of coverage that Davis and Kuechly receive game in and game out. However, that didn’t stop him from using his rookie season to show that he’s a legit weapon on this defense. He ended the 2015 season with 10 starts and 14 game appearances. In those games he deflected two passes, earned 30 tackles and one sack. While those numbers don’t jump off of the page; it offered a balance that played a part in the ability for Kuechly and Davis to play with a “wide open” style. Playing behind those two stars helped Thompson in one key way: confidence.

When asked about what has changed between year one and two, Thompson gave a simple answer.

“Confidence. I have way more confidence this year than I did last year,” Thompson said during a question and answer session on Thursday. “I know what I’m getting myself into. I know where to be, and that’s about it.”

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While that may seem simple, it is an important point for a player who is expected to be a big part of a defense that many believe is in flux. Losing Josh Norman and Charles Tillman creates two big holes in the defensive backfield that can also affect the linebackers.

The fact that Norman, Kurt Coleman and others did a great job defending against the pass allowed Kuechly, Thompson, Davis and the rest of the front seven to cause havoc in the offensive backfield. This year the Panthers do not have that security directly behind them which is going to cause players such as Thompson to have to step up and contribute on a higher level.

Dec 6, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Green-Thompson (54) tackles New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Panthers won 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Also, Thompson is the current starter for the strong side linebacker position; however A.J. Klein is formidable in his own right. He did a great job filling in for Kuechly when he went down due to concussion issues and if Thompson doesn’t get off to a fast start some may look for him to be replaced in this starting role.

must read: Carolina Panthers: The Impact of Charles Tillman's Retirement

The Carolina Panthers may have the best group of linebackers in the National Football League. This set is led by Pro Bowlers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, but Shaq Thompson should not be ignored in the conversation. He performed very well as a rookie and is headed into a second season where he will have an even bigger role. Expectations are high and he’s ready to add a boost from his spot on the field.