5 major factors behind Carolina Panthers’ win at the Falcons in Week 8
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers OLB Shaq Thompson’s return
It was clear from pretty early on that the Carolina Panthers got a tremendous lift from Shaq Thompson’s return. The outside linebacker missed a number of games due to a foot problem but didn’t miss a beat at the Atlanta Falcons with a dominant display.
Thompson was everywhere on the field, providing the sort of leadership at the second level that’s been sorely missed in his absence. The former first-round pick picked up where he left off earlier in the campaign and was the beating heart of a defense that once again rose to the occasion.
The Washington product finished the game with 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass defended, and one interception. His personal battle with former teammate Mike Davis was a hugely entertaining element to the matchup and the veteran got his chance of revenge late on after being blown up by the running back earlier in the contest.
Hopefully, Thompson can keep this momentum going and stay free of injury moving forward. The Panthers are a much better team when he’s fit and firing on all cylinders, with speculation regarding his future beyond this season becoming less clear with every passing game.
Thompson is owed just north of $37.49 million on the salary cap over the final two years of his deal. However, if he keeps performing and leading like this, then it’ll make moving on for the sake of saving money a difficult proposition.