4 Panthers players that can spearhead shock win at Ravens in Week 11

Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB

This game is going to come down to the trenches and who can adjust more efficiently to put their squad in the best position to succeed. Because even the best player is useless if they are running the wrong way.

That responsibility will once again fall onto the shoulders of the last remaining member of the old guard in the Carolina Panthers’ defense, Shaq Thompson.

Thompson has finally come into his own, both in leadership and play on the field. Reading the offense and adjusting his teammates accordingly, studying film to blow up trick plays and screens. The versatile linebacker has this defense humming right now.

That will need to continue in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens – one of the most explosive and unpredictable rushing attacks the NFL has to offer.

After the embarrassment at the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina seemed to right the ship against the Atlanta Falcons. But the Ravens represent the sternest challenge remaining on the 2022 schedule.

Thompson will be charged with setting up the first line of defense by seeing through the trickery Baltimore loves to employ. He must also be responsible for making the stop himself.

There are plenty of players on this defense, all doing their jobs and all vital to success. But none is more important to this team’s chances of success than Thompson this Sunday.