4 Panthers players that must perform at the Seahawks in Week 14
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers must step up and produce top performances at the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14?
A well-rested and prepared Carolina Panthers will look to end their recent road woes at the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14. Confidence is high within the group following their dominant win over the Denver Broncos last time around, but this is set to be a completely different challenge against one of the league’s biggest surprise packages in 2022.
This will be the first game since Baker Mayfield was mutually released, which closes another chapter on the failed Matt Rhule reign. Steve Wilks is made of far sterner stuff and although this represents a tough ask, the interim head coach can further solidify his claims for the job permanently with a first win away from Bank of America Stadium.
Seattle won’t be doing Wilks any favors with playoff football in sight. Something not many anticipated before the campaign after the Seahawks traded star quarterback Russell Wilson to the Broncos for a king’s ransom.
With that being said, here are four Panthers players that must perform in pursuit of a major upset at Lumen Field in Week 14.
Player No. 1
Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB
While Frankie Luvu is generating more headlines, veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson is quietly putting together a decent season once again. The former first-round pick leads the Carolina Panthers in tackles and his leadership within the locker room is another influential element that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Thompson’s communication pre-snap will be vital at the Seattle Seahawks. Although the Panthers’ task could be aided by the potential absence of running back Kenneth Walker III, whose rookie campaign was drawing significant praise before he went off last weekend.
Whether it’s Walker or someone else, Thompson has to get his teammates in the right spot often. Especially considering quarterback Geno Smith’s resurgence in 2022.