Dec. 14, 2008; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis (58) celebrates sacking Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (6) in the Panthers 30-10 victory against the Broncos at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

Earlier in the week, Davis, who is a Georgia native, was asked a few questions at the Athens Country Club in Athens, GA. He was there as a featured guest and speaker on behalf of the Touchdown Club.

From what I gather, it was an interview at the event, conducted by a journalist for the local Athens Banner-Herald and Thomas Davis. (A link is below for the entire question and answer with Thomas Davis)http://onlineathens.com/sports/college-sports/2012-04-10/5-questions-panthers-lb-former-uga-player-thomas-davis

The 29 year old Davis is attempting something that has yet to be seen in the NFL(in regards to coming back from three straight significant ACL injuries), and was asked “How do you think the knee will hold up?”.

Not only did he feel confident enough to say he would play all 19 games, which would include a grueling playoff push, but the Panther Linebacker also Rex Ryan’d us and went with a Super Bowl prediction.

“I am looking forward to playing the full 19 game season and winning the Super Bowl”

Thomas Davis

Really?

Well, Im not going to expand on the rest of the interview but only this one quote because this is the only part being talked about, and will continue to get talked about and even perhaps made bigger than it should be!

Now is this off-season motivation for NFC South and Carolina opponents heading into the season, maybe. More than that, I know it will add to the pressure Thomas Davis alone will feel throughout the season to not only stay healthy, but contribute in a way that sends his Panthers into the Playoffs.

Though, as of now, heading into the season(not including the draft obviously), Carolina’s defense has three key contributing starters coming back from injuries including Davis. The combination of Davis, Jon Beason,  and Ron Edwards, all returning for the start of this upcoming season will only boost the Panthers defense in a positive way. Each coming back is like adding a free agent or even a starter from the Draft, without the negative even of taking up roster space or costing the team extra money.

The more you think about the comment and really dissect the possibilities, the more it starts to sound not so unreasonable. In a few more weeks, Carolina may have a new starter or two, added via the 2012 Draft. And if that is the case, the thought of a run into at least the Playoffs for the 2012 Panthers isn’t so far fetched.

Offensively, Carolina is primed to continue to set records and run all over NFL defenses for as long as Cam Newton will lead. You add a defense that can make plays and get off the field in a timely manor, Thomas Davis won’t be the only one talking about a run to the Super Bowl.

Like this column? Don’t forget to catch my columns on http://keepingitheel.com/ too, covering everything UNC!

The Panthers are still looking for a few pieces.

With the third pretend game rapidly approaching, there are several key positions on this team that are still very much up for grabs.  Among other positions, there is uncertainty at wide receiver, at defensive end, at defensive tackle, and there is a terrifying level of uncertainty on special teams.  Who are the players battling for these positions?

Do we have the answer to these positions on the current roster?  Let’s examine, shall we?

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