Carolina Panthers: Thomas Davis playing time higher than production
Is Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis showing signs of slowing down?
Veteran Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis announced his plans to retire following the 2018 season after last year. A four-game suspension for violating the league’s performance enhancing drug policy seemed to deter Davis, not wanting to end his career without having played a full season.
He missed the first four games of this season and his absence provided a brief look at what life will be like without the legendary Panthers linebacker. Davis has been a staple for Carolina since being drafted in 2005 despite a history of severe knee injuries. Rebounding from three different ACL surgeries, Davis became the first ever professional athlete to return after the required recovery and he’s only gotten better.
Named to his first Pro Bowl in 2015, he’s now made three straight and been an All-Pro once (2015). Playing alongside linebackers Luke Kuechly and Shaq Thompson, the three comprise one of the best units in all of professional football but as Davis nears retirement he’s been supportive of Thompson receiving more opportunities.
In the first four games of the season, Thompson played 100-percent of the Panthers defensive snaps accumulating 22 tackles, two quarterback hits and a sack. However, since Davis has returned the playing time has drastically decreased despite solid production from the fourth-year linebacker.
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Davis immediately rejoined the starting lineup and has played 85-percent of the defensive snaps in seven games since his return. Thompson, has been on the field for just over half (57-percent) of the plays when Carolina is on defense alongside either Kuechly or with all three in the lineup. Against Baltimore in Week 8, Thompson led the team in tackles (13) despite playing the least amount of any linebacker.
Comparatively, the only thing Davis has statistically over Thompson is playing time. Since his return, Davis totals 43 tackles, one for a loss and two quarterback hits. Thompson, with much less time on the field, has accumulated 46 tackles, two for a loss, two quarterback hits, a sack and forced fumble.
Davis offered the following comments about personal statistics during training camp this season when discussing a potential return next year.
"“I promise you I could care less about personal statistics. As long as our team is successful and I can be a part of helping that, it’s all that matters to me. I don’t care what capacity that is, as long as I’m able to go out and contribute. Even if it becomes a situation where I’m just giving (the starters) a great look at practice, I’m willing to do that.”"
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Obviously a stretch because Davis will never be just a practice player but Carolina should look at getting Thompson on the field more down the stretch.