Carolina Panthers: 3 Big takeaways from Preseason Week 1

Shaq Thompson might have a breakout year 

Shaq Thompson was drafted in the first round of the 2015 draft. Since arriving in Carolina, Thompson hasn’t lived up to the hype, yet. Thompson’s athleticism and playmaking are why the Panthers drafted him and it appears that he’s finally ready to take that next step.

Thompson showed off his ball skills after intercepting Nate Peterman’s pass that bounced off Chris Ivory. What Thompson did in the game was just carryover from practice. As a matter of fact, his play has impressed HC Ron Rivera.

"“It was a heck of a play down in the red zone,” Rivera recalled per David Newton of ESPN. “Wilber went up and made a great one-handed catch, too, and took off running. Shaq’s got that kind of ability, and that’s what’s exciting to see when a young man starts putting things together.”"

Maybe the game is slowing down for him. He’s shown improvement each of the last two seasons and there’s no reason to believe he hasn’t grown in year three. With Thompson’s speed, athleticism, and growing football intellect the Panthers could have the best linebacker core in the NFL.

Those were our takeaways from the Carolina Panthers week one. What did you see? Leave us a comment below.