Absorbing probing questions following a mandatory minicamp practice on June 11, Carolina Panthers inside linebacker Shaq Thompson laughed about his upbeat attitude.
The 10-year veteran hasn’t always been as media-friendly.
So why the change?
“Just trying to give the people what they want,” Thompson said with a wide grin. “I want to leave y’all with a good impression, whether I’m here or not.”
Entering the final season of his contract and healed from a broken fibula, Thompson understands the often-harsh business side of the NFL. Believing he has “five (more seasons) in me,” Thompson admitted to his primary professional desire.
“I would love to retire here, you know, but that’s in my fate,” he said. “When I say that, I control what I control. I control myself on that field. If I play well, I’ll stay here. If I’m not, I’m not, you know what I mean.”
Thompson pinpointed one aspect he can help the defense improve next season: Creating turnovers.
@Panthers linebackers worked recovering fumbles during mandatory minicamp. Entering the start of training camp July 24, creating turnovers will continue to empathized. The defense created an @NFL low 11 last season … pic.twitter.com/XQS1WQgBtv
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 10, 2024
Shaq Thompson Enters Year 10 More Jovial
Injured during the first quarter of the Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints last season, Thompson watched the Panthers slog their way to a league-worst 2-15 campaign.
The offense, under the direction of rookie quarterback Bryce Young, failed to orchestrate long drives consistently, placing 32nd in yards per game (265.3). The defense didn’t help much by creating an NFL-low 11 turnovers last season.
Entering the start of training camp on July 24, first-year coach Dave Canales said the Panthers will continue working on turnover drills during the individual drill segments.
“Another thing I was really excited about this spring is the defense’s focus on attacking the football,” Canales said. “You see the mentality,” Canales said. “You see guys getting ready to punch the ball … ripping at it when the running backs are coming through the line.”
The Panthers recovered just three opposing fumbles in 2023. Considering that NFL teams that capture the turnover battle win approximately 75 percent of the games, Thompson continues to utilize his veteran status to help install a new defensive mental attitude.
“That’s the biggest mindset, right?” Thompson said, throwing out his arms for added emphasis. “It’s all about the ball. Offense or defense, it’s all about that ball.
“Offense, you’ve got to hold the ball. Defense, you’ve got to get the ball out for the offense.”
@Panthers ILB Shaq Thompson discussed the @NFL “energy” during offseason practices … pic.twitter.com/3EXEj4qEye
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 6, 2024
Could Panthers Go From Last To First?
The NFC South remains a wide-open division. Could the Panthers go from last place to first? During the past 21 seasons, 19 teams have completed the last-to-first transformation. The Houston Texans were the latest franchise to accomplish the feat last season.
For the Panthers to have a shot at improving upon last season’s two-win debacle, let alone challenge for a title in a division the Tampa Bay Buccaneers captured with a 9-8 record, Thompson centered on one defensive aspect that needs to improve.
“We’ve got to get two, three turnovers a game,” he said “It’s a must. I think the teams that are consistent are the ones that you see consistently in the turnover margins, the Buffalo Bills, the Kansas City Chiefs …. etcetera … etcetera …
“Whether it’s a pick … whether it’s a fumble … whether it’s a punch out, whatever, we have to get those or else we’re just going to keep being at the bottom.”
When the Panthers drafted Thompson with the 25th overall pick in 2015, it proved to be a luxury pick. During his opening four-plus seasons, the ex-Washington standout bid his time behind Thomas Davis Sr. and Luke Kuechly, two of the franchise’s all-time top inside linebackers. During Thompson’s rookie season, the Panthers played in Super Bowl 50, but since 2018 the team has fallen on hard times, going 29-59.
To aid the turnaround, Thompson remains confident time is on his side.
“I think I’ve got about five (more seasons) in me,” he said. “I spent four behind TD and Luke, broke my leg last year to add an extra year … that’s five right there.”
While competing for a new contract, Thompson appears to be exuding a new energetic persona.
@Panthers ILB Shaq Thompson, wearing a #Nirvana shirt June 11, responds to how he feels about the 1990s grunge band … @NFL pic.twitter.com/FqF4zJO1Sn
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 10, 2024
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
